Ground Beef Teriyaki Bowls

This ground beef stir-fry teriyaki bowl is a super versatile and quick weeknight dinner that brings together savory, sweet, and a touch of heat in every bite. Using ground beef keeps prep minimal since there’s no need to slice or dice the meat, and stir-frying means dinner can be on the table in almost no time. The homemade teriyaki sauce glazes the beef and vegetables perfectly while the cool sriracha sour cream sauce on top adds a creamy contrast that makes each bite exciting.

I first made this during a last-minute dinner scramble and it quickly became a family favorite. Now we crave it for its balance of savory sauce and spicy creaminess.

Ingredients

• Jasmine or long-grain white rice: cooks up fluffy as the base for the bowls, jasmine adds a subtle floral aroma
• Kosher salt: seasons the rice properly
• Sour cream: adds creamy tang to the finishing sauce, balancing the sweet and spicy flavors
• Sriracha: brings heat and depth to the creamy drizzle, adjust to taste for spice preference
• Dark brown sugar: deep caramel notes to the teriyaki sauce
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce: salty umami without overpowering the dish
• Cornstarch: thickens the teriyaki sauce to perfect glaze consistency
• Unseasoned rice vinegar: adds brightness and balances sweetness in the teriyaki
• Toasted sesame oil: imparts a nutty aroma essential for teriyaki flavor
• Scallions: both white parts for cooking and green parts for garnish add freshness and crunch
• Vegetable oil: neutral oil with a high smoke point good for stir-frying
• Garlic: finely chopped to release rich flavor quickly
• Ginger: fresh and finely chopped, adds warmth and zest
• Lean ground beef: key protein that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce wonderfully
• Broccoli florets: provide texture and vibrant color, choose fresh, firm heads for best results
• Shredded carrots: add sweetness and crunch, buy pre-shredded for convenience or grate fresh
• Toasted sesame seeds: garnish that adds nutty flavor and a bit of crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and the white and light green parts of the scallions. Stir frequently and cook until they turn light golden, about one minute. This quick sauté releases the essential flavors that form the base of the dish.

Cook the Ground Beef:

Add lean ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks and starts browning. This should take about five minutes. Cooking thoroughly but not overcooking keeps the beef juicy and perfectly textured.

Add the Vegetables:

Toss in the broccoli florets and cook while stirring frequently until they turn a bright green, about two minutes. Next, add the shredded carrots and stir to combine, preparing for the sauce.

Thicken and Coat with Teriyaki Sauce:

Pour the reserved soy sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Continue stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about three to four minutes. The sauce should give a glossy finish and bring the salad together.

Prepare Rice:

While stir-frying, combine rice and water with salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer until rice absorbs the water and is tender, around seventeen minutes. Fluffy rice provides the perfect bed for the flavorful stir-fry.

Make the Creamy Finishing Sauce:

Whisk together sour cream and sriracha until smooth. Thin slightly with water, if needed, to reach a good consistency for drizzling. Chill until ready to serve. This cool and spicy sauce is the perfect counterpoint to the warm teriyaki flavors.

Assemble the Bowls:

Divide the rice among serving bowls. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the rice. Drizzle with the sriracha sour cream sauce and finish with the reserved dark green scallion slices and toasted sesame seeds for extra color and crunch.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The rice may firm up when cold but reheats nicely. The creamy sriracha sauce is best added fresh on serving rather than reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten the dish
• Green beans or snap peas are delightful alternatives or additions to broccoli for more variety
• Coconut aminos works well instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free or lower sodium option
• Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier finishing sauce with extra protein

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast
• Top with chopped peanuts or cashews if you want extra crunch and richness
• A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime brings a fresh twist to the dish just before serving

Cultural Context

Teriyaki sauce originates from Japan and is known for combining salty, sweet, and savory flavors with a signature glossy finish. While traditionally used with grilled meats or fish, its use in stir-fries and bowls has become popular worldwide. This recipe adds a twist with the creamy spicy finish, demonstrating how global cuisines blend and evolve in home kitchens.

Pro Tips

• Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting because stir-frying goes fast.
• Do not overcrowd the pan to keep the ingredients browning nicely rather than steaming and turning soggy.
• Toast the sesame seeds yourself in a dry skillet for maximum flavor—they smell amazing as they toast and add a nutty crunch.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef is ideal to avoid excess grease and to keep the stir-fry light and flavorful.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables?

Yes, feel free to swap broccoli and carrots for other crisp vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to suit your taste.

→ How do I prevent vegetables from steaming instead of browning?

Cook in batches or avoid overcrowding the pan so ingredients brown properly, enhancing flavor and texture.

→ What does the sour cream and sriracha sauce add?

This finishing drizzle adds a creamy texture with a mild spicy note that complements the savory teriyaki glaze.

→ Is it necessary to prepare sauces ahead?

Preparing sauces in advance helps streamline cooking and ensures flavors meld well when added during stir-frying.