Vietnamese Caramelized Minced Beef Rice Bowl
This Vietnamese Caramelized Minced Beef Rice Bowl is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, topped with quick pickled vegetables. It’s a simple yet fulfilling dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
📋 Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Caramelized Minced Beef
Beef: Select ground beef with 10-15% fat for richer flavor, or opt for leaner 5% fat.
Oil: Use a mild oil such as avocado, vegetable, or sunflower oil for cooking.
Lemongrass Paste: This adds a citrusy, ginger flavor to the dish.
Fish Sauce: A splash enhances the beef, providing depth and saltiness.
Dark Soy Sauce: This is preferred for its rich umami flavor in comparison to light soy sauce.
Vegetables and Rice
Rice: Cooked rice is essential; refer to this tutorial for perfectly boiled rice.
Quick Pickled Vegetables
Pickled Onion and Carrot: The acidity from the pickling process greatly complements the savory beef.
🔥 Preparation Method
- First, combine all ingredients for the pickled onion and carrot in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a large pan, heat a splash of oil, then add the minced beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Next, incorporate minced garlic, chillies, and lemongrass paste. Stir in sugar to allow it to caramelize.
- Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper, then cook for another minute before removing from heat.
- Serve the beef mixture over a bed of white rice, topped with pickled vegetables, cucumber, and tomatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This delightful meal can be served for dinner or lunch, offering both comfort and nutrition!
🌟 Helpful Tips
For a little extra kick, consider adding Bird’s eye chillies. Alternatively, feel free to leave them out for a milder dish that’s friendly for kids!
? Frequently Asked Questions
This dish is best served fresh, but leftover pickled veg and beef can be stored. Make the pickled vegetables and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat the beef until piping hot.
Yes, you can freeze the minced beef and rice. Allow it to cool before placing it in an airtight container and freezing. To reheat, either do so in the microwave or pan-fry it from frozen.
