Sometimes, you just need a quick, tasty, and comforting dinner that feels like a restaurant meal at home. This Beef Fried Rice is the ultimate Fakeaway recipe! With shredded chili beef and flavorful fried rice, it’s a dish packed with bold, satisfying flavors. It’s one of my most popular recipes, and every time I make it, I’m reminded why it’s a favorite. Perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or when you’re craving a takeaway-style meal without the grease!
Method
Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add a small splash of oil to the pan to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor of the vegetables. Once the pan is hot, add the diced red and green peppers along with the diced red onion. Allow the vegetables to cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and aromatic. The vibrant colors of the peppers and onion create a beautiful base for the dish. After the vegetables have softened, add the crushed garlic to the pan. Stir it well and let it fry for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn, as burned garlic can turn bitter. This step enhances the flavor profile of the dish, giving it a rich, savory aroma.
Brown the Beef
Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the 5% fat beef mince to the pan. Break up the mince with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring it cooks evenly. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic granules, and onion granules to season the beef. These spices and seasonings infuse the meat with a delicious smoky and savory flavor. Continue cooking until the beef is browned all over. Browning the meat properly is essential as it locks in the flavors and gives the dish a satisfying texture. Stir occasionally to combine the beef with the sautéed vegetables, ensuring the flavors meld together perfectly.
Sweeten and Spice It Up
Once the beef is fully cooked, drizzle honey over the mixture to add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and smoky elements. Then, add the chipotle paste for a smoky and spicy kick. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the honey and chipotle paste coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute or two, letting the flavors meld and deepen. This step creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile, where the sweetness and spiciness complement each other perfectly.
Add Water and Rice
With the beef and vegetables seasoned to perfection, pour in 100ml of boiling water. Stir the mixture well, ensuring the liquid combines with the meat and vegetables to create a flavorful base. Next, open the packet of Mexican microwaveable rice and add it directly to the pan. Stir the rice into the mixture, making sure it absorbs the flavorful juices and combines evenly with the beef and vegetables. Let the rice cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. This step ties the entire dish together, creating a cohesive and hearty meal.
Serve with Toppings
Once the rice is heated through and the flavors are well combined, turn off the heat and prepare to serve. Divide the Beef Fried Rice into serving plates or bowls while it’s still hot. For the finishing touches, top each portion with grated reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The cheese melts slightly over the warm rice, adding a creamy richness. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous note, and drizzle fat-free yogurt on top for a tangy, cooling effect. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Frying pan or wok
- Medium saucepan (for rice)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Shredded Chili Beef:
- 250 g 5% fat beef mince
- 1 red chili sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- For the Sauce:
- 20 ml soy sauce
- 50 ml water
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tbsp honey
- For the Rice:
- 120 g dry basmati rice cooked
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 spring onions sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp lazy garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Rice. Start by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Shredded Chili Beef. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the beef mince, red chili, and garlic granules. Cook until the beef is browned and crispy.
- Step 3: Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, water, sweet chili sauce, tomato purée, and honey. Pour the sauce over the browned beef. Let it simmer and reduce until thick and bubbly.
- Step 4: Make the Fried Rice. In another pan, heat a little oil and sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes. Add the lazy garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and sriracha. Mix well until the rice is fully coated in the sauce.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve. Add a portion of the shredded chili beef to the rice and mix well. Serve hot, garnished with sliced spring onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Rice: If possible, use leftover rice as it’s drier and less likely to clump. If cooking fresh, spread the rice out to cool before frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef and rice in separate batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of frying.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less sriracha and chili depending on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Add a fried egg on top for a twist on traditional fried rice.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chili flakes for extra flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know fried rice was created to use up leftovers? It’s a staple dish in many Asian cuisines because it’s versatile and perfect for transforming leftover rice and ingredients into a flavorful meal.
Conclusion
This Beef Fried Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for recreating your favorite takeaway at home. The combination of shredded chili beef, saucy rice, and bold flavors makes it a dinner you’ll want to cook again and again. Give it a try, and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking!