If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor, color, and just the right amount of kick, look no further than this Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe. This dish combines tender, savory beef with crisp vegetables and a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s an exciting twist on classic fried rice, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your cooking prowess. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen and hopefully yours too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe lies in its straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each component contributes to a harmony of tastes, textures, and colors that make the dish come alive. From the hearty beef to the vibrant veggies and that luscious spicy sauce, get ready for a flavorful adventure.
- Day-old jasmine rice: Perfect for frying because it’s drier and prevents clumping, giving a great texture.
- Beef (or chicken, shrimp, or tofu): Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to keep the dish satisfying.
- Peas: Small bursts of sweetness and a pop of green color.
- Carrots: Provide crunch and natural sweetness, balancing the spicy sauce.
- Bell peppers: Brighten the dish with color and fresh, mild bite.
- Broccoli (optional): Adds a hearty texture and healthy greens.
- Snow peas (optional): Offer a crisp snap and subtle sweetness.
- Corn (optional): Sweet kernels that complement the spicy and savory elements.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect blend of sweetness and mild heat.
- Sriracha (to taste): Customizes the level of spice just how you like it.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing): Essential for cooking protein to a tender, flavorful finish.
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying): Helps the rice and veggies cook evenly with a nice sear.
- Chopped green onions (for garnish): Add freshness and a hint of sharpness to finish.
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by making sure your rice is perfect for frying. If you’re using freshly cooked jasmine rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes. This drying step is key to avoiding mushy fried rice, giving you separate, fluffy grains that soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the rice cools, mix together the sauce. Combine 1/4 cup of creamy mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce in a small bowl. Stir it until smooth and then taste. Add sriracha bit by bit until you hit your preferred spice level. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe, delivering that irresistible creamy heat.
Step 3: Sauté the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your beef strips and cook them until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Once done, set the beef aside on a plate. Cooking the beef first ensures it stays tender and gets a great sear without overcooking with the veggies or rice.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, pour in another tablespoon of oil, then toss in your colorful vegetables. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes. The goal is to soften them slightly while keeping a lovely crisp texture, giving your dish a fresh and vibrant mouthfeel that contrasts perfectly with the soft rice.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan. If the pan seems a little dry, add a splash more oil. Now, add your day-old rice, breaking apart any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together and let it fry for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to get a slight golden edge where those delicious little crisp bits develop.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef back to the pan and pour in the luscious Bang Bang sauce. Mix thoroughly so every grain of rice, every piece of beef, and every vegetable is coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting all those amazing flavors marry and heat through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is mixed and piping hot, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for brightness and serve immediately. If you want to dial up the Bang Bang flavor, keep extra sauce on the side. This finishing touch completes the Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe beautifully!
How to Serve Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pretty pop of green. For an extra surprise, toss in some toasted sesame seeds or a few cilantro leaves. These little details take your dish from everyday to restaurant-worthy instantly.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad or some delicate steamed dumplings. These sides complement the rich, spicy flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe in a hollowed-out bell pepper or pineapple bowl. Not only does this elevate the presentation, but it also adds subtle complementary flavors and makes the meal feel extra special when entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This fried rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 1 month. When freezing, slightly undercook the veggies in the initial preparation to avoid them turning mushy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to bring back that fresh stir-fried texture. Microwave works too, but stirring midway through heating helps keep it evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice usually contains more moisture, which can make the fried rice mushy rather than fluffy. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool and dry for about 30 minutes before using.
What other proteins work well in this recipe?
While beef is delicious here, chicken, shrimp, or tofu all make great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.
Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
The spice level is completely adjustable by how much sriracha you add. The base sauce with mayo and sweet chili sauce has a lovely mild sweetness with a gentle kick, but feel free to heat it up as much as you like!
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Use tofu or extra vegetables instead of beef, and swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo to keep it plant-based while retaining that creamy, spicy punch.
How do I get that perfect crispy texture on the rice?
Using day-old rice is key because it’s drier and less likely to clump. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan and make sure the oil is hot enough when you add the rice for a nice sear.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a warm bowl of Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe that excites the senses and feels like a hug from the inside. It’s simple enough to fit into your weeknight routine yet special enough to impress guests. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to meals when you want flavor, comfort, and a bit of fun all on one plate.
Print
Bang Bang Fried Rice with Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Bang Bang Fried Rice featuring tender beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. This recipe uses day-old jasmine rice for perfect frying texture and can be customized with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a versatile meal that’s ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Rice
- 4 cups day-old jasmine rice
Protein
- 1 pound 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)
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 you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool for about 30 minutes. This drying process helps prevent clumping and ensures the rice fries up nicely.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce. Stir until smooth. Add sriracha gradually to achieve your preferred spice level.
- Sauté the Protein: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the peas, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, and corn if using. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the Rice: Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Add a bit more oil if needed, then add the day-old rice. Break up any clumps and stir-fry with vegetables for 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the rice and vegetables. Pour in the Bang Bang sauce and stir everything together well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to coat all ingredients and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional Bang Bang sauce on the side, if desired, for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is crucial for the best fried rice texture as it reduces moisture and prevents sogginess.
- Feel free to swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
- Add or omit vegetables based on what’s available or preferred; frozen mixed vegetables can also be a convenient option.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- For a lower calorie version, consider using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute in the sauce.
