Asian Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Asian Ground Beef. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings together a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet but is ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve it over rice, toss it in lettuce for wraps, or enjoy it with a side of fresh salad—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dish!

Top Reasons to Make Asian Ground Beef

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of hoisin sauce, ginger, and Sriracha creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
• Versatile: Enjoy it with rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as a topping for stir-fried noodles.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste or add in your favorite vegetables.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and can be enriched with fresh veggies.

The Ingredient Lineup

To create this delightful Asian Ground Beef, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (not low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (see note 1)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Sriracha (plus more as desired)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 5 teaspoons minced garlic (divided; use 2 teaspoons for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7)
• 1 bunch green onions (thinly sliced; white and green parts divided)
• 1 large red pepper (diced)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/3 cup roasted cashews
• 1/2 cup torn basil (optional, for serving)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for serving)
• Avocado-cucumber salad (optional, for serving; see note 2)
• Cooked white rice (optional, for serving)

What’s in the Gear List

To whip up this easy dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large skillet or wok: For cooking the beef and sautéing the veggies.
• Measuring spoons: To ensure you get the perfect amount of each ingredient.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing everything together.
• Chopping board: To prepare your vegetables.
• Knife: For chopping garlic, ginger, and other ingredients.

The Method for Asian Ground Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Sriracha, brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Add the remaining minced garlic, ginger paste, diced red pepper, and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Beef

Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly and allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and stir in the roasted cashews and the green parts of the green onions. Serve the Asian Ground Beef over cooked white rice, or use it to fill lettuce wraps. Top with torn basil and sesame seeds if desired.

Swap Guide

If you want to customize your Asian Ground Beef, consider these swaps:

• Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different protein.
• Vegetables: Use broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey can replace the light brown sugar if preferred.
• Cashews: Substitute with peanuts or omit for a nut-free option.

What Could Go Wrong

If you’re new to cooking, here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking the Beef: Keep an eye on the beef to prevent it from becoming tough. Cook until just browned.
• Too Much Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less Sriracha and adjust according to your taste.
• Thick Sauce: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

Asian Ground Beef is great for meal prep and freezing:

• Freezing: Allow the cooked beef to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Quick Questions

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

While you can, using regular soy sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You may need to adjust the salt in the recipe if you opt for low-sodium.

What can I serve with Asian Ground Beef?

It’s delicious served over cooked white rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside a fresh avocado-cucumber salad. You can also enjoy it with steamed veggies.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness largely depends on how much Sriracha you add. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste as needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be cautious about reheating to retain the best texture.

Quick Weeknight Wins

If you love Asian flavors, here are some more quick recipes to try:

• Quick Sesame Ginger Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Slow Cooker Thai Sweet Chili Chicken
• Quick Chicken Fried Rice Wok Style

That’s a Wrap

Asian Ground Beef is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Its ease of preparation, flexibility, and bold flavors make it a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it over rice or in lettuce wraps, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something delicious and hearty. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delightful meal that you’ll want to make again and again!

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