Wok-Fired Soy-Ginger Ground Pork and Bell Peppers with Rice

Rinse 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

While the rice cooks, prep the vegetables and aromatics: Chop the red and yellow bell peppers into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Peel and finely grate the 1-inch piece of fresh ginger to yield about 1 tablespoon. Slice 3 green onions, separating the white and green parts.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and have slight charred edges. Transfer the cooked peppers to a clean serving bowl and set aside.

Add another 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok over high heat. Add 1 1/4 lbs of ground pork. Cook, breaking the meat up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 6 minutes until the pork is completely browned and starting to get crispy.

Reduce the wok heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn.

Pour the soy-sugar sauce mixture into the wok with the pork. Stir well to coat the meat. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes the pork. Remove from heat.

Transfer the glazed ground pork to a separate serving bowl and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions.

Assemble the meal family-style by serving the fluffy jasmine rice, the sweet-savory ground pork, and the vibrant stir-fried bell peppers in separate bowls, allowing everyone to build their own customized plate.