Ground Beef and Potato One Pot Rice

Steps

1. 1
   Rinse short grain rice about three times and soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2
   Prepare seasoning water by combining 2 cups water, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, and 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (or Korean beef stock powder); mix well.
3. 3
   Prepare vegetables: smash and finely chop 5 garlic cloves; thinly slice 5 green onions, keeping white and green parts separate; quarter half a pound of mushrooms; cut 2 potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
4. 4
   Prepare sauce by mixing 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon Korean chili pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, reserved green onion greens, and sesame seeds.
5. 5
   Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add 300g ground beef, spread it out, season with a pinch of salt, and sear for about 2 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown. Flip, break up the beef, and cook for another minute.
6. 6
   Add garlic, white parts of green onions, mushrooms, and potatoes; sauté together for about 4 to 5 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.
7. 7
   Add the drained rice and stir for about 1 minute, allowing the grains to absorb the flavors from the beef and mushrooms.
8. 8
   Pour in the prepared seasoning water and keep stirring until it comes to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful browned bits and prevent sticking.
9. 9
   Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
10. 10
    Remove from heat and let steam for another 10 minutes without opening the lid.
11. 11
    Open the lid, sprinkle with reserved green onion greens and a pat of butter to finish. Mix in the prepared sauce to taste.