- Cook white rice according to package instructions and keep warm.
- Slice cucumber into batons and toss lightly with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt. Set aside to quick-pickle for 10 minutes.
- Cut carrots into matchsticks and slice red bell pepper into strips. Roast or leave raw depending on preference — to roast, toss with oil and cook at 200°C for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7–8 minutes.
- Mix mayonnaise and sriracha together in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust heat level to taste.
- Divide rice between two bowls and top with ground beef. Arrange cucumber, carrot, and red pepper around the bowl.
- Drizzle sriracha mayo generously over the top and finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
Tip: For deeper umami flavour in the beef, add a teaspoon of gochujang or oyster sauce while cooking — it adds complexity and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sriracha mayo.