How to make Ground Beef NOT suck. Elevate it w/ this sauce, & enjoy it with @Pepsi

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium optional)
• 3 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (Chinese style)
• 0.5 tbsp Brown Sugar (Packed)
• 1 tbsp Ketchup (Regular tomato ketchup)
• 0.5 tsp Sesame Oil (Toasted, use a dash)
• 1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar (Mild acidity, splash)
• 0.5 tsp Sriracha (Optional, adjust heat)
• 1 tsp Cornstarch (For thickening)
• 2 tbsp Water (For cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tbsp Pepsi (Adds subtle caramel flavor)
• 2 cups Cooked White Rice (Steamed, can be prepared ahead)
• 1 medium Cucumber (Thinly sliced for salad)
• 1 pinch Chili Flakes (Optional, for cucumber salad)

Instructions

1. Season the Beef

   Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of salt evenly over the 1 lb of ground beef.

   Time: PT2M

2. Sear the Beef

   Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned beef, spreading it out to maximize surface area. Let it sit without stirring for a minute to develop a brown crust.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: high heat

3. Prepare the Sauce

   In a mixing bowl combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, ½ tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp ketchup, a dash of sesame oil, 1 tsp rice wine vinegar, optional ½ tsp Sriracha, 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, and 1 tbsp Pepsi. Whisk until smooth.

   Time: PT3M

4. Break Up and Drain

   When the beef starts to brown, flip it, break it up with the spatula, and drain excess grease into a heat‑proof bowl.

   Time: PT2M

5. Caramelize the Sauce

   Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and continue cooking on high heat until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and the beef develops a slight crispiness (about 7 minutes).

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: high heat

6. Cook the Rice

   While the beef finishes, cook 2 cups of white rice according to package directions (typically 15 minutes).

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: medium heat

7. Make the Cucumber Salad (Optional)

   Thinly slice the cucumber, place in a bowl, and toss with a splash of rice wine vinegar, a pinch of chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.

   Time: PT3M

8. Plate and Serve

   Spoon the caramelized beef over a bed of cooked rice. Add the cucumber salad on the side or top, if desired. Serve immediately.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g