These Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a quick and yummy meal! Featuring tender beef, sweet teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice, it’s like a hug in a bowl!
Cooking these bowls always makes me feel like a chef. Plus, they are so easy to whip up that even my kitchen skills can’t mess it up. Enjoy with some veggies for a pop of color! 🍚🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This rice has a lovely fragrant aroma and a fluffy texture. If jasmine rice isn’t available, you can use basmati or even short-grain rice for a different texture.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides flavor without being too greasy. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Carrots & Bell Peppers: These veggies add color and crunch. Feel free to swap them with other veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini based on what you have at home.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient brings saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is also great for cutting down salt.
Teriyaki Sauce: You can buy this pre-made or make a simple homemade version using soy sauce, honey, and a bit of rice vinegar if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Make Fluffy Rice Without Sticking?
Rinsing rice helps remove excess starch, which can cause it to become sticky. Follow these steps for fluffy jasmine rice:
- Rinse the rice in cold water until it’s clear; this is key to get rid of extra starch.
- Combine rinsed rice and 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Don’t stir while cooking!
- After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and set.
- Fluff with a fork before serving; it makes a big difference!
How to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
For the Teriyaki Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes making the rice and another 15 minutes cooking the beef and veggies. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Rice:
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed. After this, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will ensure the rice is fluffy!
2. Prepare the Teriyaki Beef:
While your rice is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté them together for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your dish.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there is any excess fat, make sure to drain it away so your dish isn’t greasy.
4. Stir in the Vegetables:
Time to add some color! Stir in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, julienned carrots, diced red bell pepper, and half of the sliced green onions into the skillet. Cook everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are nice and tender. The combination of flavors will smell incredible!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now, fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains. Start dividing the fluffy rice among serving bowls. On top of each rice bowl, spoon the delicious teriyaki beef mixture. This is the part where you can really start getting excited about your meal!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the remaining green onions and sesame seeds over the top of each bowl for a nice touch. Feel free to season your rice bowls with salt and pepper to taste if you’d like. Dig in and enjoy your tasty Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls!
Can I Substitute a Different Type of Rice?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice works beautifully for this dish, you can use other varieties like basmati or even brown rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times and water ratios may differ; for brown rice, use a 1:2.5 rice-to-water ratio and cook for about 40-45 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can easily make this dish healthier by leaning towards leaner ground meat like turkey or chicken. Alternatively, increase the amount of vegetables to boost fiber and nutrients—try adding broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, let the rice and beef mixture cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in individual portions for up to 2 months. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile—feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bok choy, or even frozen peas. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on how quickly they cook!
