Dinner

Firecracker Beef Recipe

ByElara Stone February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Introduction

Firecracker Beef is a bold and flavorful dish that combines spicy, sweet, and savory tastes in every bite. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something exciting yet simple. Serve it over rice or noodles with fresh veggies for a complete meal.

A white bowl filled with a layer of white rice at the bottom is topped with a thick layer of brown cooked ground meat mixed with a dark sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and a drizzle of red sauce. On one side, there are small green cucumber cubes, sliced round thin radishes, and a neat pile of thin orange carrot strips, all adding fresh colors around the meat. Thinly sliced green onions are scattered on top for a bright touch. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, and the bowl sits on a soft gray cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
2 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 tbsp sriracha sauce
4 tbsp brown sugar (tightly packed)
Rice, soba, or vermicelli noodles, to serve
1 green onion, finely sliced
1 tsp sesame seeds
Diced cucumber, julienned carrot, finely sliced red radish, for serving
Extra sriracha sauce, if you dare!

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and brown sugar to create the Firecracker sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat oil in a large frypan over high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until no pink remains, about 2½ minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and chilli flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the prepared Firecracker sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently towards the end, until the sauce reduces and the beef caramelizes for deeper flavor.
Step 5: Add the water and cook for 1 more minute to make the sauce a bit saucier.
Step 6: Serve the Firecracker Beef over cooked rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onion, and extra sriracha if you like it spicy. Add fresh vegetables on the side and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Adjust chilli flakes and sriracha to control the heat level to your preference.
Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors.
Try tossing in some chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftover Firecracker Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. It’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated.

How to Serve

A dark gray bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of white and light brown cooked rice with a slightly sticky texture, topped with a thick layer of dark brown ground meat mixed with sauce, giving it a moist and crumbly look. Bright orange thin carrot strips are placed on one side, adding a fresh and crunchy texture. Green scallion slices are scattered on top, with a light sprinkle of small white sesame seeds spread across the meat. A silver spoon is partly inside the bowl, digging into the meat and rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with firm tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Adjust the cooking time accordingly and follow the same sauce instructions for a tasty vegetarian version.

What can I serve with Firecracker Beef?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, soba noodles, or vermicelli. Fresh vegetable sides like cucumber, carrot, and radish add crunch and balance the spicy flavors nicely.