Firecracker Beef with Rice is a high protein, sweet and spicy dinner that delivers bold takeaway-style flavour with simple ingredients. This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a satisfying fakeaway that fits into a high protein, calorie-conscious lifestyle.
If you love flavour-packed mince dishes, you should also try Chilli Con Carne with Rice!
Firecracker Beef with Rice
Firecracker Beef is rich, sticky, and packed with sweet heat, combining savoury beef mince with a glossy chilli sauce and crisp vegetables. The balance of sriracha, honey, and soy sauce creates a bold flavour that feels indulgent without being heavy.
This version works as a lighter, macro-friendly alternative to classic firecracker beef by using lean mince and controlled fat. Cooking the sauce after the beef has browned allows the flavours to cling to the meat without burning or becoming bitter.
The recipe makes four servings and is suitable for meal prep or family dinners. Each portion contains 35g of protein and 463 calories, making it filling and supportive of sustained energy.
Why We Love this Recipe
- High Protein Meal: Each serving delivers a substantial protein hit that helps keep meals satisfying.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats well without losing texture or flavour, making it ideal for planned meals.
- One Pan: Everything comes together quickly in one pan with minimal prep.
What is Firecracker Beef?
Firecracker Beef is a spicy-sweet beef dish inspired by Asian-style chilli sauces, known for its sticky texture and bold heat. It is commonly served with rice and vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
This version is adapted for high protein diets by using lean beef mince and measured sauce ingredients, making it suitable for regular meal planning without sacrificing flavour.
Firecracker Beef with Rice Nutrition
This dish is designed to balance bold flavour with practical macros. It is high in protein and works as a complete meal when served with rice.
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 463
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 60.4g
Fat: 8.3g
Ingredients
- Beef mince: Forms the protein-rich base and absorbs the firecracker sauce well.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic: Builds savoury flavour and aroma at the start of cooking.
- Ginger purée: Adds warmth and balances the sweetness in the sauce.
- Sriracha: Brings controlled heat and chilli flavour.
- Honey: Balances spice and helps create a sticky sauce texture.
- Light soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami without overpowering the dish.
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through richness and sharpens the sauce.
- Tender stem broccoli and red pepper: Add colour, crunch, and freshness.
- Cooked rice: Completes the dish and contributes to the carbohydrate content used in the nutrition values.
How to Make Firecracker Beef with Rice
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
I start by lightly spraying the pan with low calorie cooking spray, then cooking the onion and garlic together until softened and fragrant. This builds flavour without adding unnecessary fat.
Once the onion and garlic are ready, I turn the heat up and add the beef, breaking it up and allowing it to brown properly. Browning the beef first is key for depth of flavour and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
After the beef is fully browned, I reduce the heat before adding the sesame oil, ginger, and all the sauce ingredients. Once everything is well coated, the broccoli and red pepper go in last so they stay vibrant with a slight bite. I serve it with cooked rice and finish with spring onion and fresh chilli.
Tips
- Brown the beef properly: High heat at this stage adds flavour and improves texture.
- Reduce heat before adding sauce: This prevents the honey and sriracha from burning.
- Add vegetables last: This keeps them crisp rather than soft.
- Control the spice level: Adjust sriracha and chilli flakes to suit preference.
- Garnish just before serving: Fresh chilli and spring onion lift the finished dish.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the protein: Lean turkey mince works well as an alternative.
- Change the vegetables: Green beans or sugar snap peas can replace broccoli.
- Lower sugar option: Slightly reduce the honey if preferred.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until piping hot, adding a small splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reduce the sriracha and chilli flakes, or add a little extra honey to balance the heat.
Yes, it reheats well and keeps its texture, making it suitable for batch cooking.
The heat may be too low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
More High Protein Comfort Food
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Firecracker Beef with Rice
Equipment
- 1 Large Frying Pan
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 Garlic Crusher
- 1 Sharp Knife
- Chopping Board
Ingredients
Mince
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves diced
- 500 g 5% Fat Free Beef Mince
- 1 Bell Pepper diced
- 200 g Tenderstem Broccoli
- Low-calorie Cooking Spray
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Ginger Purée
- ½ tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Mixed Herbs
- 1 tsp All Purpose Seasoning
- 4 tbsp Sriracha
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Chilli Flakes to taste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
Per Serving
- 150 g Basmati Rice (cooked)
- Spring onions garnish
- Red Chillies garnish
Instructions
Cook the Mince
- Spray a large frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add the mince to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, ensuring the meat is fully cooked through.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sesame oil, ginger purée, sriracha, honey, light soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chilli flakes. Stir well until the beef is evenly coated.
- Add the tender stem broccoli and red pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables are tender with a slight bite and the sauce has thickened.
- Cook the rice according to packet instructions. Place the rice in a bowl or plate, top with a portion of the firecracker beef, and garnish with spring onion and red chilli.
- Serve and enjoy!
