Beef Banh Mi Bowls with Sriracha Mayo

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Cook Rice

   20 min

   Begin by rinsing white rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear, which helps to remove excess starch. Transfer the rinsed rice to a small pot, adding 1 cup of water along with a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15 minutes until tender, then remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to steam and become fluffy.

2. 2

   Prepare Vegetables

   8 min

   While the rice cooks, wash and dry all the vegetables to ensure they are clean. Peel 3 garlic cloves and finely chop them. Zest the 1 lime and cut it into quarters for later use. Slice 1 cucumber in half lengthwise and then into half-moons for a refreshing crunch. Dice 1 onion into medium-sized pieces and grate 3 oz of carrot to add sweetness and color to the dish.

3. 3

   Make Pickled Cucumber and Mayo

   5 min

   In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumber with the juice of half the lime, ¼ tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. This will create a quick pickle that enhances the flavor of the cucumbers. In a separate small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp mayonnaise, a pinch of the chopped garlic, a squeeze of lime juice, and sriracha to taste. Season the mayo with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.

4. 4

   Cook Ground Beef

   20 min

   Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and softened. Next, incorporate 1 lb of ground beef, the remaining chopped garlic, and 2 tsp sugar, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked - about 4-5 minutes. Stir in 2 oz of soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

5. 5

   Finish and Serve Bowls

   5 min

   Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork, then mix in the lime zest and 1 tbsp of butter for added richness. To serve, place the rice in bowls and top generously with the beef mixture, followed by the grated carrot and the quick-pickled cucumber. For an extra burst of flavor, finish each bowl with a squeeze of lime juice and a drizzle of the prepared sriracha mayo.