Description
Easy Beef Bowls – Juicy beef, savory sauce, and fluffy rice create a quick and comforting meal that pleases any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups (370g) cooked white or brown rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sriracha or chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Begin by slicing your beef against the grain into thin strips, about ⅛-inch thick. In a medium bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If your rice isn’t already cooked, prepare it according to package directions so it’s ready when your beef is done.
- Step 2: Sear the Beef Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until smoking. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add beef strips in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for about 1 minute. Quickly flip and cook for another 30 seconds until just browned but still slightly pink in the center. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed. Remember that the beef will continue cooking when returned to the sauce later.
- Step 3: Cook the Vegetables In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add harder vegetables like carrots first, cooking for 2 minutes, followed by bell peppers and other quicker-cooking vegetables. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Step 4: Combine and Finish Give your sauce mixture another quick whisk, then pour it into the pan with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken for about 1-2 minutes. Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pan, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. Cook just until the beef is heated through, about 1 minute – overcooking at this stage will toughen the meat.
- Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls Divide the warm rice among serving bowls. Top with the beef and vegetable mixture, making sure to drizzle some of that flavorful sauce over everything. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For those who enjoy some heat, add sriracha or chili oil to taste. Your Easy Beef Bowls are ready to serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg