25 Minute Banh Mi Rice Bowls

Source: https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/

Ingredients:
Cucumber Herb Salad
2 cucumbers chopped
1 serrano or jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced
1 cup mixed fresh herbs, chopped
3 tablespoons mixed sesame seeds and peanuts
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 avocado, sliced

Banh Mi Meat
2 tablespoons sesame or olive oil
1.5 lbs ground chicken or pork
2 shallots, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
½ cup tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1-3 tablespoons chili paste
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup shredded or pickled carrots
½ cup pickled ginger
3-4 cups cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1.  Make the salad: Combine everything in a bowl and gently toss. Season with salt
2. TMake the meat: In a bowl, mix the tamari, fish sauce, chili paste, and maple syrup.
   Add 1/3 cup water. Set a few tablespoons of the sauce aside for serving, if desired.
3. Heat the oil, meat, shallots, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook,
   breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned, 5 minutes. Add the sauce. Cook
   another 5 minutes, until the meat is crispy. Add the pickled ginger, and let cook for 1
   minute. Remove from the heat.
4. Spoon the meat over bowls of rice. Top with the herb salad, pickled carrots, and spicy
   mayo. Drizzle over the extra sauce. Enjoy!