30-Minute Hoisin Beef Bowls

Amarante

Tue, Oct 04 2022, 10:17 am

Title says it all - very easy and fast and as notes indicate the meat mixture can be frozen and then nuked.

ETA - Notes indicate the baking soda raises the pH of the meat, helping to lock in moisture and make the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.

30-Minute Hoisin Beef Bowls

By Jennifer Segal
These easy Asian beef bowls made from ground beef, hoisin sauce, ginger and garlic are a family favorite!

Servings: 4 to 6

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

* 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
* ¾ teaspoon baking soda
* 6 tablespoons hoisin sauce, best quality such as Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman (use gluten-free if needed)
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 4 cloves garlic, chopped
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
* 5 scallions, sliced, light and dark green parts separated
*
FOR SERVING

* Rice
* Chopped cashews
* Sesame seeds
* Shredded veggies, such as carrots, lettuce or bell peppers

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, using your hands, mash the beef with the baking soda. Let it sit on the counter for 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Once the beef is "treated" and ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, stirring frequently and breaking into pieces, until just slightly pink, about 5 minutes. (I don't drain the fat - there's not that much and it adds flavor.)

Add the garlic, ginger, and light scallions. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened, a few minutes.

Add the reserved hoisin sauce mixture and cook until the beef is well-coated and cooked through, about a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. 
Gently stir in the remaining scallions and spoon the beef into bowls over rice. Top with sesame seeds, chopped cashews, and shredded veggies, if you like.

Note: To get this dish done in 30 minutes, chop the garlic, ginger, and scallions while the meat is being treated with baking soda.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The meat mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Last edited by Amarante on Tue, Oct 04 2022, 11:10 am; edited 1 time in total