Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is a fantastic weeknight dinner, bringing together crispy beef and fresh vegetables in a sauce that packs a punch. The crispy beef gives you a satisfying crunch, while the sweet and spicy sauce adds depth and complexity. The cooked rice serves as the perfect base to soak up all the flavorful goodness. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and is sure to impress your family or guests. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

300g 5% fat beef mince
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
20ml dark soy sauce
15ml sriracha
10g tomato puree
20g honey
250g cooked rice
Optional toppings: sliced spring onion, sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Beef: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it turns golden brown and crispy. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Once crispy, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Add the dark soy sauce, sriracha, tomato puree, and honey to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the Beef and Rice: Return the crispy beef to the pan, and add the cooked rice. Stir everything together so that the rice is coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the crispy chilli beef rice in bowls, and top with optional sliced spring onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace the beef mince with plant-based mince or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your preference for heat. Add more if you like it spicier, or reduce it for a milder dish.
Rice Alternatives: You can use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the rice if it has become dry.

FAQs

Can I use lean beef instead of 5% fat mince?

Yes, you can use lean beef if you prefer. Just note that it may not crisp up as well as the fattier version, but it will still taste delicious.

Can I make this recipe without sriracha?

Yes! If you don’t have sriracha, you can use any hot sauce you like or even chili flakes for some heat. Adjust to your spice preference.

Can I use leftover rice?

Absolutely! Leftover rice works perfectly in this recipe and actually makes it quicker to prepare. Just make sure to break up any clumps before adding it to the pan.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can freeze the beef and rice mixture for up to 2 months. Reheat it thoroughly when ready to serve.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Dark soy sauce is preferred for its richer flavor, but you can use regular soy sauce if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the taste may be slightly different.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes! You can add toppings like avocado, chili flakes, or lime wedges to give the dish an extra kick and a burst of freshness.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can swap the beef for ground chicken, turkey. Each will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile but will still work wonderfully with the sauce.

How can I make the beef even crispier?

For even crispier beef, allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes in the pan so it gets a nice crispy texture before stirring.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, you can use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic. Just make sure to finely chop it before adding it to the pan.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

While the beef mixture is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply cook the rice and combine everything in the pan.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that delivers the perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and texture. It’s quick to make, customizable to your taste, and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy nights or when you’re looking for something comforting. Whether you enjoy a little spice or prefer a milder version, this recipe is sure to become a go-to meal in your weekly rotation!