Say goodbye to boring beef mince recipes….. these Asian Beef Bowls are super tasty, super easy and SUPER fast! Made with just a handful of staple Asian condiments, the ground beef can be switched with chicken, pork or even turkey.
Also, don’t miss the popular noodle version of this recipe – Asian Beef Ramen Noodles!
Super quick beef mince recipe!
This one is for all those nights when you peer into your fridge, find a packet of beef mince and are completely uninspired to make Spag Bol – yet again.
This is also one for all those nights when you’ve been baking, filming and photographing recipes all day, and you swear you don’t have the energy to make anything for dinner but your mother brain washed you so well, you feel guilty for even thinking about picking up the phone to order home delivery.
Oh wait. Is that just me? ?
This is not a traditional Chinese or other Asian recipe, hence the obscure name “Asian Beef Bowls”.
However, if you have ever made a Chinese stir fry – or in fact, any Chinese recipe – you will likely instantly recognise all the ingredients in the sauce. No Western ingredients. This is made with 100% authentic Asian ingredients. And when you take the first bite, it will be so familiar to you.
Because the sauce is so similar to many stir fries, yet an exact replica of none!
Here’s what you need
And here’s how easy it is to make:
What to serve on the side
Serve this over rice or, for a healthy low carb option, Cauliflower Rice (77% fewer calories and 87% less carbs than rice).
For a side salad, here are a few suggestions.
Side Salads to accompany this dish
I love this recipe because it’s made with beef mince (ground beef) i.e. no meat slicing. Asian recipes made with beef mince aren’t that common, but there are a handful of terrific ones and they are worth knowing for the convenience of being able to make a quick meal when you’ve got a packet of mince on hand. Here’s a handful of my favourites:
- Easy Sichuan Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans
- Japanese Pork and Green Bean Stir Fry <<– On my mother’s website, RecipeTin Japan
- Larb Gai (Thai Lettuce Wraps) and San Choy Bau (Chinese Lettuce Wraps)
- Thai Chicken or Pork Stir Fry
- Chinese Pork Mince with Noodles “Chinese Bolognese”
Unlike most stir fries, this one doesn’t come with a ton of sauce. But it’s juicy and the beef has a ton of flavour in it so when it’s all mixed up with the rice, you certainly won’t feel like you’re missing sauce. Promise! ~ Nagi x ❤️
Watch how to make it
“Wow! Can’t believe something that was so quick to do was also so tasty.”
– Jacqui, January 2019
“This would have to be the tastiest easiest mince dish I have ever cooked in 15 minutes.”
– Wendy, 10 May 2017
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Asian Beef Bowls
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (or sub with Oyster)
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (or sub with 1 1/2 tbsp Hoisin)
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin, dry sherry, sake or any rice wine) (Note 1)
- 2 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 2)
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or sub with black)
Stir Fry:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 500 g /1 lb beef mince (ground beef) (lean is good)
- 1/2 cup shallots / scallions , sliced, plus more for garnish
Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix Sauce together in a bowl
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 1 minute or until onion starts browning.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go.
- Once the beef has all changed from red to brown, add Sauce. Cook for a further 2 minutes, or until Sauce has evaporated and beef is cooked. If you want the beef cooked more, add a splash of water and keep cooking (I don't do this).
- Stir through shallots, then serve over rice, garnished with more shallots and sesame seeds, if desired. Or for a low carb, low cal option, try Cauliflower Rice!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published May 2017, updated with new video, new photos, step photos, refreshed writing, and latest and greatest in Life of Dozer!
More quick 15 minute Asian meals
- Quick Asian Beef RAMEN Noodles and Chicken Vegetable Ramen Noodles – 15 minutes, made in one pot
- Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup with Egg Ribbons – so simple, this will blow your mind…
- Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans – flavour packed!
- Egg Fried Rice – it all comes down to the sauce…
- See 15 Minute Recipes
Life of Dozer
Project Manager Dozer, reporting for duty!!!
I just want to say that you are my OG (original gangster) and HG (holy grail) for ALL RECIPES for literally everything. Thank you for all your effort and commitment to delivering us amazing recipes!
When in doubt – RECIPETINEATS!
Thanks so so SO much Sunny, I love hearing this! N x
If i add cabbage and mushroom, how should i adjust so the beef is still caramelised?
The first time I made it I had no hoisin so I subbed with Oyster sauce and found it really salty (and I love salt). The next night I used Hoisin and it was AMAZING. Thank you!
I’m so glad you gave it another shot Amy! N x
Hi Nagi,
Mince in the fridge, single male after 27 years of marriage, what to do? Google what to eat with mince? Love the recipe, easy to make and tastes great. just forgot the sesame seeds I just wish that cooks would also have a recipe for one! Each time I have to guess with a little math and hope I have the right mix. Then I save the ones I love and tweek the ingredients from there. Scott xxx
Hi Scott, Use the servings slider scale at the top of the recipe to adjust for one serve and all the ingredients will adjust for you – 😉 N x
I absolutely loved this. I am super into rice, my husband….not so much.. So I cooked a portion of rice noodles for him. He loved it but kept reaching over to taste mine with the rice. haha next time I think i’ll only have to cook the rice.
You’ve totally converted him Joann!! N x
OMG I love this recipe! I subbed with chicken breast but still so yummy! My daughter and husband gobbled it up! I just stumbled on your site but I am looking forward to cooking more of your recipes!
I usually never comment on anything, but I had to when I stumbled across this gem. Absolutely delicious and super simple. Thank you for sharing Nagi, will definitely become a staple in my house.
So quick and delicious! This recipe has become a family favourite served with smashed cucumber salad… YUM!
Thank you Nagi x
A great combo Marni, I’m so glad you love it! N x
Everyone needs a recipe or 3 that calls for some protein and things you have in the pantry. This is it! Perfect for those busy days when you want to eat fast and not have to order in. Oh and it’s got plenty of flavor.
Yes definitely Scott!!
OMG Nagi Am soo lovely ur recipes Another mid week winner and thanks to you I have frozen cooked rice to boot.
PS I first always scroll down to Dozer pix before recipe!!
He always steals my thunder Dee! 🐶🤣