Spicy Ground Beef Stir-Fry Bowl
A quick and comforting stir-fry bowl with bold flavors, tender-crisp vegetables, and savory ground beef served over fluffy white rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1/2 pound ground beef 80/20 for flavor; use 90/10 with a teaspoon of oil for leaner.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the beef) Freshly minced for best results.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for the beef) Lower-sodium preferred.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets Holds up well to stir-frying.
- 1/2 red bell pepper sliced into strips Adds sweetness.
- 1/2 zucchini sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for the vegetables) Add fresh minced for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For stir-frying vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (for the vegetables)
Base
- 1 cup steamed white rice Fluffy and properly steamed holds up well.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Mince both portions of garlic and measure out soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and chili flakes into small bowls.
Cooking the Beef
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the first minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces as it cooks until fully browned and moisture has cooked off.
- Stir in the soy sauce, chili flakes, and brown sugar. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture reduces and thickens slightly. Remove from heat when the sauce clings to the beef.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the second portion of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Then add broccoli, zucchini, and red bell pepper; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Finish by tossing with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.
Assembling the Bowls
- Scoop hot steamed white rice into bowls. Neatly arrange the seasoned ground beef and garlic vegetables on top or beside the rice.
- Spoon any extra sauce from the beef over the bowl and serve hot.
Notes
For a darker, richer sauce, double the soy and brown sugar. Manage moisture in beef to achieve a glossy sauce. Variations can include ground turkey or meatless options.