Ginger Teriyaki Basil Ground Beef

Ginger Teriyaki Basil Ground Beef is a delightful fusion dish that marries the robust flavors of Asian cuisine with fresh basil's aromatic essence. The ground beef is cooked to perfection, infused with a savory teriyaki sauce that provides a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Fresh ginger adds a spicy kick, while garlic enhances the overall flavor profile. The dish is completed with a generous handful of fresh basil leaves, which introduce a refreshing herbal note. This versatile recipe can be served over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Size: 2 People

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 lb. lean ground beef (I used 93% lean, grass-fed beef)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1/2 of dry jasmine rice; 1 cup water

• 1/2 lb. broccolini

• 1/3 cup of chopped basil

• For the sauce: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic minced. For the slurry: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1/8 cup of cold water

• Salt and pepper, for taste

• Optional: soy sauce for topping rice
  

Recipe:

1. Begin by cooking your jasmine rice.

   1. To make on the stove: rinse 1/2 cup of rice until the water runs clear, then combine it with 1 cup of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, then let it sit off the heat for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

   2. To make in a rice maker: rinse 1/2 cup of rice until the water runs clear, then combine it with 1 cup of water in the rice make. Press 'white rice' and cook!

2. Wait until there's 15 minutes left on your rice and begin cooking.

3. Begin making your teriyaki sauce. To a small bowl, add: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon minced garlic. In a seperate smaller bowl, you will make the cornstarch slurry: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1/8 cup of cold water and mix. Set aside. Chop your 1/3 cup basil and set aside.

4. Heat a pan on medium heat and add in your toasted sesame oil.

5. Once hot, add in your lean ground beef. Break apart with a meat masher into small crumbles.

6. Heat a seperate pan on the stove on medium heat with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. Add in your broccolini. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7 minutes.
   

7. Once the beef is browned, add in your teriyaki sauce. Turn the heat to medium/high Do not add in the slurry yet. Mix around and let the sauce burn off, this will mean that there won't be a bunch of liquid left once you're done and the sauce will thicken. This will take about 5-10 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, add in your cornstrach slurry and mix around. This will allow the sauce to thicken even more.

8. Add in your chopped basil. Mix around. Season with a little bit of salt and pepper.

9. Serve your cooked jasmine rice, cooked ground beef, and broccolini on a plate. Add some soy sauce to your rice, if you prefer. Enjoy!