Big Mac Crispy Rice Recipe

Name: Big Mac Crispy Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided; 5 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, divided; 1/4 cup ketchup, divided; 2 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided; 2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided; 4 cups cooked and cooled white rice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 ounces ground chuck; 5 (3/4 ounce) slices American cheese; 1/3 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 2 tablespoon diced white onion; Pickle slices, for garnish

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This satisfying and flavorful beef and rice skillet recipe combines crispy rice, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, topped with fresh lettuce, onions, and pickles. Perfect for a hearty meal!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided
5 tablespoons pickle relish, divided
1/4 cup ketchup, divided
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
1 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
4 cups cooked and cooled white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 ounces ground beef chuck
5 (-ounce) slices American cheese
1/3 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
2 tablespoons diced white onion
Pickle slices, for garnish

Directions

Start by preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons pickle relish, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir until smooth.

Next, take the cooked rice and transfer it into a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the ketchup mixture to the rice and stir to coat. Reserve the rest of the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of relish, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, the remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to the rice mixture. Stir until well combined. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup mayonnaise into the reserved sauce and set aside for later.

In a 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minutes, allowing the beef to brown. Then, break it up with a wooden spoon into smaller pieces and continue cooking, stirring often, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 1 more minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of pickle relish. Transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the drippings from the skillet. Add the rice mixture to the skillet and press it down with the back of a spoon, ensuring the rice is in an even layer, covering the bottom of the pan. Cook over medium heat, uncovered, pressing the rice down occasionally and turning the pan 90 degrees every 2 minutes. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes until the rice begins to sizzle and brown along the edges. Remove from heat.

Spray a large plate with cooking spray and place it upside down over the skillet. Firmly hold both the plate and the skillet, and flip them over so that the rice is now on the plate. Add the reserved drippings back to the skillet, then gently slide the rice back into the pan. Cook over medium heat for another 8 minutes until a crispy crust forms along the edges of the rice. Remove from heat and place a slice of cheese in the center of the rice. Arrange the remaining cheese slices around the edges of the rice with the pointed sides facing outward. Cover the skillet for 1 minute until the cheese melts.

Finally, transfer the rice onto a large plate. Top with the reserved beef, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and pickle slices. Drizzle with some of the reserved mayonnaise sauce and serve immediately, with any leftover sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy this delicious and satisfying skillet meal that brings all the flavors together in a crispy, cheesy, and savory dish!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 670
Total Fat: 38g (48% DV)
Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
Cholesterol: 69mg (23% DV)
Sodium: 1464mg (64% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 61g (22% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars: 11g
Protein: 21g (42% DV)
Vitamin C: 1mg (2% DV)
Calcium: 382mg (29% DV)
Iron: 4mg (22% DV)
Potassium: 410mg (9% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your specific dietary needs.

The Origins of Big Mac Crispy Rice

The Big Mac Crispy Rice is a creative fusion dish inspired by the classic American Big Mac burger, which was first introduced by McDonald's in 1967 in Pennsylvania. The original Big Mac was designed to offer a larger, more flavorful burger with its signature special sauce, layered with lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions. The crispy rice version reimagines this fast-food favorite by using pan-fried rice as a base, giving the dish a crunchy texture while maintaining all the iconic flavors of the burger.

Regional Variations

While this dish is modern and globally inspired, it has a distinct American-Asian fusion twist. In the United States, its often served in casual dining settings or homemade as a fun reinterpretation of a favorite burger. In Asian countries, chefs sometimes adapt it using short-grain or jasmine rice, adding a slightly sticky texture that holds the toppings better. Regional versions may also incorporate local ingredients, such as kimchi in Korea or sriracha-based sauces in Southeast Asia, giving each rendition a unique cultural flair.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Unlike a traditional Big Mac, which relies on a sesame seed bun, the Big Mac Crispy Rice replaces bread with a crisped rice patty, adding a satisfying crunch and subtle nutty flavor. Compared to typical rice bowls or fried rice dishes, this recipe is distinguished by its layering technique and the use of classic burger components, including American cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a special sauce. It bridges the gap between Western comfort food and Asian-inspired rice dishes, creating a hybrid that is both familiar and innovative.

Where Its Usually Served

This inventive dish is most commonly found in casual dining restaurants, fusion cafs, and home kitchens experimenting with comfort food twists. It is especially popular as a lunch or dinner entre that appeals to both burger enthusiasts and fans of rice-based meals. Some modern bistros serve it as a shareable appetizer, while food bloggers and YouTube chefs often feature it in videos demonstrating creative reimaginings of classic fast food.

Interesting Facts

The Big Mac Crispy Rice preserves the nostalgic taste of a Big Mac while offering a textural twist with the crisped rice.
The dish can be adapted to use leftover rice, making it a resourceful and practical recipe for home cooks.
The layering of rice, cheese, and beef allows for a melty, crunchy combination that is visually striking when served.
While it celebrates American fast food, the crispy rice element reflects techniques common in East Asian cuisine, showcasing a unique cultural fusion.
The recipe has become popular on social media platforms for its Instagram-worthy presentation and inventive approach to a familiar flavor profile.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Big Mac Crispy Rice Recipe

You can prepare the rice and beef mixture a few hours in advance, but it is best to assemble and crisp the rice just before serving to maintain texture. Store the cooked rice and beef separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef and rice can be reheated separately in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The crispy texture of the rice may soften when refrigerated and reheated.

Yes, while the recipe was tested with jasmine rice, you can use any cooked and cooled rice. Short-grain rice may stick together better for forming the crispy layer.

Freezing is not recommended as the crispy rice will lose its texture. If you do freeze, separate the beef and rice, wrap tightly, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet.

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free ketchup, mayonnaise, and other condiments. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden sources of gluten.

You can use ground beef with a similar fat content (around 15-20%) or ground turkey for a leaner option. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat used.

To restore crispiness, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and press the rice into an even layer. Cook until the edges brown and the bottom crisps up again, flipping carefully if needed.

Yes, you can scale the recipe up or down. Be aware that cooking times, especially for crisping the rice, may need slight adjustments depending on the skillet size and amount of rice.

Partially. The rice and beef can be prepared in advance, but the final assembly and crisping of the rice are best done right before eating to ensure the dish retains its texture and flavor.

Yes, mild cheddar or processed cheese slices can be used as alternatives, but keep in mind that the flavor and melting properties may differ slightly.

Comments

Gregory Moore

02/02/2023 12:42:59 AM

I watched the video for this recipe and followed it closely, with the only modification being that I used ground beef instead of ground chuck. Unfortunately, the rice ended up sticking to the non-stick skillet, even though we added more oil. We eventually managed to salvage it by adding extra oil and continuing to cook it. However, the rice didn't contribute much to the dish in the end. I believe the toppings, sauce, and beef would work just as well over plain white rice or as filling for a burrito. The sauce did give it a taste reminiscent of a Big Mac, which was enjoyable. Overall, I like the concept of the recipe but feel it could benefit from some adjustments.

Shrimp and Vegetable Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes