Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure! This recipe combines sweet and savory flavors with a healthy twist, featuring spiralized zucchini as a base. With a blend of umami from soy sauce, a hint of heat from Sriracha, and aromatic ginger, this dish is sure to please your palate. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it can be prepared in just a matter of minutes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1½ pounds (4 medium-sized) zucchini, spiralized
2 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon sesame seeds
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and Sriracha.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the spiralized zucchini, sliced green onions, and the prepared soy sauce mixture. Mix until well combined and let it simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, and Sriracha until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Heat the Oil and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it is nicely browned, about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat that accumulates in the skillet.
Add Zucchini and Sauce
Stir in the spiralized zucchini and sliced green onions into the skillet. Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the ingredients. Mix everything together until well combined and let it simmer until heated through, approximately 2 minutes.
Serve the Dish
Serve the dish immediately while hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Ginger Preparation
For the best flavor, use freshly grated ginger instead of powdered ginger.
Ground Beef Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Zucchini Spiralizing
If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini instead.
Adjusting Spice Level
Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your taste preferences. For extra heat, use more than the suggested teaspoon.
Garnish Suggestions
In addition to sesame seeds, chopped cilantro or extra green onions can be great garnishes for added freshness.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisk together ingredients like brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to create a smooth and well-blended sauce. This technique ensures that the sugar dissolves properly and the flavors meld together.
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat to release its aroma and flavor. It is essential to stir constantly to prevent burning and to achieve an even cook.
Browning Meat
When browning ground beef, break it apart as it cooks. This technique ensures even browning and a nice texture. Drain excess fat afterward to maintain a lighter dish.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying involves cooking spiralized zucchini and green onions quickly over high heat. This method retains their crispness while allowing them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Garnishing
Garnish the dish with sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. This final touch enhances your meal’s presentation and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference.
What can I use if I don’t have Sriracha?
If you don’t have Sriracha, you can use another hot sauce or chili paste, adjusting the amount to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for convenience.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be suitable for meal prep. Store the cooked dish in airtight containers, and it should keep well in the refrigerator for a few days.
What can I substitute for zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, you can use other vegetables like carrots, cucumber, or even bell peppers, although cooking times may vary.
Conclusion
This flavorful dish brings together the sweetness of brown sugar and the savory notes of soy sauce, combined with fresh ginger and a hint of spice from Sriracha. The use of spiralized zucchini creates a light, satisfying base, while ground beef adds protein to the mix. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of flavors that will please your palate.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Chicken with Veggies
Substitute the ground beef with diced chicken breast and add broccoli and bell peppers for a colorful stir fry.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Add bite-sized broccoli florets to the beef mixture along with the zucchini for a classic pairing that is both nutritious and delicious.
Spicy Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Replace ground beef with shrimp, seasoning them with the same sauce mix. Serve over spiralized zucchini for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Tofu Stir Fry
Use cubed tofu instead of meat and include additional vegetables such as carrots and snap peas while keeping the same sauce for a plant-based version.
Asian Slaw Salad
For a refreshing side dish, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions with the same dressing ingredients for a crunchy salad.
