Honey Garlic Ground Beef

Whisk 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup honey, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using together in a small bowl.

Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and 4 minced garlic cloves and cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until cooked through and browned, 6 to 8 minutes.

Stir the sauce again, then pour into the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened, glossy, and coats the beef, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with cooked white rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions if using.