Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry

Featured in Tender beef cooked to perfection.

This 30-minute beef stir fry blends flavorful ground beef with fresh veggies in a tangy teriyaki sauce. Great for busy nights and prepping ahead, it's simple and tasty.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sun, 18 May 2025 11:17:20 GMT
A serving of rice topped with fried beef, broccoli, carrots, and green onions, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Pin it
A serving of rice topped with fried beef, broccoli, carrots, and green onions, sprinkled with sesame seeds. | tasteofsavor.com

If you want a meal on the table before anyone can even ask what's for supper, this ground beef teriyaki is perfect. I tossed it together on a super hectic night—and honestly, it's our go-to when time's tight. The beef turns glossy and sticky, while loads of veggies give you crunch and color. I can't get enough of the homemade sweet-salty sauce that goes on top. It makes everything so good.

Why You'll Love This

This dish brings loads of flavor in hardly any time at all. Whipping up the sauce takes simple ground beef to another level. It’s super flexible—pile it on rice, tuck in lettuce wraps, or save some for easy lunches.

What You'll Need

  • Red Pepper Flakes: Want more heat? These'll do it—they're optional.
  • Orange Zest: Just a pinch wakes up the whole dish.
  • Corn Starch: Makes everything thicken up nicely.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped tastes best.
  • Fresh Ginger: Brings a spicy kick and bright flavor.
  • Brown Sugar and Honey: Toss in both for a perfect mix of sweet.
  • Soy Sauce: Go low-sodium if you want to keep the salt chill.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and rich sauce vibes.
  • Green Onions: Top everything off with a fresh punch of color and taste.
  • Carrots: Grab the pre-cut kind to save time.
  • Broccoli: Fresh is awesome, but frozen will totally work too.
  • Ground Beef: I lean toward lean—stays moist without the extra fat.
  • Sesame Oil: Just a tidy bit gives you that nutty kick.

Ready to Make It?

Step 5: Dig In
Spoon it onto rice, tuck into lettuce, or eat straight from the pan—your call. Sprinkle a bit more green onion and you’re set.
Step 4: Let the Sauce Shine
Pour that homemade sauce over everything. Keep it moving and watch as it bubbles up and turns sticky, coating each bit.
Step 3: Color Comes Next
Add broccoli, carrots, and the green onions. Stir them in just long enough to keep them crisp and colorful.
Step 2: Brown Up the Beef
Heat sesame oil in a hot pan. Drop in your beef, break it apart, and cook till no pink’s left and it’s crumbly.
Step 1: Stir the Sauce
Start by making the sauce—toss soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and other bits in a bowl. Cornstarch goes in too so it’ll thicken nicely later.

Ways to Change It Up

  • Go Lower Carb: Wrap it all up in butter lettuce leaves for crunch.
  • Mix Up the Protein: Swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want it a little lighter.
  • Try a Different Sweetener: Maple syrup stands in for honey any time.
  • Turn Up the Heat: Add a squirt of sriracha for a spicy punch.
  • Veggie Swaps: Snow peas or bell peppers work great if that’s what you have around.

How to Keep It Tasting Great

  • Warm It Up Right: Splash some broth over leftovers while reheating to keep everything moist.
  • Store in the Fridge: Tastes fantastic for up to four days—so good for meal prep.
  • Stash in the Freezer: Pop portions away for three months, just defrost before you plan to use it.

Pro Tips

  • Boost the Sauce: I love doubling the sauce so every bite is covered.
  • Keeps It Safe: Be sure the ground beef is fully cooked through—no pink left.
  • Check the Heat: Use a few pepper flakes at first, and add extra if you want it spicier.
  • Get Saucy Texture: Stop when it's thick enough to cling to a spoon.
  • Go Fresh: Fresh chopped ginger and garlic make everything better.

Build Your Plate

We usually toss this over some hot rice, but cauliflower rice is tasty too. Sometimes I’ll pile it in lettuce for a handheld option. Cool cucumber salad on the side is a nice touch. Top with sesame seeds and squeeze on a little lime—so good.

White rice topped with saucy beef, broccoli, carrots, and green onions, finished with sesame seeds. Pin it
White rice topped with saucy beef, broccoli, carrots, and green onions, finished with sesame seeds. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I tell if the ground beef is done?
Use a thermometer to check for 160°F inside the beef. Don't rely just on its color since that's not always accurate.
→ Can I make more sauce for this dish?
Sure, just double the sauce ingredients. Add little by little until it’s perfect, and save any extra for later use.
→ How long will the leftovers stay fresh?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them up to 3 months.
→ Is it okay to use frozen veggies here?
Absolutely, frozen broccoli works fine. Just cook it until warm and soft, adjusting the time as needed.
→ Can I make this ahead for meals?
Yep, this dish is great for meal prepping. Cook it early and portion into containers for easy meals later in the week.

Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry

A fast stir fry with seasoned beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce. Ready in half an hour and ideal for prepping ahead.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian Blend

Yield: 4 Servings (4 plates)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon orange zest.
02 ¼ cup soy sauce.
03 3 garlic cloves, minced.
04 1 lb ground beef.
05 2 teaspoons sesame oil.
06 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced.
07 ¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
09 3 tablespoons brown sugar.
10 Sea salt to taste.
11 4-5 green onions, chopped.
12 1 cup beef broth.
13 3 cups broccoli florets.
14 1 cup shredded carrots.
15 2 tablespoons corn starch.
16 2 tablespoons honey.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together soy sauce, beef broth, orange zest, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, honey, cornstarch, pepper flakes, and black pepper. Set it aside for later.

Step 02

Dice all veggies ahead so you’re ready to cook.

Step 03

In a big pan, heat sesame oil on medium-high. Add ground beef and cook for around 6-8 minutes until it reaches 160°F inside.

Step 04

Mix in broccoli, carrots, and green onions. Let them cook until soft and warm.

Step 05

Lower the heat, pour in your sauce, and simmer until it thickens. Serve topped on warm rice.

Notes

  1. Want extra sauce? Double up the sauce ingredients.
  2. A thermometer helps make sure meat's cooked properly.
  3. Perfect for prepping meals, lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wok or a big skillet.
  • Food thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 358
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 28 g