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Firecracker Beef Recipe

4.8 from 93 reviews

Firecracker Beef is a spicy, flavorful stir-fried ground beef dish coated in a sweet and tangy sriracha-based sauce, perfect served over rice or noodles with fresh vegetables for a vibrant, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Firecracker Sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 4 tbsp sriracha sauce
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar (tightly packed)

Main Ingredients

  • 1½ tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
  • 500g / 1 lb beef mince / ground beef
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes / red pepper flakes (adjust to your taste)
  • 3 tbsp water
  • Rice, soba or vermicelli noodles (for serving)
  • 1 green onion, finely sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • Diced cucumber, julienned carrot, finely sliced red radish (for serving)
  • Extra sriracha sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Firecracker Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and brown sugar until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside until needed.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat 1½ tablespoons of oil in a large frypan over high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for about 2½ minutes until there is no visible raw meat.
  3. Add Garlic and Chilli Flakes: Stir in the finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of chilli flakes. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release their flavors.
  4. Caramelise the Beef with Sauce: Pour in the prepared Firecracker sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally—more frequently toward the end—to allow the sauce to reduce and the beef to caramelise, intensifying the dish’s flavor.
  5. Add Water for Saucy Texture: Stir in 3 tablespoons of water and cook for another minute. This step helps loosen the sauce, making the beef saucier and more luscious.
  6. Serve: Spoon the Firecracker Beef over cooked rice, soba, or vermicelli noodles. Garnish with sliced green onion, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and your choice of fresh vegetables like diced cucumber, julienned carrot, and sliced radish. Add extra sriracha sauce on top if you prefer more heat. Enjoy your spicy and satisfying meal!

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of chilli flakes and sriracha sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Use light or all-purpose soy sauce for a balanced salty flavor, but low-sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce sodium content.
  • Fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and radish add a refreshing crunch to balance the spiciness and sweetness of the dish.
  • This recipe can be served over rice, soba, or vermicelli noodles depending on your preference.
  • For extra depth, consider adding a splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking or garnishing with fresh cilantro.

Keywords: Firecracker Beef, Spicy Ground Beef, Sriracha Beef, Asian Beef Stir-fry, Quick Dinner Recipe