Savory Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice
This hearty and flavorful fried rice dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It features perfectly browned ground beef, aromatic garlic, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with cold, cooked rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. The addition of sesame oil and soy sauce brings depth and richness, while the bright crunch of red bell pepper and broccoli florets adds a satisfying texture. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is versatile; feel free to substitute broccoli with frozen pea pods for an equally delicious option. Enjoy this savory dish that your loved ones will adore!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
garlic cloves
5-6 large (chopped)
ginger powder or fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon or 1 teaspoon (ginger powder or minced fresh ginger)
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (not olive oil)
red bell pepper
1 (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
broccoli florets or pea pods
1 1/2 cups (either fresh broccoli florets or frozen pea pods)
cold cooked white rice
3 cups (prepared in advance)
soy sauce
3-4 tablespoons
dark sesame oil
2 teaspoons
green onions
4 (chopped)
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large wok or skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped garlic, and ginger, breaking the meat into small pieces as it browns. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef mixture to a bowl.
2
In the same skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced red bell pepper and broccoli florets (or pea pods if substituting). Sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the vegetables are brightly colored and just tender, stirring occasionally.
3
Next, add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet along with the soy sauce and dark sesame oil. Gently break apart any clumps of rice as you stir the mixture together, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
4
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, mixing it into the rice and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until heated through, then fold in the chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
5
Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce as desired before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Savory Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice?
The primary protein used in this recipe is 1 lb of ground beef, which is browned and drained before being mixed with the rice.
Can I use something other than broccoli in this fried rice?
Yes, you can easily substitute the broccoli florets with frozen pea pods for an equally delicious result.
Why does the recipe specify using cold, cooked rice?
Cold rice is preferred because it is firmer and less likely to clump or become mushy when stir-fried compared to freshly cooked warm rice.
How much garlic is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, to provide a strong aromatic base.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger powder?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder or 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, specifically noting that olive oil should not be used for this dish.
How long does it take to cook the ground beef?
The ground beef should be cooked for about 10 minutes or until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
How should I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces before being added to the skillet.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the red bell pepper and broccoli for approximately 3 minutes until they are brightly colored and just tender.
What flavorings are used for the sauce?
The rice is seasoned with 3 to 4 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 teaspoons of dark sesame oil for a rich, savory taste.
When do I add the green onions?
The green onions should be chopped and folded in at the very end as a fresh finish once everything is heated through.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, the instructions state to drain any excess fat after browning the beef and before transferring it to a bowl.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this is a one-pan meal that can be prepared entirely in a single large wok or skillet.
How much rice is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 cups of cold, cooked white rice prepared in advance.
How do I prevent the rice from clumping?
As you add the rice to the skillet, gently break apart any clumps with your spatula while stirring to ensure it combines evenly with the other ingredients.
What is the recommended heat setting for the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium-high heat once the cooking oil is hot.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper levels?
Yes, you should taste the final dish and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce as desired.
What type of sesame oil is used?
The recipe specifically calls for dark sesame oil, which provides a more intense toasted flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
The recipe suggests fresh broccoli florets or frozen pea pods; if using frozen broccoli, ensure it is thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty fried rice is an ideal option for meal prep as it reheats well and stays flavorful.
What should the texture of the vegetables be?
The vegetables should be 'just tender,' meaning they still have a slight crunch and haven't become soft or mushy.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe uses 4 chopped green onions.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is heating a wok or skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef with garlic and ginger.
Does this dish contain any added sugar?
No, this specific recipe focuses on savory flavors and does not list any added sugar in the ingredients.
What makes this dish savory?
The combination of browned beef, aromatic garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and dark sesame oil creates a deep savory profile.
Can I add other vegetables to this rice?
While the recipe calls for bell peppers and broccoli, you can certainly add other vegetables like carrots or corn if you prefer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the ground beef, vegetables, rice, and seasonings.
Is this an Asian-inspired cuisine?
Yes, based on the ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and the cooking method, it falls under Asian-inspired cuisine.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot immediately after tossing all the ingredients together in the skillet.
What is the best way to brown the beef?
Break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly and incorporates well with the rice later.