Craving a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than this easy ground beef fried rice recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. This recipe delivers all the comforting tastes of classic fried rice with the added protein punch of savory ground beef, making it a complete and delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated takeout orders and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. We've streamlined the process to ensure even beginner cooks can achieve perfectly cooked rice and a vibrant, flavorful final product.
This recipe serves two, making it ideal for couples or individuals looking for leftovers. We’ll guide you through each step, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that signature fried rice texture. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Food processor
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Water
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Corn starch
- Homemade spice or white pepper
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Onion: 1/3 small
- Carrots: 1/4 medium
- Spring onions: 3
- Cooked rice: 1 1/2 cups
- Eggs: 2
- Salt
- Oil
- Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce (optional): 1 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Marinate Beef
- Marinate ground beef with water, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and spice/white pepper. Process beef in food processor (or use store-bought ground beef).
- Chop garlic, onion, and carrots into small pieces. Separate white and green parts of spring onions.
- Whisk eggs with a little salt.
Step 2. Cook Beef and Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté white parts of spring onions and chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add marinated ground beef and cook until almost done. Add chopped garlic and stir to prevent burning.
- Add rice vinegar and stir well. Add dark soy sauce (optional) for color and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little oil, then add cooked rice and stir-fry. Add chopped carrots.
Step 3. Scramble Eggs and Combine
- Move rice to the side of the pan, add a little oil, and scramble eggs.
- Mix eggs, rice, and carrots together. Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce, mix well.
- Add cooked ground beef to the rice mixture and stir everything together evenly.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with green parts of spring onions.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Adjust ingredient quantities if cooking for more than two people.
- Don't worry if carrots are crunchy; the steam from the rice will soften them.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rice is ideal for fried rice as it's slightly drier and less likely to become mushy.
2. What kind of ground beef is best?
Lean ground beef (80/20) works well, but you can use any you prefer. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or chopped onions. Add them with the ground beef.
This easy ground beef fried rice recipe is a perfect weeknight solution for a delicious and satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without the hassle. So, grab your wok (or large skillet) and get cooking!