Spicy Korean Beef with Sesame Brown Rice and Pickles

Name: Spicy Korean Beef with Sesame Brown Rice and Pickles
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 0.5 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoon granulated sugar; 0.25 teaspoon salt (divided); 1 cucumber (small, thinly sliced); 1 carrot (small, peeled and thinly sliced or shredded); 0.75 cup brown rice (uncooked); 1.5 cup water; 1 pound ground beef (85% lean); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 clove garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated); 0.25 cup soy sauce (low-sodium); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 5 butter lettuces (large, for serving)

Flavorful ground beef infused with classic Korean spices, served in crisp lettuce cups with nutty brown rice and bright, tangy quick-pickled vegetables.

Prep: 25 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 50 min
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Korean
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: $14.83/serving

Dietary

Dairy-Free
Nut-Free
Egg-Free
High-Protein

Ingredients

0.5 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoon granulated sugar
0.25 teaspoon salt (divided)
1 cucumber (small, thinly sliced)
1 carrot (small, peeled and thinly sliced or shredded)
0.75 cup brown rice (uncooked)
1.5 cup water
1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 clove garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
0.25 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
5 butter lettuces (large, for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Quick Pickles: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until the sugar dissolves. Add the sliced cucumber and carrot, tossing to combine. Set aside to pickle while you prepare the rest of the meal, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Brown Rice: Combine 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice and 1 1/2 cups water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, if using, then fluff with a fork.
While rice cooks, prepare the Spicy Korean Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level). Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, if using.
To Serve: Divide the sesame brown rice among two plates or meal prep containers. Top with the spicy Korean ground beef. Serve alongside the quick pickles and crisp butter lettuce leaves. Use the lettuce leaves as wraps for the beef and rice, or enjoy components separately.

Notes

Store the cooked beef and brown rice separately from the quick pickles and lettuce for best meal prep results. Reheat the beef and rice, then add fresh lettuce and pickles before serving. Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to suit your spice preference.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 1180
Protein: 53 g
Carbohydrates: 119.9 g
Fat: 61.5 g
Fiber: 6.6 g
Sodium: 3387 mg
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Sugar: 45.5 g
Cholesterol: 160 mg