Spicy Ground Beef and Onion Stir-Fry with Red Pepper

1.In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.

2.Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3.Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and set the cooked beef aside in a bowl.

4.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onions and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crispness.

5.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

6.Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables.

7.Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk (as the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over the beef and vegetables.

8.Stir constantly and quickly until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should become glossy.

9.Remove the stir-fry from the heat immediately. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (add a pinch of salt or more chili sauce if desired).

10.Serve hot immediately over steamed white or brown rice, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.