Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454g) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef (about 2-3 minutes). If using, stir in red pepper flakes at this point.
  5. Remove from heat and serve hot over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.