This protein-packed dish combines tender beef with a zesty cucumber salad, topped with a fried egg. A quick and energising meal that’s perfect for a post-workout boost, ready in under 30 minutes.
less than 30 mins
10 to 30 mins
Serves 2
Dairy-free, Pregnancy-friendly
By Matt TebbuttFrom Saturday Kitchen
- Large Bowl … view on Amazon
- Wok or Wide Pan … check availability
- Sharp Knife … check on Amazon
- Frying Pan … explore on Amazon
- Measuring Spoons … see the 4* range
Ingredients
For the beef bowl
- 500g/1lb 2oz beef mince
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp very finely chopped fresh root ginger
- 6 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1–2 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp cashews, toasted and chopped
- 4 spring onions, chopped, greens and whites separated
- freshly boiled rice, to serve
- 2 fried free-range eggs, to serve
For the cucumber salad
- ½ cucumber, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or any other vinegar)
- 2 tbsp crispy chilli in oil
- ½ tsp caster sugar
- salt
Method
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large bowl, combine the beef mince with the baking powder. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes to tenderise the meat and allow the baking powder to work its magic.
- Prepare the cucumber salad: While the beef sits, toss together the cucumber chunks, Chinese black vinegar, crispy chilli oil, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Let it marinate for 20 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the cucumber to absorb the tangy dressing.
- Cook the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, then cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the beef mixture and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until the beef is evenly browned and cooked through.
- Finish the beef bowl: Stir in the hoisin sauce, tomato purée, soy sauce, sesame oil, red chilli flakes, sesame seeds, and chopped cashews. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavours to combine. Reserve the spring onion greens for garnish.
- Assemble the dish: Serve the beef over freshly boiled rice, top with a fried free-range egg, and drizzle with the cucumber salad. Garnish with the reserved spring onion greens for an extra burst of freshness.
Suggested Wine Pairing
Majestic:
2018 Domaine Sainte-Michelle Sauvignon Blanc
A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with notes of citrus and green apple, which balances well with the rich, umami-filled beef and the zesty cucumber salad. The crisp acidity makes it an ideal match for this dish.
Tesco:
2019 Tesco Finest Chablis
A mineral-driven Chablis with refreshing acidity, its clean, citrus profile complements the bold flavours of the beef while enhancing the freshness of the cucumber salad.
Sainsbury’s:
2020 Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Albariño
This Spanish Albariño offers bright citrus notes with a touch of minerality. It pairs wonderfully with the savoury elements of the beef bowl and adds a light touch to the spiciness of the chilli flakes.
What can you serve with this?
- Kimchi: The tangy, spicy flavours of kimchi provide a great contrast to the richness of the beef bowl.
- Steamed dumplings: A classic side to complement the bold flavours of the Korean-inspired beef.
- Sesame noodles: Light sesame noodles would add a refreshing element that pairs well with the flavours of the beef and cucumber salad.
- Pickled vegetables: The acidity of pickled vegetables cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a crisp, vibrant note.
Nutri-score Health Check
The Nutri-score for this dish is calculated as B: Well balanced. This meal provides a good balance of protein from the beef, healthy fats from the sesame oil and cashews, and fibre and antioxidants from the cucumber salad. However, the use of oil and hoisin sauce does contribute to higher fat and sugar levels, which is something to keep in mind. Overall, this dish provides a nutritious and satisfying option for a quick, protein-rich meal.
Recipe FAQ
- Can I use another type of meat for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken mince or turkey mince if you prefer.
- Can I make the cucumber salad in advance? While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the cucumber salad a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated.
- What type of rice works best for this dish? Jasmine or basmati rice would be ideal for this recipe, as they complement the flavours without overpowering them.
- Can I use regular soy sauce instead of light soy sauce? Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but light soy sauce is preferred for its milder flavour.
- Can I add more vegetables to the beef bowl? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavour.
- Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, replace the beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils or tofu and opt for a vegan egg alternative if preferred.
