Step 1

Begin by cooking rice if you have not already done so.

Step 2

To prep the vegetables, cut onions into short 1/4 inch strips. After washing carrots and zucchini, julienne them. If you're not familiar with that term, it's basically making thin rectangular pieces, like large matchsticks. For my quick cheater version, slice them diagonally and then lay them in a line and slice again about 1/8 inch wide.

Step 3

Make the sauce by stirring together soy sauce, coconut sugar, and garlic. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large wok or skillet on medium heat, add the ground meat and onion and cook until meat is just done and onions are translucent. If you're using pre-cooked meat, just add the onion and the meat after the onion is soft.

Step 5

Turn stove up to medium-high heat and add in the sauce, stirring constantly as it gets bubbly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until most of the sauce is thickened and evaporated.

Step 6

Push meat and onions to the side and add in carrots, stir-frying for 1 minute until just soft, then push aside with meat.

Step 7

Add in the zucchini and stir-fry for 30 seconds, moving constantly. Again, push zucchini aside with the meat. Add more oil if needed.

Step 8

Add in the spinach and stir fry until just wilted (this happens in seconds, y'all!). If using mung bean sprouts, add them here with a pinch of salt and stir fry with spinach until they're both just wilted.

Step 9

Mix all ingredients together quickly and remove from heat.

Step 10

Divide rice (or cauliflower rice) between individual bowls, and add beef mixture on top.

Step 11

Add desired toppings and then stir

Step 12

Enjoy! It's traditionally eaten by the spoonful, not with chopsticks. So, DIG IN!

Step 13

Combine pepper paste and sesame oil first, stirring slowly

Step 14

Add soy sauce, and carefully stir until fully combined

Step 15

Stir in coconut sugar and garlic (if using)

Step 16

Add 1/4 tsp to 1 T on top of beef mixture and stir whole bowl to combine. Start small and build it up. It's definitely a spicy sauce! But even a little bit adds so much awesome flavor.

Step 17

Store remaining amount in a jar in the fridge. It will keep for 9-12 months.