Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep & Pickle (Optional but Recommended)
- To quick pickle the carrots and cucumbers (optional but recommended), combine ½ cup rice vinegar, ½ cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a jar or bowl. Add the shredded carrots and thinly sliced cucumbers and let them sit for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Smash & Sear the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until sizzling hot (around 375-400°F). Add the lean ground beef, breaking it into small, thin pieces. Smash the beef down into a single layer and sear undisturbed for a few minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- When the beef is about halfway cooked, add 1 tablespoon of the low sodium soy sauce and 2/3 of the minced scallions. Continue to sear until the beef is completely browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes total per batch). Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk the Sauce
- While the beef is browning, whisk together the rice vinegar, honey, minced or grated fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, and the remaining low sodium soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
Combine & Simmer
- Once the beef is browned and garlic fragrant, remove the beef from the pan and set aside. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the beef to the pan, pour the whisked sauce over, and stir. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle the remaining scallions over the beef mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve the hot beef over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top generously with quick-pickled shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Notes
This versatile Healthy Ground Beef Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prep, offering delicious and customizable options for a busy week. Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes or gochujang, and don't skip the optional quick-pickled veggies for an extra tangy crunch. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.