GROUND BEEF FRIED RICE

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ginger powder or 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons oil (not olive oil)
1 red bell pepper, cut into about 1/2-inch pieces
1 (6 ounce) package frozen pea pods, thawed*
3 cups COLD cooked white rice
3 to 4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
3 green onions, chopped
salt and pepper (optional)

In a wok or a large skillet cook the gound beef with garlic and ginger over medium heat (about 10 minutes) breaking up into small pieces until the beef is very well browned; drain the fat VERY well, then transfer to a bowl; set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the same skillet over medium-high eat until hot. Add in bell pepper and pea pods; cook for 3 minutes or until bell pepper is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the COLD cook rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Return the cooked ground beef back to the skillet; toss to combine and heat though, then stir in the chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper and more soy sauce if desired.

*You can substitute 1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets for the pea pods, if desired.

Servings: 4