Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 scallions, trimmed and sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together the brown sugar, water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and slightly crispy in spots, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Combine & Simmer: Add the chopped scallions to the browned beef in the skillet, then immediately pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
- Finalize and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil (if using). Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
- Garnishing with sesame seeds adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
