Ground Beef Teriyaki

Ground Beef Teriyaki is the perfect meal when you want something wholesome, fast and delicious. Made with the best homemade teriyaki sauce, juicy ground beef and crisp veggies, then drizzled with a simple Sriracha Mayo Sauce. Say goodbye to takeout because this mouthwatering recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Additionally, AI was used to assist with spelling, grammar, sentence clarity, and creative brainstorming.

Reasons You’ll Love This Ground Beef Teriyaki Meal

There are so many reasons why this Ground Beef Teriyaki will become your new go-to dinner. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and uses simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
• Family-friendly and customizable.
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
• Satisfying for both Asian food lovers and picky eaters.
• Restaurant quality results with beginner-friendly steps.

Ingredients Needed

Sriracha Mayo Sauce (Finishing Sauce)

• Mayonnaise– Japanese Kewpie mayo is extra creamy with a distinct umami depth, due in part to the addition of MSG (monosodium glutamate). This gives it a rich, savory flavor. If you prefer to avoid MSG, use your favorite full-fat mayonnaise instead.
• Sriracha– This popular chili sauce adds heat, a touch of garlic and a subtle tang. For a less spicy version, use just 1/2-1 tablespoon instead.
• Rice Vinegar (or lime juice)– Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
• Toasted Sesame Oil– Brings a warm, nutty undertone that deepens the flavor and adds authentic Asian flair.
• Salt– Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and ties the sauce together.

Teriyaki Sauce

Find the full recipe here.

• Soy Sauce– This is the backbone of teriyaki sauce as it provides deep, savory umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness or tamari for a gluten-free meal.
• Water– Thins out the sauce for the perfect consistency and helps to keep the sodium amount in check.
• Brown Sugar– Adds that signature sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. Both light and dark work, but dark brown sugar will give a richer, deeper taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes– Brings a subtle kick of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount or leave it out if you prefer a milder sauce.
• Crushed or Minced Garlic– Fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic depth. Using 6-8 cloves ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
• Ground Ginger– Essential for classic teriyaki flavor. Ground ginger is convenient, but you can use approximately 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger for extra zing.
• Toasted Sesame Oil– Adds a nutty, toasty flavor that makes this dish irresistible and gives it an authentic Asian flair.
• Rice Vinegar– Brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness with a gentle tang. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar is a decent substitute.
• Honey (optional)– For a touch of floral sweetness, extra glossiness and additional help in clinging to the beef.
• Slurry (Water & Cornstarch)– This simple mixture thickens your sauce to the perfect consistency. Using cold or room temperature water, rather than hot, helps the cornstarch to dissolve smoothly and prevent lumps.

Ground Beef Stir Fry

• Ground Beef– For the juiciest, most flavorful result, choose 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). The added fat keeps the stir fry moist, but you can use leaner beef if preferred.
• Neutral Oil– Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado, so that it doesn’t overpower the other flavors and can handle the heat.
• Vegetables– A mix of mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli florets, or bell pepper gives this meal great color, texture and nutrition. Use your favorites, or whatever you have on hand. This recipe is flexible.
• Cooked Rice– Serve the stir fry over hot rice. White, brown, jasmine or basmati rice all work well to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garnishes– In addition to the Sriracha Mayo Sauce, top the finished dish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and a fresh touch.

How To Make Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this homemade Ground Beef Teriyaki stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes and is packed with flavor. Here is the highlights of how to make it.

1. Mix the Sriracha Mayo Sauce– Blend together mayonnaise, Sriracha, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil and salt. Chill until serving.
2. Prepare Teriyaki Sauce– Combine all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a small saucepan. Add slurry to thicken and cook while beef is browning.
3. Brown the Beef– Cook ground beef in a hot skillet until browned and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables– Sauté mushrooms, zucchini and broccoli in the same pan until tender.
5. Combine and Coat– Return beef to the pan, pour in teriyaki sauce and toss everything together.
6. Serve– Spoon over hot rice, drizzle with Sriracha mayo and garnish with green onions.

What To Serve With

This Ground Beef Teriyaki is wonderful on its own but also pairs perfectly with a variety of Asian-inspired side dishes. Whether you want something light and fresh or rich and comforting, here are some delicious options to serve alongside your meal:

• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Side Salad with Miso Tahini Dressing
• Carrot Cucumber Slaw
• Simple Sesame Bok Choy
• Steamed Edamame drizzled with toasted sesame oil.
• Gyoza or Potstickers
• Miso Soup
• Pickled Vegetables
• Egg Drop Soup

Shelf Life and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months when stored in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until steaming hot.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• If the sauce thickens too much after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of water to loosen it.
• Store garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds separately and add fresh when serving.
• For the best texture, avoid freezing vegetables with high water content (such as zucchini) as they become soft after thawing. Mushrooms, broccoli florets and bell peppers freeze best.
• Of all the bases, short grain brown rice freezes the best.

Variations

One of the best things about this Ground Beef Teriyaki is how easy it is to customize. Here are some tasty variations to make this dish your own:

Vegetable Variations

Mix and match your favorite vegetables, using approximately 4-5 cups.

• Carrots– Thinly sliced or julienned for sweetness and crunch. Tip: To keep the crunch, add to the stir fry at the very end.
• Bell Peppers– Any color adds vibrant color and a mild, sweet flavor.
• Snap Peas– For a crisp, fresh bite.
• Baby Bok Choy– Using roughed chopped baby boy chow adds a tender, leafy texture and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Baby Corn– For a fun, slightly sweet crunch.
• Green Beans– Sliced diagonally for added texture.
• Spinach or Kale– Stir in at the end for extra greens.
• Onions– Sautéed for sweetness and depth.
• Water Chestnuts– For extra crunch.

Protein Variations

Swap out the ground beef for other proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken– Lighter options that still absorb all the teriyaki flavor.
• Ground Pork– Provides an extra rich taste.
• Crumbled Tofu– Use firm tofu for a vegetarian or vegan option. Press to remove excess moisture and crumble before cooking.
• Tempeh– Great plant-based protein alternative.

Rice and Noodle Variations

• White Rice– Classic and soaks up the sauce well.
• Brown Rice– Adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Jasmine or Basmati– These varieties have a naturally light, pleasant aroma and a soft, fluffy texture that pairs well with the flavors of this dish.
• Cauliflower Rice– For a low-carb, veggie packed alternative.
• Quinoa– Adds protein and a slightly nutty taste.
• Noodles– Try soba, udon, ramen, or even spaghetti for a fun stir-fry twist.
• Rice Noodles or Glass Noodles– For a gluten-free option with lighter texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don’t have Teriyaki Sauce?

There really isn’t a perfect substitute for teriyaki sauce. The good news is, my recipe uses basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It really is very quick and easy to make your own from scratch and it has the best flavor.

Can I use store-bought Teriyaki Sauce?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works for convenience, but flavors will vary by the brand. Just keep in mind, homemade teriyaki sauce will give you more control over flavor and sodium levels.

How do I make the sauce less salty?

Using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce is the best way to control the sodium levels, aka saltiness.

Is there another way to thicken the sauce that doesn’t use cornstarch?

Yes! You can use 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder or 1 tablespoon of potato starch as a direct substitute for cornstarch. If using all-purpose flour, use 2 tablespoons mixed with cold water to make a slurry.

What is the best beef to fat ratio for this recipe?

An 80/20 ratio (80% lean beef, 20% fat) is ideal. This balance gives you juicy, flavorful ground beef without making the dish too greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, 85/15 also works, but the stir fry may be slightly less rich.

Can this meal be frozen?

Yes, this Ground Beef Teriyaki freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For the best results, use short grain brown rice as your base. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Should I marinate the ground beef?

No marinating is needed for this recipe. The ground beef absorbs plenty of flavor form the teriyaki sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic or ginger?

The good news, my Teriyaki Sauce recipe uses ground ginger for convenience. For the fresh garlic, you can use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder instead.

How do I make this meal gluten-free?

Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure all other sauce and condiments (like rice vinegar and Sriracha) are labeled gluten-free. Serve with rice, cauliflower rice or rice noodles.