Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This easy minced beef Japanese recipe is packed with umami goodness and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy homemade cooking can be, even when time is short. This recipe delivers a burst of authentic Japanese flavors without requiring any complex cooking techniques, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or cremini mushrooms as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of spice)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Stir-fry the aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Adding the aromatics first allows their flavors to bloom and infuse the dish.
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Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the wok and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat.
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Add the vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers and mushrooms. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain a bit of crunch.
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Simmer in the sauce: Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering beef mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with the sliced green onions and serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Minced Beef Japanese Recipe:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the beef browns properly and doesn't steam. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to your liking. Taste the sauce as you go and make any necessary adjustments.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or snow peas.
Variations:
- Spicy beef: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Egg option: Stir in a beaten egg during the last minute of cooking for added richness and protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This quick and easy minced beef Japanese recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option that's perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory beef, sweet mirin, and fresh vegetables creates a truly satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!