Crispy Honey Garlic Ground Beef Rice Bowl
This honey garlic ground beef rice bowl comes together in 25 minutes with perfectly crispy beef and a sticky-sweet sauce. It's the weeknight dinner you'll actually look forward to.
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
- Small Bowl
- Microplane or Fine Grater
- Spatula
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- sliced scallions, for garnish
- toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- sriracha or chili crisp (optional)
Instructions
- Start the rice: If you don't have leftover rice, start a pot now or use microwave rice packets. Fluff into a bowl and set aside.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, the minced garlic, and the grated ginger. Stir until the honey dissolves. Set it next to the stove.
- Prep the beef: In a medium bowl, toss the ground beef with 1 tbsp cornstarch and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Don't overwork it — just a gentle toss until the cornstarch disappears into the meat.
- Get the pan hot: Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles immediately. Add the beef and immediately press it into a single, even layer across the entire pan. Resist every urge to stir.
- Don't touch it for 4 minutes: Let the beef cook undisturbed for exactly 4 minutes. You'll see the edges start to brown and the fat render out. This is where the crust forms.
- Break and crisp: Break the beef into small pieces with your spatula. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned and have crispy bits.
- Add the sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to coat all the beef. Let it bubble and reduce for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens and clings to the beef.
- Finish with sesame oil: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp sesame oil if using.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice among 4 bowls. Top with the crispy beef and any accumulated sauce. Add steamed broccoli, sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and your choice of heat.
Notes
The key to crispy beef is a hot pan and cornstarch. Don't crowd the pan and let it sear undisturbed for 4 minutes. Use day-old rice if possible. Store leftovers separately; reheat beef in a skillet with a splash of water to restore crispness. Freezes well for up to 2 months.