When you’re in the mood for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Ground Beef Vermicelli Bowl is just what you need. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and offers a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors. Whether you choose ground beef, turkey, or pork, the combination of aromatic garlic and ginger with a richly seasoned sauce makes this stir-fry an instant favorite.
I love this dish especially in the summer! It’s quick, only needs one pan, and is a flavor bomb! My kids love to top it with a little hoisin sauce and I love to add a little chili garlic on top. Delish!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Works with beef, turkey, or pork, so you can customize based on what you have on hand.
Flavorful: A rich, umami-packed sauce with a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Fresh and Vibrant: Topped with fresh herbs and veggies for added texture and brightness.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s easily adjustable for different spice levels.
Ground Beef Vermicelli Bowl Video
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Ground Beef Vermicelli Ingredients
Full directions, photos and ingredients in the recipe card at the end of post
Stir-Fry:
- Ground Meat: 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or pork – choose your favorite protein for this versatile dish.
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp, adds nutty flavor to ground beef.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – adds a robust flavor that infuses the entire dish.
- Ginger: 1 tsp, minced – brings a touch of warmth and a hint of spice.
- Garlic and onion powder: Adds flavor to stir-fry.
- Rice Vermicelli Noodles: 9 oz – also sometimes called rice sticks. Soak according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. These noodles add a delightful texture and help soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Scallions: 2 stalks, sliced (white and green parts separated) – the white parts are sautéed with the meat, while the green parts are used as a fresh garnish.
Sauce:
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: ⅓ cup – provides a salty, umami base.
- Water: ⅓ cup – helps to dilute the sauce and balance the flavors.
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp – thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the meat.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp – adds a nutty, aromatic depth.
- Fish Sauce: 1 tsp – contributes a subtle umami richness.
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1/2 tbsp – gives the sauce a deeper color and richer flavor.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp – balances the savory and spicy elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Sriracha: 1 tbsp – adds a spicy kick, adjustable to your taste.
Toppings:
- Shredded Carrots: 1/2 cup – for a pop of color and natural sweetness. I bought pre-shredded to save time.
- Fresh Herbs: A handful of basil and cilantro, chopped – these fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add layers of flavor.
- Scallions: Green parts for garnish – for a fresh, crisp finish.
Instructions
Full directions, photos and ingredients in the recipe card at the end of post
Prepare the Rice Vermicelli Noodles:
- Soak the rice vermicelli noodles in hot water according to the package instructions, usually for 6-8 minutes.
- Once softened, drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside in a large bowl.
Cook the Meat: Start by heating a large pan over medium-high heat. Add in the sesame oil and ground meat and move to the side.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the white parts of the scallions and saute for 2 minutes. Incorporate with the meat and cook until mostly browned. Add in the garlic, ginger, onion, and garlic powder. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the scallions are softened.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha until well combined.
Combine and Cook: Turn the heat to medium low. Pour the sauce over the meat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Veggies and Herbs: Toss in the shredded carrots and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil, cilantro, and the green parts of the scallions.
Serve the Stir-Fry: Place a serving of rice vermicelli noodles into shallow bowls or on large plates. Spoon the ground meat stir-fry over the noodles, making sure to get plenty of sauce with each serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Swap out ground meat for tofu, chicken, or even shrimp to mix things up.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of meat, and replace fish sauce with a vegan alternative or soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference, or swap it with chili garlic sauce for a different flavor.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and crunch.
What to Serve with Ground Meat Stir-Fry
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the bold flavors of the dish. Check out my salad that I paired with my Korean Bowl.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These make a great appetizer or side dish to complement the stir-fry.
Steamed or Stir-Fried Greens: Garlic Green Beans, Steamed bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), or stir-fried spinach with garlic provides a nutritious and slightly bitter contrast that pairs well with the richness of the ground meat.
FAQ
Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with ground beef, turkey, pork, or even chicken. Each type of meat brings its unique flavor profile, so feel free to choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients, like sriracha and fish sauce, are also gluten-free. Additionally, rice vermicelli noodles are naturally gluten-free.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stir-fry gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the dish seems dry upon reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
What type of noodles should I use?
This dish traditionally uses rice vermicelli noodles, which are thin, delicate noodles made from rice. They soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully and provide a light, satisfying base for the stir-fry. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the noodles properly.
Ground Beef Vermicelli Bowl
Ingredients
Stir-Fry
- 1 lb ground beef turkey, or pork
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 9 oz Rice Vermicelli Noodles
- 2 stalks scallions sliced white and green parts separated
Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- A handful of basil and cilantro chopped
- Green parts for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Rice Vermicelli Noodles
- Soak the rice vermicelli noodles in hot water according to the package instructions, usually for 6-8 minutes.
- Once softened, drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside in a large bowl.
Cook the Meat
- Start by heating a large pan over medium-high heat. Add in the sesame oil and ground meat and move to the side. Stir in the white parts of the scallions and sauté for 2 minutes.
Add Aromatics
- Incorporate the scallions with the meat and cook until mostly browned. Add in the garlic, ginger, onion, and garlic powder. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the scallions are softened.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha until well combined.
Combine and Cook
- Turn the heat to medium low. Pour the sauce over the meat and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Veggies and Herbs
- Toss in the shredded carrots and cook for an additional minute. If too much of the sauce evaporated, you can add more water a few tbsps at a time. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil, cilantro, and the green parts of the scallions.
Serve the Stir-Fry
- Place a serving of rice vermicelli noodles into shallow bowls or on plate and top with meat, green scallions, chili garlic oil (optional) and even a little hoisin sauce (optional)
Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Was perfect!