Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that’s simple and budget-friendly? This Beef Fried Rice is a fantastic way to use everyday ingredients to create something tasty. It’s packed with flavor from the spices and fresh veggies, and it can be made in no time! Let’s get started on making this wonderful dish that your whole family will enjoy!
Method
Sauté the Vegetables
To start, heat a large frying pan or wok over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once the pan is hot, toss in the diced red and green peppers along with the small red onion. Let the vegetables cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their natural aroma. The vibrant colors of the peppers and onion make the dish visually appealing from the very beginning. After the vegetables are softened, add the crushed garlic cloves. Fry the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. The addition of garlic enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the dish a rich, savory aroma.
Brown the Beef
With the vegetables ready, it’s time to add the 5% fat beef mince to the pan. Break the mince into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules over the beef as it cooks. These spices infuse the meat with a robust and smoky flavor, adding depth to the dish. Cook the beef until it’s browned all over, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or uneven cooking. This step is crucial for locking in the flavors and giving the meat a tender yet slightly crisp texture.
Sweeten and Spice it Up
Once the beef is browned and well-seasoned, it’s time to enhance the flavor by adding a sweet and spicy twist. Drizzle in the honey and mix it thoroughly with the beef and vegetables. Then, add the chipotle paste, which brings a delightful kick of heat to the dish. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors blend harmoniously. This step creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness that makes the dish irresistible.
Add Water and Rice
Now, pour 100ml of boiling water into the pan. Stir the mixture to evenly distribute the liquid, allowing it to combine with the spices and juices from the beef and vegetables. Next, add the packet of Mexican microwaveable rice directly into the pan. Stir the rice through the mixture thoroughly, ensuring it absorbs all the delicious flavors in the pan. This step not only heats the rice but also allows it to take on the rich and savory taste of the beef and spices, bringing the dish together beautifully.
Serve with Toppings
Once everything is heated through and well mixed, turn off the heat. The dish is now ready to serve! To elevate the presentation and taste, top each serving with reduced-fat cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, and a drizzle of fat-free yogurt. These toppings add creaminess, freshness, and a subtle tanginess to the dish, making it even more enjoyable. Serve hot and enjoy!
Beef Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping board and knife
- Microwave (for rice)
Ingredients
- 350 g 5% fat beef mince
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1 small red onion diced
- 15 g honey
- 1 teaspoon chipotle paste
- 100 ml boiling water
- 1 packet of Mexican microwaveable rice
- Toppings:
- 45 g reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped
- 30 ml fat-free yogurt
Instructions
- To begin, I heat my large frying pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once it’s hot, I add the diced red and green peppers along with the small red onion. I let them fry for about three minutes until they become soft and aromatic. The colors in the pan look so vibrant, and I can already smell the deliciousness! Then, I toss in the crushed garlic and fry it for about 30 seconds, stirring to make sure it doesn’t burn. The garlic adds such a wonderful flavor to the dish!
- Next, I add the 5% fat beef mince to the pan. I sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules to season the beef. I stir everything together and cook until the beef is browned all over. This step is essential because it locks in the flavors and gives the meat a nice texture.
- Once the beef is nicely browned, I drizzle in the honey and add the chipotle paste. I mix everything well, allowing the sweet and spicy flavors to blend together. The chipotle adds a nice kick to the dish, which I absolutely love!
- Now it’s time to pour in the boiling water and stir everything together. I then add the packet of Mexican microwaveable rice straight into the pan. I stir the rice through the mixture, letting it absorb all the tasty juices from the beef and vegetables. This part is so satisfying, and I can see it all coming together beautifully!
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, I turn off the heat. I love to serve this dish hot, so I top it with reduced-fat cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a drizzle of fat-free yogurt. These toppings not only add flavor but also make the dish look inviting!
Notes
- When adding the garlic, be careful not to let it burn as it can make the dish taste bitter.
- Make sure to stir the mixture regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a saucier rice, feel free to add a bit more water or stock.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but it pairs nicely with a simple side salad for some extra crunch. You can also serve it with sliced avocado or some tortilla chips for added texture. If you like a little heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños on top!
Fun Fact
Did you know that rice is one of the most widely consumed staple foods in the world? It is a primary source of energy for over half the world’s population. That’s why it’s such a great base for this meal!
Conclusion
This Beef Fried Rice is not only quick and easy to make, but it also delivers flavor and satisfaction. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish with your family and friends! Happy cooking!