Sticky Beef Rice Bowls with Smashed Cucumber

Instructions

1. 1

   Before handling the beef, finely chop the onion, garlic and chilli, keeping the garlic separate. Thinly slice the mushrooms and spring onions; reserve two spring onions for the beef and one for the cucumber. Gently crush the cucumber with a rolling pin, cut it into bite-sized pieces and place in a serving bowl.

2. 2

   Mix the oyster sauce and sweet chilli sauce with 15 ml soy sauce and 15 ml mirin in a small bowl.

3. 3

   Rinse the raw rice under cold running water and drain thoroughly. Put it in a 2-litre saucepan with the 450 ml water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cover tightly and turn the heat to low. Cook gently for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   While the rice cooks, heat a 30 cm deep nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Using ground beef with about 10% fat, brown it in two batches for 4–5 minutes each, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer each batch to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pan; the beef will finish cooking later. Wash your hands and clean any surfaces or utensils that touched raw beef.

5. 5

   Reduce the pan heat to medium. Add the onion and mushrooms to the rendered fat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened and most of the mushroom liquid has evaporated. Add the garlic and fresh chilli and cook for 1 minute.

6. 6

   Return the beef and its juices to the pan and add the mixed glaze. Cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until glossy and thick enough to coat the beef. Check several places with an instant-read thermometer: the beef must reach 71°C/160°F. Stir in the two sliced spring onions reserved for the beef.

7. 7

   While the rice stands, use clean utensils to toss the cucumber with the remaining 15 ml soy sauce, remaining 15 ml mirin, sesame oil, chilli flakes, sesame seeds and remaining sliced spring onion.

8. 8

   Fluff the rice and divide between four bowls. Spoon over the sticky beef and serve the smashed cucumber alongside, sharing out its dressing.