Craving a delicious and wholesome meal that’s quick to prepare? This Sesame Beef and Snap Pea Bowl offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal choice for a healthy beef bowl you’ll love. It’s simple enough for any weeknight and packed with goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef: Use sirloin or flank steak for best results. Ground beef works in a pinch for a different texture.
- Snap Peas: Fresh snap peas are fantastic. Frozen snap peas or green beans are good alternatives.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended. Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free options.
- Sesame Oil: Essential for flavor. Don’t skip this!
- Rice: White or brown rice is classic. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can also be used.
Ingredients:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb fresh snap peas, trimmed
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 (depending on rice type and exact ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, whisk, mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Snap Peas
Add the trimmed snap peas to the same skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. You want them to retain a nice bite.
4. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the snap peas. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious healthy beef bowl!
Variation Ideas:
- Add bell peppers or shredded carrots with the snap peas for extra veggies.
- Top with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Swap out the beef for chicken breast or firm tofu for a different take.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Sesame Beef and Snap Pea Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you make this ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef in advance, but for the best taste and texture, cook and assemble just before serving.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this a gluten-free healthy beef bowl.
- What kind of rice is best? Any cooked rice works well. Brown rice adds more fiber, while white rice has a classic texture.
- How do you prevent the beef from being tough? Slice the beef against the grain into very thin pieces and cook it quickly over high heat until just done.
- Can you use frozen snap peas? Yes, you can use frozen snap peas. Add them directly to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender-crisp.
- What other vegetables can you add? Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or even thinly sliced cabbage would be great additions to this healthy beef bowl.
