Savory Ground Beef Teriyaki

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended for a lighter taste) - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness) - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (to balance flavors) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that nutty aroma) - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (adds a zing) - 2 cloves garlic, minced (for depth of flavor) - 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (use a mix of colors for visual appeal) - 1/2 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen are both great) - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish and freshness) - Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving, adjusts to preference) - Sesame seeds (for garnish and crunch) In this recipe, I use ground beef as the main protein. I find that it absorbs the flavors well. For the sauce, I mix soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. This combo gives great taste. The honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. The rice vinegar helps balance everything out. I also love adding colorful bell peppers and broccoli for crunch. They not only taste good but also look great. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. Both work fine. Green onions make a nice garnish, adding freshness. Finally, I sprinkle sesame seeds for a tasty crunch. These ingredients come together to make a quick and tasty dish. You can prep it ahead of time and enjoy it all week long! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make this meal easy, you need a few tools: - Large skillet - Mixing bowl - Spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Cutting board and knife for veggies For cooking techniques, you'll sauté, brown, and combine. Sautéing brings out flavors. Browning the beef adds richness. Combining everything creates a tasty mix. 1. Heat the Skillet: Start by pouring sesame oil into a large skillet. Set it over medium heat to warm. 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for one minute. This makes the kitchen smell great! 3. Brown the Beef: Turn up the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it apart. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it's browned. 4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar. This sauce is the star of the dish! 5. Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, drain any extra fat. This keeps the meal lighter. 6. Add Vegetables: Toss in diced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Pour the teriyaki sauce over everything. Stir and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crisp. 7. Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from heat. Let the mixture cool for a few moments. 8. Divide into Containers: Take meal prep containers and divide the beef mixture evenly. Serve it over your choice of cooked rice or quinoa. 9. Garnish and Seal: Top each container with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds flavor and a nice look. Seal the containers when you're done. Now, you have a quick and tasty dish ready to enjoy throughout the week! - Best practices for browning beef: Start by heating the skillet first. Add sesame oil and let it get hot. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. - Avoiding soggy vegetables: To keep your veggies crisp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. Toss in the diced bell peppers and broccoli after the beef is browned. Cook them just until tender, about 3-5 minutes. This keeps them colorful and crunchy. - Suggested spices or additional ingredients: For extra flavor, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of garlic powder. You can also mix in some chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness. - Adjusting sweetness and saltiness: If you want a sweeter dish, add more honey or maple syrup. For saltiness, a splash more soy sauce can help. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Time-saving techniques: To save time, chop your veggies ahead of time. You can also make a double batch of the teriyaki sauce and store it for later use. - Batch cooking advice: Cook a larger amount of ground beef and divide it into smaller portions. You can freeze some for quick meals later. This way, you always have a tasty meal on hand. Pro Tips Use Lean Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and enhance the dish's overall healthiness. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as snap peas or carrots for added nutrition and color. Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the ground beef in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavor profile. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor for up to 5 days. {{image_4}} You can switch ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. It absorbs flavors nicely. Feel free to swap in different vegetables too. Zucchini, snap peas, or carrots add color and crunch. You can mix and match based on what you like. Want to make your teriyaki sauce? It's easy! Combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup), and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Whisk until smooth. You can also play with flavors. Add chili sauce for heat or pineapple juice for extra sweetness. Each change brings a new twist to the dish. This dish pairs well with sides. Serve it on rice for a classic touch. Quinoa is another healthy option. Both soak up the sauce, making every bite tasty. Get creative with how you serve it. Try it in lettuce wraps for a fun twist. You can also serve it as a filling in a bowl with your favorite toppings. Enjoy experimenting! Ground beef teriyaki stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store it in airtight containers to keep it flavorful. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. They seal tightly and prevent spills. You can reheat the dish in a microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the portion in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even warming. On the stovetop, add a splash of water in a pan over medium heat. Stir gently until warmed through. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Yes, you can freeze ground beef teriyaki. Divide it into portions and store in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. For thawing, place it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the stovetop or microwave, adding a little water to keep it moist. This method keeps it tasty and enjoyable. Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just remember to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or in the microwave on defrost. Once thawed, cook it just like fresh beef. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for plant-based options. Try using tofu, tempeh, or even lentils. These options will still soak up the tasty teriyaki sauce. How do I store meal prep containers? Store your meal prep containers in the fridge. Ensure they are airtight to keep food fresh. If you aren’t eating them all at once, label each container with the date you made them. What's the best way to reheat ground beef teriyaki? The best way to reheat it is in the microwave. Place it in a bowl and cover it to keep moisture. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat. How long can I keep cooked ground beef in the fridge? Cooked ground beef stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. What should I do if I run out of soy sauce? If you run out of soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. Both will give you a similar flavor. You can also create a mix with broth, vinegar, and a little sugar for a quick fix. You now have a complete guide to making ground beef teriyaki. We covered key ingredients, from beef to veggies. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and how to assemble meals. Remember useful tips for browning beef and enhancing flavor. Consider variations, including ingredient swaps and sauce alternatives. Finally, storing and reheating your dish is simple. Use this knowledge to create delicious meals that impress. Enjoy the process and get cooking!$

A delicious and easy-to-make teriyaki dish featuring ground beef and colorful vegetables, perfect for meal prep.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
0.25 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup bell peppers, diced
0.5 cup broccoli florets
2 pieces green onions, chopped
to preference cooked rice or quinoa
to taste sesame seeds

Instructions

In a large skillet, pour in the sesame oil and place over medium heat, allowing the oil to warm up.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the heated oil. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Raise the heat to medium-high. Introduce the ground beef into the skillet, cooking until fully browned. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
While the beef browns, take a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), and rice vinegar until smooth.
Once the beef is thoroughly cooked and browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan to make the dish lighter.
Toss in the diced bell peppers and broccoli florets. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the mixture and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but maintain a crisp texture.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few moments in the skillet.
Divide the teriyaki ground beef mixture evenly among meal prep containers, serving it atop a foundation of your choice—either cooked rice or quinoa.
Top each container with the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that final touch of flavor and crunch. Seal the containers once garnished.

Notes

Store your meal prep containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

Keyword beef, meal prep, quick meal, teriyaki