If you are craving a meal that bursts with flavor, texture, and a perfect balance of spicy and creamy, this Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. Combining tender beef, colorful crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade Bang Bang sauce, this dish transforms humble fried rice into an irresistible feast that your entire family will love. It’s a satisfying, vibrant, and quick recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe plays an essential role, from delivering freshness and crunch to adding layers of flavor that make every bite exciting. The components are straightforward but when combined, they create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Day-old jasmine rice: Ideally slightly dried out to get those perfect separate grains when frying.
- Beef (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu): Provides rich protein and a hearty texture.
- Peas: Small pops of green sweetness that brighten the dish.
- Carrots: Add color and natural sweetness with a delicate crunch.
- Bell peppers: Bring vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Broccoli (optional): Adds a nutritious, slightly bitter contrast.
- Snow peas (optional): Offer a crisp snap and light sweetness.
- Corn (optional): Sweet kernels create a nice textural variance.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Delivers spicy sweetness with a gentle kick.
- Sriracha (to taste): Adjustable heat to suit your spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing): Helps brown the beef deliciously.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying): Keeps fried rice from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Chopped green onions (for garnish): Fresh and peppery finish to brighten the flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Using day-old jasmine rice is the easiest way to ensure a fluffy and non-mushy fried rice. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it dries out the rice slightly, helping it fry up beautifully without clumping.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the heat by adding Sriracha according to your spice tolerance. This sauce is the soul of the dish, providing that unique creamy-spicy flavor that elevates the fried rice to something special.
Step 3: Sauté the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your beef (or alternative protein) and cook it until nicely browned and fully cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Browning the beef adds a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the spicy-sweet sauce later. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly while maintaining their crispness and vibrant color. This not only adds freshness but also creates delightful textural contrast to the tender beef and rice.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Push the veggies to one side and, if necessary, add a splash of oil to the empty side of the pan. Add your day-old rice and gently break up any clumps with your spatula. Toss everything together and let the rice fry for 2 to 3 minutes, giving it a lovely slightly toasted flavor and ensuring every grain is well coated with oil.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the pan, then pour in the Bang Bang sauce you prepared earlier. Stir everything thoroughly so each grain of rice and piece of beef is generously coated with that creamy, spicy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry all the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is hot and well combined, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe immediately, garnished with plenty of freshly chopped green onions and, if you like, a little extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
How to Serve Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions add a burst of color and a mild peppery bite that brightens the dish beautifully. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty aroma or add a wedge of lime for zestiness any adventurous eater will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs perfectly with light, refreshing sides like a cucumber salad or crisp Asian slaw. For something heartier, steamed dumplings or egg rolls complement the flavors delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this fried rice in individual pineapple bowls for a fun tropical flair or pile it high on a platter surrounded by an assortment of fresh herbs, sliced chilies, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their bites. Presentation can really elevate this already heavenly meal for gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to one month. Just make sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed to loosen the rice. Microwave reheating is fine too but stirring halfway through helps prevent cold spots and preserves the dish’s lovely consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work wonderfully in this Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly without drying out.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
If sweet chili sauce isn’t on hand, you can mix a combination of honey, a little vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes to mimic the flavor. It won’t be exact but will still add that essential sweet-spicy note.
Why is day-old rice preferred for fried rice?
Day-old rice is better because it’s drier and less sticky than fresh rice. This prevents your fried rice from becoming mushy and helps each grain stay separate, giving you that perfect texture.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Definitely! The amount of Sriracha you add to the Bang Bang sauce lets you control the heat. Start with a little and add more gradually until it’s just right for your taste buds.
Is it okay to omit mayonnaise from the sauce?
The mayonnaise is key for the creamy texture of the Bang Bang sauce, but if you want to avoid it, try substituting with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, although this will slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. Its irresistible sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful medley of vegetables come together in a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Give it a try the next time you want to impress your taste buds or your loved ones with a simple yet spectacular meal!
Print
Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Delicious Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for using day-old jasmine rice, this recipe delivers a quick and satisfying meal with a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, garnished with fresh green onions for an extra pop of freshness.
Ingredients
Rice and Protein
- 4 cups day-old jasmine rice
- 12 oz beef, thinly sliced (can substitute chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 1/4 cup snow peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha, to taste
Cooking Oils and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes to dry out slightly, which helps achieve the perfect texture for frying.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce. Stir until smooth and add sriracha sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Sauté the Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef (or chosen protein) and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and stir-fry the peas, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, and corn for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the Rice: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, add a splash of oil if needed, then add the day-old rice. Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine textures.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan, add the Bang Bang sauce, and mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Optionally, offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu based on dietary preferences.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to match your spice tolerance.
- Vegetables can be varied depending on what you have on hand.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free.
