Whisk ⅓ cup water, ⅓ cup honey, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and ¼ 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.
