This Cantonese Ground Beef Rice & Eggs bowl is a simple yet soul‑warming meal that captures the essence of Cantonese comfort cuisine. With a sultry oyster‑soy sauce base, tender peas, and luscious runny eggs nestled atop steaming rice, it’s the perfect weeknight dish to satisfy cravings in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy households and meal‑prep lovers alike, the components can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving—all that’s left is to crack eggs on top for that signature silky finish. One spoonful and you’ll be hooked on its rich umami sweetness and comforting texture.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85/15 lean)
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1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
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1 yellow onion, minced
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2 tsp minced ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Sauce: 2 cups chicken stock, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, ⅛ tsp white pepper powder
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 cup frozen green peas
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4–5 large eggs
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4 cups steamed rice
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4 tsp sesame oil
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Sesame seeds & red pepper flakes, for garnish
Directions:
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Whisk all sauce ingredients together; set aside.
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Heat oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add beef; break up slightly and let it brown undisturbed (~4–5 min), then break into bite‑sized pieces and cook through (~2 min).
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Stir in onion, garlic and ginger; cook until softened (~5 min); drain excess oil if needed.
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Pour in sauce, cover and simmer for 10 min—meat should remain saucy.
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Mix cornstarch with ⅓ cup water to make slurry. Stir in peas, then gradually add slurry until sauce coats the spoon.
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Crack eggs over the beef mixture; immediately cover and steam for 2–3 min until whites set but yolks stay runny (or cook longer if desired).
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Serve over rice; drizzle sesame oil, spoon beef and egg on top, and garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.
Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min
Kcal: ~360 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Origins and Cultural Significance of Cantonese Ground Beef Rice & Eggs
Cantonese cuisine, one of the eight culinary traditions of China, is renowned for its balance of flavors, textures, and freshness. Unlike some other Chinese regional cuisines that focus on heavy spices or intense heat, Cantonese food emphasizes subtlety, umami, and the natural sweetness of ingredients. This dish—ground beef rice with eggs—is a modern twist on classic Cantonese comfort food, adapted to suit contemporary tastes and busy lifestyles while maintaining the rich savory profile Cantonese cooking is known for.
Traditionally, Cantonese home cooking features rice as a staple, often paired with simple proteins and vegetables that provide nourishment and satisfy the palate. The combination of ground beef cooked in a savory oyster and soy sauce-based gravy is a perfect example of this tradition, balancing meaty richness with a hint of sweetness and aromatic notes from Shaoxing wine and ginger. Adding eggs steamed gently into the mixture not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a silky texture and rich flavor that meld beautifully with the savory beef and fluffy rice.
Flavor Profile and Ingredient Harmony
One of the hallmarks of this dish is its umami-forward flavor, primarily driven by the oyster sauce and soy sauces. Oyster sauce contributes a deep, slightly sweet, and salty layer that complements the meatiness of the ground beef. The light soy sauce adds saltiness, while dark soy sauce deepens the color and gives a mild caramelized note. Shaoxing wine introduces a faintly fruity aroma that cuts through the richness, brightening the overall flavor.
Ginger and garlic provide the warm, fragrant background that ties the savory elements together, while minced onions bring sweetness and texture contrast. The frozen peas add a burst of color and a fresh, sweet pop in every bite, balancing the richness of the beef. Sesame oil drizzled at the end adds a toasty, nutty aroma that is quintessential to many Cantonese dishes, elevating the dish’s complexity.
The eggs are the crowning jewel of this meal. By steaming them gently over the beef, the whites set softly while the yolks remain lusciously runny. This creates a velvety sauce when broken into the rice and beef mixture, adding creaminess and enhancing the overall mouthfeel without overpowering the other flavors.
Nutritional Benefits and Suitability for Various Diets
While this dish is indulgent and satisfying, it also offers balanced nutrition. Ground beef provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and energy. The peas supply fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, contributing to immune health and digestive wellness. Eggs are rich in choline and high-quality protein, supporting brain function and metabolism.
For those monitoring calorie intake, the dish can be adjusted by choosing leaner ground beef or using brown rice instead of white for extra fiber and nutrients. It is naturally gluten-free if you ensure that the soy sauces used are gluten-free certified, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Practical Tips for Preparation and Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored, allowing quick assembly when time is tight. Using ground beef rather than larger cuts speeds cooking, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. For an extra layer of flavor, some cooks like to add a splash of fish sauce or a touch of chili oil.
Vegetable-wise, peas can be substituted or complemented by other quick-cooking veggies like chopped bok choy, snap peas, or mushrooms to increase the fiber and micronutrient content. For a vegetarian version, the beef can be replaced with crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein, though the sauce may need tweaking to maintain the umami depth.
Mastering the eggs’ doneness is key; steaming just until whites set ensures the yolk remains a rich, velvety sauce that ties all elements together. If you prefer fully cooked eggs, simply extend the steaming time slightly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is traditionally served over freshly steamed jasmine or long-grain white rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. It can be garnished with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle heat. On the side, light vegetable dishes such as stir-fried greens, pickled cucumbers, or a simple soup like egg drop or miso complement the richness of the bowl.
For a complete meal, pair with steamed or stir-fried broccoli, baby bok choy, or Chinese broccoli (gai lan) for added crunch and nutrients. This also adds a fresh contrast that balances the hearty flavors.
Why This Dish Works for Busy Cooks
In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for meals that are quick, satisfying, and flavorful is ever-growing. Cantonese Ground Beef Rice & Eggs checks all these boxes. It is a one-pan dish that requires minimal prep and cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The components can be prepped or even fully cooked in advance and simply reheated or assembled later.
Its adaptability allows cooks to scale the recipe for families or meal prep portions. The comforting flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike, which is sometimes hard to find in simple recipes.
Conclusion
Cantonese Ground Beef Rice & Eggs is a perfect fusion of convenience, flavor, and tradition. Rooted in the principles of Cantonese cuisine—balance, harmony, and fresh ingredients—this dish elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying and comforting meal. The luscious runny eggs and umami-rich sauce combined with tender ground beef and vibrant peas make every bite a delight.
Whether you are cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or entertaining guests, this recipe offers versatility and ease without sacrificing authenticity or flavor. Its nourishing qualities and crowd-pleasing taste make it a worthy addition to your home cooking repertoire.
Embrace this dish as a weekday staple or a cozy weekend treat, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings to your table.
