Savory, tangy Vietnamese-inspired lamb bowls pair quick-seared ground lamb with cooling pickled cucumber and seasonal August produce for a practical one-pan dinner.
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: —
- Estimated total cost: About $21–$23 for 2 servings
- Calories per serving: —
Health: About 730 calories and 36 grams of protein per serving, with satisfying carbohydrates and fresh vegetables.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling softens the chile heat and complements the salty, lime-bright lamb.
Details
Ingredients
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Simple Truth® Natural Ground Lamb12 ounces $12.99
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Mahatma Thai Fragrant Jasmine Rice3/4 cup dry $4.99
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Water1 1/4 cups
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Cucumber1 medium $0.99
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Fresh Jalapeno Pepper1 small $2.99
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Fresh Organic Lime1, yielding 2 tablespoons juice $1.50
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Rice vinegar1 tablespoon
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Light brown sugar2 teaspoons
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Kosher salt1/2 teaspoon
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Neutral cooking oil1 teaspoon
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Garlic2 cloves $0.99
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Ginger Root1 tablespoon grated $4.99
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Fish sauce1 1/2 tablespoons
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Low-sodium soy sauce1 tablespoon
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Ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon
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Green Onions2 $1.50
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Mint1/4 cup chopped leaves $1.49
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling Washington White Wine1 bottle $25.99
Instructions
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Thinly slice 1 medium cucumber and 1/2 small jalapeño. Toss them with 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; let pickle for at least 20 minutes while preparing dinner.
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Rinse 3/4 cup dry jasmine rice. Bring it to a boil with 1 1/4 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, cover, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes; remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
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While the rice cooks, thinly slice 2 green onions and chop 1/4 cup mint leaves; reserve them for serving. Mince 2 garlic cloves, grate 1 tablespoon ginger, and finely chop 1/2 small jalapeño.
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Heat 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces ground lamb in an even layer and sear undisturbed for 3 minutes; break it into bite-size crumbles and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until browned and it reaches 160°F.
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Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1/2 finely chopped jalapeño; cook for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; toss for 2 minutes, until glossy.
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Divide the cooked components between two bowls, drain and arrange the pickles on top, and finish with the prepared green onions and mint before serving.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Wine picks:
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Eroica Riesling Washington White Wine $25.99 1 bottle
- Charles Smith Wines Kungfu Girl Riesling Washington White Wine $14.99 1 bottle
Why it works: The lamb’s savory sear, fish sauce, soy, lime, mint, and jalapeño call for Riesling with both freshness and a touch of sweetness. Eroica offers a more refined, citrus-driven match, while Kung Fu Girl is a lively, fruit-forward value that softens the chile and refreshes against the pickled cucumber.