Introduction
In today’s recipe, we’re going to whip up a delicious and hearty beef fried rice. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. With ground beef, scrambled eggs, and a mix of vegetables, this recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 large eggs, beaten
3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious beef fried rice that the whole family will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Scramble Eggs
Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Add Remaining Olive Oil
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 4: Cook Ground Beef
Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Add Peas and Carrots
Add the frozen peas and carrots mix to the skillet and cook until heated through.
Step 7: Incorporate Cooked Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps.
Step 8: Add Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar
Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 9: Return Scrambled Eggs
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing them into the rice mixture.
Step 10: Season
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 11: Heat Through
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is heated through.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Tip for Rice
Using day-old rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy and ensures a better texture.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetable Variations
You can use other vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Scrambling Eggs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add beaten eggs, and cook while stirring until fully cooked and fluffy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Brown Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add more olive oil and cook ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and fully cooked. This enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
Sautéing Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its essential oils and enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Heating Vegetables
Add frozen peas and carrots mix to the skillet, stirring occasionally until they are heated through. This helps maintain their color and texture.
Combining Ingredients
Introduce the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps to ensure even distribution. Stir in soy sauce and rice vinegar for flavor.
Reintegrating Scrambled Eggs
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently mix them into the rice mixture, ensuring they are well distributed for balanced flavor in every bite.
Seasoning
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing flavor and adjusting to personal preference before serving.
Garnishing
For a finishing touch, garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. Just make sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces and sauté them until they are tender.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Day-old cooked white rice is ideal as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Freshly cooked rice can be used, but ensure it cools and dries out a bit first.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu can be used as alternatives to ground beef, depending on your dietary preferences.
How can I adjust the flavor of the dish?
You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for acidity, or even some chili flakes for a bit of heat to customize the taste to your liking.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this fried rice is great for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days and reheats well.
Conclusion
This delicious and hearty ground beef fried rice is a quick and satisfying meal that combines protein, veggies, and rice in one dish. The use of day-old rice enhances the texture and allows for better absorption of flavors from the soy sauce and garlic. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a nutritious dinner that delights the whole family. Customize it further based on your preferences or available ingredients for a variety of delicious outcomes.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Swap out the peas and carrots for fresh broccoli florets, adding a splash more soy sauce and a teaspoon of ginger for an extra kick.
Egg Fried Rice with Shrimp
Substitute ground beef with cooked shrimp for a lighter version and include additional veggies like bell peppers or snow peas.
Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a colorful stir-fry.
Spicy Beef Fried Rice
Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the original recipe for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
Beef and Kimchi Rice
Add chopped kimchi to the rice mixture for a Korean-inspired twist that brings a burst of flavor and fermentation to the dish.
One-Pan Taco Rice
Mix in taco seasoning while cooking the beef and top with cheese before serving for a fun taco-inspired variation.
