If you’re craving a flavorful, spicy, and hearty meal that’s surprisingly quick to whip up, the Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls are exactly what you need. This dish is a delicious blend of savory ground beef infused with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of sesame, ginger, and red pepper flakes delivers a dynamic punch to your taste buds.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily adapt this dish by swapping out proteins or adding vegetables.
- Family Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this savory, slightly sweet dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about these Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls is how each ingredient adds its own layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need.
- Coconut Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice.
- Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative that’s both gluten-free and lower in sodium.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty background flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Ground Ginger: Works with the garlic to add a warm, aromatic depth.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show, providing a hearty base.
- Green Onions: Added for a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Give the dish its lovely kick.
- Garlic: Essential for that rich, savory aroma.
Variations
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your needs. The Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls are incredibly adaptable, letting you play with flavors and dietary preferences.
- Swap the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- No Spice, No Problem: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
How to Make Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by mincing the garlic cloves and thinly slicing the green onions. Prepping these ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Sesame Sauce
Combine the coconut sugar, coconut aminos, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger in a bowl. Use a whisk to blend everything until smooth and set aside. This mixture will create the flavorful magic that ties everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic and Beef
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, giving it just a minute to become soft and fragrant. Introduce the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s browned evenly without any traces of pink.
Step 4: Final Touches
Pour the sesame sauce over the cooked beef, then toss in most of the sliced green onions, holding some back for garnish. Allow the dish to simmer for a couple more minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls
- Perfect Browning: To get that perfect sear on the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Sensible Simmering: Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick, allowing it to soak into the beef.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference perfectly.
- Flavor Fusion: Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes after cooking to enrich the depth of flavors.
How to Serve Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and taste with a sprinkle of leftover sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For an extra kick, a light drizzle of sriracha can do wonders!
Side Dishes
These bowls pair beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. For something different, try them with a side of sautéed broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an artistic touch, serve these bowls on a bed of lettuce leaves or vibrant red cabbage for a pop of color and a delicate crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra Spicy Sesame Ground Beef covered in the refrigerator for up to three days and enjoy the flavors even more after they marinate.
Freezing
To freeze, let the meat cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for meal prepping in advance.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if the mixture seems too thick. It can also be reheated in the microwave for quick lunches on the go.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Yes, brown sugar or maple syrup can be used as substitutes for coconut sugar, each bringing their own unique sweetness to the dish.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a delicious plant-based twist.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily control the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes depending on your preference for spiciness.
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What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
Soy sauce or tamari are great alternatives if you don’t have coconut aminos handy, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls are a deliciously satisfying meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also incredible in flavor. I invite you to give this recipe a try and share this amazing dish with your loved ones!
Print
Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls are a flavorful and quick dish featuring savory ground beef simmered in a sweet and spicy sesame sauce, garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe combines bold flavors and a hint of heat for a delicious meal served over rice, pasta, potatoes, or lettuce.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
For the Beef
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp butter
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
For Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced (reserve a few for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves and thinly slice the green onions to use later as garnish and in cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a glass measuring cup or bowl, combine the coconut sugar, coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Mix well with a fork or whisk and set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until melted and hot. Add the minced garlic and stir for about one minute until fragrant and softened.
- Braise the meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sesame sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef, stirring to coat evenly. Add the sliced green onions (reserve some for garnish) and stir again.
- Simmer: Reduce heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 2-5 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Serve the beef mixture warm over rice, pasta, potatoes, or lettuce, garnished with the reserved green onions.
Notes
- You can add additional toppings like shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your coconut aminos are gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
- The dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 791 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
