Ginger Beef

This was a quick, easy, cheap, and delicious adaptation of a recipe found on Pinterest (originally from lizzy writes). I made it when I had three boys' bellies to fill, and I had a hankering for ginger, which isn't always a favorite of the males in my household. This cooked up FAST and was super delicious with steamed white rice (or brown!) and lots of sriracha, because that makes everything better. The beef itself is nice and sweet, so the littlest boy didn't complain about the ginger being spicy or anything. Getting a preschooler to eat anything besides chicken, noodles, or cereal can sometimes be a challenge!

THE RECIPE:

1 pound (or so) ground beef (you'll be draining it, so don't feel bad using a higher fat content...save yourself some money!)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 T toasted sesame oil
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c shoyu (soy sauce...we use low sodium Aloha brand!)
3 cloves or 3 t minced garlic
1/2-1 t fresh ginger, grated (I used more than half, because I LOVE ginger)
1/2-1 t crushed red pepper, depending on tastes
salt and pepper to season beef while browning
bunch of green onions, sliced

Brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. I did this in a wok. Once the beef is about half-cooked (use your judgement) add the onion and garlic and cook with the beef. Once the beef is cooked thoroughly, drain and get as much fat out as you can. You'll be adding plenty of liquid to the meat, so it's okay to go crazy when draining.

Return the meat to the pan if you removed it for draining, or just add the rest of the ingredients, except the green onion. Let simmer for a few minutes (I'd say at least 10 so the flavors can incorporate) then serve over rice, garnishing with green onions. We spice ours up with sriracha, but the kids can't handle that!

Enjoy!