Ground Beef Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots
In short: Day-old rice stir-fried with ground beef, scrambled egg, peas, carrots and a soy and sesame seasoning, a fast way to use leftovers. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 520 kcal
Fried rice is the standard answer to leftover rice, and ground beef turns it into a full meal. Cold, day-old rice is the key, because the grains have dried out and fry separately instead of clumping. Browned beef, a scrambled egg and frozen peas and carrots bring protein and color, while soy sauce and a little sesame oil season everything. The pan is hot and the cooking fast, so have everything chopped before you begin.
Instructions
- Break up any clumps in the cold rice with your fingers so the grains are separate.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble for 30 to 45 seconds until just set, then move them to a plate.
- Add the beef to the empty pan and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into crumbs, until browned and no pink remains. Spoon off the fat if there is more than 1 tbsp.
- Push the beef to one side. Add the remaining oil, garlic, ginger and the white parts of the spring onions and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2 minutes, then add the rice. Press it against the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until hot and starting to toast in places.
- Pour the soy sauce around the edge of the pan, add the sesame oil and pepper, and toss. Return the egg, breaking it up, add the green spring onions, taste and serve.
Tips
- No cold rice? Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it in the fridge or freezer for 20 to 30 minutes first.
- Ground pork or chopped sausage can replace the beef. Add a handful of chopped cabbage or corn for more vegetables.
Questions and answers
Why is my fried rice mushy?
The rice was too fresh or too wet. Use cold, day-old rice, avoid overcrowding the pan and keep the heat high so the moisture evaporates.
How long can cooked rice be kept before frying?
Cool it within an hour of cooking and refrigerate it for no more than 1 to 2 days. Heat the fried rice until steaming hot and do not reheat it twice.
Can I use brown rice for fried rice?
Yes. Brown rice has a chewier bite and fries well when cold. Use the same amount.
How long does it take to make Ground Beef Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ground Beef Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots?
About 520 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 520 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
