Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and chopped fresh ginger.

Step 2

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add ground beef, half of the green onions, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks, drain excess fat.

Step 5

Add the soy sauce mixture and chopped water chestnuts into the skillet and stir until well combined.

Step 6

Allow the mixture to simmer on low until heated through, about 10 - 15 minutes. Remove from heat

Step 7

Serve immediately over steamed rice garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Step 8

The Beef and rice mixture can also be scooped into lettuce leaves to make lettuce wraps.