Name: 30 Minute Vietnamese Beef and Crispy Rice Bowl.
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin or flank steak, cut into 1 inch cubes; black pepper; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated; crushed red pepper flakes, to taste; 1/4 cup sesame or extra virgin olive oil; 3 cups cooked white rice; 1 cup shredded radicchio or purple cabbage; 4 carrots, shredded or cut into ribbons; 1 Persian cucumber, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; 1/4 cup fresh basil, and or mint, roughly chopped; chopped peanuts, for serving

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My go-to, 30 Minute Vietnamese Beef and Crispy Rice Bowl. Peppery, spicy, sweet, and tangy, this Vietnamese inspired stir fried beef has crispy rice, veggies, and plenty of fresh herbs. It’s colorful, super quick, and addictingly delicious. The best part? It’s all made in just one skillet and comes together in about 30 minutes. A great fresh and flavorful dinner for any night of the week.

If there was a dinner that my family could eat week after week, it’s this Vietnamese beef bowl. Most of my brothers are the very stereotypical guy’s guy when it comes to eating. They love their chicken and steak, and prefer their veggies in potato form. I wish I was joking, but it’s all true. Thankfully most of their pallets have matured as they’ve gotten older (not sure they have though) and they do eat a pretty colorful…ish diet these days.

I like to think that I was a major part of this.

Anyway, it might be surprising, but it’s not a given that I’ll make a recipe my brothers with actually love. Sure, I make some of their favorite foods for them when they are here, but a lot of those foods will never see the light of day here on HBH. Some of them tell me that many of the recipes I make are too veggie focused or “weird” for them. But then there are recipes like todays. Today’s recipe is one they love, and that makes me so excited. As I’ve said many times before, my favorite thing to do is cook for others. I love being able to so easily please the people I love most with a simple recipe.

It’s truly my favorite thing…which is why, during the holidays, I end up playing not only cook, but often bartender too (because most of my family members love their steak and their cocktails).

Anyway, point is I am finally making a recipe my brothers will approve of, and that’s something I’m happy about today. Also? I’m just excited to share this recipe with you all!

I can’t really pinpoint my exact source of inspiration for this recipe, other than the fact that I’ve just really been craving these fresh flavors. Lots of fresh herbs, spice, limes, and salty, tangy sauces. To be honest, I had some beef in my freezer and found everything else in my fridge/pantry. That’s kind of how this recipe came to be. Not the best story, but it’s true, and it’s recipes like these that are always my favorite.

First things first, the crispy rice. You probably cannot tell, since it’s hiding underneath all the veggies and beef, but yes, my rice is indeed crispy, and it’s very good. Up until this recipe I’d never made crispy rice at home. But after realizing how simple and easy it is to make with leftover rice (which I almost always have on hand), I will be making it often.

As the rice crisps it takes on a more toasted flavor and lends a nice crunch. It’s a fun switch up from your average steamed rice.

Once you have the rice crisped, move onto the beef.

Now, I want to discuss the cut of beef you should use. I used very high end beef tenderloin, BUT only because this is what I happened to have in my freezer. Yes, it’s beyond delicious, melts in your mouth, and you really can’t mess it up. That said, I understand that most of you may not want to shell out the cash for beef tenderloin. If that’s the case, no worries. Use a very affordable flank steak. It really does work just as well.

I pan cooked the beef and then tossed in a little sweet, salty, and slightly spicy sauce. This nicely glazes the meat and it’s really delicious. The two key ingredients here are oyster sauce and fish sauce. You can usually find both in the Asian isle at most grocery stores.

At this point, it’s assembly time. I layered my rice and beef with radicchio, carrots, and lots of fresh basil and mint. You can really use any combo of vegetables you’d like though. If you are looking to add another layer… Yes, I do think a crispy fried egg, or even a soft boiled egg, would be really good here.

I know it’s a bit early, but this bowl almost reminds me of a springtime recipe. It’s kind of cozy, but still colorful and fresh. So the perfect balance.

If you make this Vietnamese beef bowl, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!