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Ginger Beef with Rice and Peas

Ginger Beef with Rice and Peas

By Courtney HillOctober 17, 2023

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    1 hour
  • Active time plus cooling
    15 minutes active
  • Rating

Satisfyingly chewy short-grain rice and soy-seasoned beef is a classic Japanese pairing. This version of gyu soboro gohan cooks rice and ground beef separately to keep the tastes and textures distinct, then combines the two at the end. We layer in the seasonings for flavor complexity, adding soy sauce and mirin (a subtly sweet rice cooking wine) to the rice as it cooks and adding more of each, plus fresh ginger, to the beef after sautéing. With a steamed or stir-fried vegetable alongside, this rice dish is hearty enough to be a light main.

Ingredients
  • 1¾

    cups Japanese-style short-grain white rice, rinsed well and drained

  • 3

    tablespoons soy sauce, divided

  • 3

    tablespoons mirin, divided

  • Kosher salt and ground white OR black pepper

  • ¾

    cup thawed frozen peas

  • 2

    teaspoons neutral oil

  • 8

    ounces 90 percent lean ground beef

  • 4

    teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, stir together the rice, 2 tablespoons soy, 2 tablespoons mirin, 2 cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt. Let stand for about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Place the saucepan over medium-high, scatter the peas over the rice and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to low and cook until the rice has absorbed the liquid, 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the beef and ¼ teaspoon pepper; cook, stirring and breaking the beef up into small bits, until no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the ginger, the remaining 1 tablespoon soy and the remaining 1 tablespoon mirin; set aside.

Step 3

When the rice is done, remove the pan from heat. Uncover and, working quickly, scatter the beef mixture, including its juices, over the rice; do not stir. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Uncover and, using a fork, fluff the rice, stirring to incorporate the beef. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Optional garnish: Thinly sliced scallions OR toasted sesame seeds OR both

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