20 Minute Teriyaki Beef Bowls

Craving a fast, delicious, and nutritious meal? These 20-Minute Teriyaki Beef Bowls are a flavorful combination of ground beef, lots of vegetables, and a rich, healthy, homemade teriyaki sauce. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknights or meal prep, and brings bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and is the easiest recipe to make. ✨

_{This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.}

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy & Simple – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Balanced & Nutritious – A perfect mix of protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and hearty grains.
• Irresistible Flavor – The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce elevates every bite.
• Highly Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.

How to Make 20 Minute Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
• 2 Cups Rice
• 2 Cups Broccoli
• 1 Cup Shredded Carrots
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Cup Edamame
• ½ Tablespoon Garlic minced
• ½ Cup Green Onions chopped

Easy Teriyaki Sauce

• ¼ Cup Tamari or Soy Sauce
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
• 2 Teaspoons Ginger minced

Step-By-Step

Start by cooking the rice. This should take about 15 minutes, giving you time to prepare the rest of the ingredients. While the rice is cooking, chop the bell pepper, green onions, and broccoli into small pieces. If your carrots aren’t pre-shredded, grate them now.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. If needed, drain excess grease before continuing.

In a small bowl, whisk together tamari (or soy sauce), honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger until smooth and well combined.

Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and edamame, and garlic to the skillet. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir everything together. Let the mixture cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while keeping a bit of crunch.

Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Spoon the teriyaki beef and vegetable mixture over the top, making sure to evenly distribute the sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh finishing touch, and enjoy your Teriyaki Beef Bowls!

How to Make Perfect Rice

Cooking rice correctly is key to achieving the perfect texture for these teriyaki bowls. For fluffy white rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another couple minutes before fluffing with a fork. A rice cooker or Instant Pot can simplify the process and guarantee consistent results every time.

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Beef Bowls

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant, authentic flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the veggies to maintain their crunch and nutrients.
• Make it spicier by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Swap proteins with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a different spin.
• Add a crunch by topping with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts.
• Enhance the sauce with a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.

Alternative Ingredient Ideas

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adjust based on dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or personal taste.

• Protein Swaps: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute works beautifully.
• Vegetable Variations: Mix up the veggies with snap peas, bok choy, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini. You can also add water chestnuts for extra crunch.
• Grain Alternatives: Swap the rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles like rice noodles for a different texture.
• Sweetener Substitutes: Instead of honey, use maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
• Spice it Up: For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki sauce.
• Nutty Addition: Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add a nice crunch and deeper flavor.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

These teriyaki beef bowls are ideal for meal prep. Divide portions into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture. If using a microwave, add a small splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.

Teriyaki Beef Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh cucumber salad for a fresh contrast to the savory & hearty beef.
• Add a side of miso soup to create a restaurant-style meal at home.
• Serve with steamed edamame for an extra satisfying dinner.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Making teriyaki sauce at home ensures a fresher, healthier, and more customizable flavor. Store-bought versions often contain excessive sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives. With a homemade version, you control the ingredients, adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and spice levels to your preference. Plus, the balance of fresh garlic and ginger adds a depth of flavor that pre-made sauces simply can't match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce? Yes, while homemade teriyaki sauce provides a fresher, more balanced flavor, a store-bought version can save time if you’re in a pinch.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

What are some low-carb alternatives for this dish? Swap the rice with cauliflower rice, shredded cabbage, or a bed of leafy greens to lower the carb content while keeping the flavors intact.

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this dish is completely gluten-free.

Can I add extra vegetables? Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, and bok choy all work well in this dish.

What protein swaps work well for this recipe? Ground turkey, chicken, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef all make excellent alternatives to ground beef.

Enjoy Your 20 Minute Teriyaki Beef Bowls

These 20-Minute Teriyaki Beef Bowls are the perfect answer to busy weeknights, filled with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and nutritious balance in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick dinner, this recipe guarantees a delicious, better-than-takeout experience in no time. Try it today and experience the joy of a homemade, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort!

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy