Korean Beef and Rice

Wowza! This dish is rockin'! The flavors in that beef - soy, sesame, garlic, and ginger - hit your taste buds from every angle. And I LOVE the little crunch of nutty sesame seeds. Just nestle that hearty beef over fluffy, garlicky rice and you have a complete and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. And you probably have every ingredient in your pantry right now.

There's something endearing about a dish that doesn't require a supermarket run. If you have beef in your freezer, and soy sauce and sesame oil in your fridge, you're pretty much set. If you don't have a fresh onion, or a few garlic cloves, you can certainly use their dried counterparts instead (add about 1/2 teaspoon of each to the beef).

About the rice: I cooked the rice according to the package directions (adding 1 tablespoon of butter), and I also added 1/4 teaspoon each onion powder and garlic powder. Season that rice and you'll have the BEST base for the flavorful beef.

Korean Beef and Rice

1 cup white rice (plus 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder if desired; see note above)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup minced onion
1 pound lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and ground black pepper
Chopped green onions for serving, optional
Toasted sesame seeds for serving, optional

Cook the rice according to the package directions (if desired, add 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder).
In a small bowl whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes, until soft and golden. Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Arrange the rice on a serving platter and top with the beef mixture. Top with the green onions and sesame seeds and serve.
Serves 4