Hey family! Let’s face it, weeknights can be a whirlwind. Between work, errands, and everything in between, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But fear not, because I’ve got a recipe that’s about to become your new go-to: Speedy Asian Ground Beef.
If you’re like me, ground beef usually conjures up images of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. But this dish flips the script. This recipe takes you on a flavor journey to Asia with minimal fuss. Think savory, slightly sweet, and just a touch spicy – all ready in a flash.
The Flavor Symphony
What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s all in the simple yet powerful combination of ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of the dish, providing that rich, umami-packed saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle of this aromatic oil adds a nutty depth that’s simply divine. And, sesame oil is one of my all time favorite ingredients… (didja know that?!)
- Hot Peppers: A touch of heat to wake up your taste buds. Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes, creating a delightful harmony.
- Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics bring a warm, pungent layer that’s essential to Asian cuisine.
- Green Onions: A fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle for texture and a subtle nutty crunch.
This combination is a close cousin to my beloved Galbi recipe (aka – Marinated Korean Beef), but this one is streamlined for speed. We’re skipping the marinade and the tenderizing magic of Asian pear, opting for the quick-cooking prowess of ground beef. Instead of Mirin’s sweet wine umami, the brown sugar lends its own unique, caramel-like sweetness, making it a perfect quick dinner.
Rice: The Foundation
Before you even start prepping your mise en place, get your rice going. A rice cooker is your best friend for hands-off perfection. Just add your rice and water, and let it do its thing. If you don’t have a rice cooker, no worries! You can easily cook rice on the stovetop. Simply rinse your rice, combine it with water in a pot (usually a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio but check your specific rice…), bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Fluff your rice with a fork before serving. Getting the rice started first ensures it’s ready when your beef is done.
Vegetable Sides: Fresh and Vibrant
To complete your meal, add a side of vibrant vegetables. Sautéed bok choy, with its tender leaves and slightly peppery flavor, is a fantastic choice. Steamed broccoli, crisp and bright, is another excellent option. Or, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand – snow peas, bell peppers, or even spinach would work beautifully.
Putting It All Together
This dish comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed. Brown the ground beef (remove excess grease), add your aromatics, and then your sauces and spices. A few minutes later, you’re done. Serve it over your fluffy rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
This Speedy Asian Ground Beef is a testament to the fact that delicious, flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner on the table in a flash.
Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl: One-Pan Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs Ground Beef – This is the package size of organic meat from costco… You can use 1lb and reduce other ingredients slightly….
- 2-4 Green Onions – Use 2 Large or 4 small; chopped and separate the green from the white
- 1 Tbl Sesame Seeds
Sauce
- 2 Tbl Brown Sugar
- 5 Tbl Soy Sauce – Low Sodium
- 2 Tbl Sesame Oil
- ½ – ¾ Tsp Hot Peppers – I just shook my container a handful of times – Add as much as you like.
Aromatics
- 3 big Cloves Garlic, Minced – Consider TJ's Frozen for convenience!
- 2 tsp Grated Ginger – Consider TJ's Frozen for convenience!
Instructions
- Start your Rice cooking…
- Prepare your veg and get it ready for sautéing or microwaving (steamed broccoli for me!)
- Gather your Ginger and Garlic – Chop them if using fresh. Pull the blocks out of your freezer if you have TJ's frozen available. (I chopped fresh garlic and used TJ's frozen ginger….)
- Chop your green onions, separating the green from the white.
- Get out your Soy, Sesame oil and hot peppers
- Brown your beef with the white portion of your green onions.
- Drain out the grease from the meat.
- Add in the ginger, garlic and saute for a few minutes till you smell the flavors!
- Add in the sauce ingredients and stir around, and let it cook a few minutes – not too high temperature – just so the ingredients meld a bit.
- Add in the green portion of the green onions and just let them cook a minute or two to loose some of the raw bite.
- Serve beef over your cooked rice and with your veg of choice. So quick, right ?
