Masako® kebuli rice

Ingredients

• 400 gcooked white rice
• 150 gbeef, diced
• 1 tbspraisins
• 2 tbsppeas
• ½onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cmcinnamon stick
• ½ tspground nutmeg
• ½ tspground pepper
• 1 packet (11 g)Masako® beef seasoning
• Unspecifiedbutter (used in the method; no quantity provided)

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt the butter

   Heat a frying pan and add the butter. Once it has melted, add the onion, cinnamon and diced beef, then stir to combine.

2. 2

   Add rice and spices

   Add the rice, pepper, nutmeg and Masako® beef seasoning.

3. 3

   Stir in additions

   Add the raisins and peas, then mix everything together.

4. 4

   Cook through

   Continue cooking until done.

5. 5

   Serve the rice

   Remove the pan from the heat and serve.

What is kebuli rice?

Kebuli rice is often thought of as a Middle Eastern dish, but this version's description identifies it with Jakarta, Indonesia. It reflects the influence of Arab culture in Indonesia and brings savoury, spiced rice together with meat and sweet dried fruit.

This quick take uses cooked rice and a beef seasoning packet, with cinnamon and nutmeg adding warmth. Raisins and peas offer contrasting sweet and fresh notes.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 270 calories, 13g protein, 39g carbs, 7g fat.

The rice supplies most of the carbohydrates, while beef contributes protein and some fat; butter adds fat, but its quantity is not stated. Peas and raisins add smaller amounts of carbohydrate and fibre. Serve with fresh vegetables or salad to round out the plate.

The flavour base

Onion: Start by softening it in the melted butter with the cinnamon and beef, as directed. Stir so the onion and meat are coated in the fragrant fat.

Seasoning: The beef seasoning packet provides the recipe's savoury backbone, while pepper and nutmeg add extra spice. The recipe does not specify any additional salt.

Getting the beef ready

Even pieces: Cut the beef into similarly sized dice so the pieces cook at a similar rate. The method gives no separate browning time, so keep stirring as you cook the beef with the onion and cinnamon.

Doneness: The recipe says to cook until done but does not give a precise time or visual cue. Check that the beef is cooked through before serving.

Keeping the rice distinct

Cooked rice: This recipe starts with 400 g of cooked white rice, rather than rice that is still raw. Add it after the beef mixture and spices, then stir gently to distribute the seasoning without crushing the grains.

Mix-ins: Add the raisins and peas after the rice, as directed. A final even stir helps spread them through the pan.

Timing the pan

The listed total time is 30 minutes, although the method does not assign a duration to each step. Have the ingredients ready before heating the pan so you can add them in sequence.

Cook until the beef is done and the rice is hot throughout. Avoid leaving the pan unattended while the rice is being mixed.

What to serve alongside

The rice already contains beef, peas and raisins, so it can be served as a complete main dish. For a fresh contrast, pair it with a simple salad or sliced cucumber.

If serving it as part of a larger meal, keep the accompaniments light so the spiced rice remains the focus.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use cooked rice that is ready to go before you start heating the pan.
• Cut the beef into evenly sized cubes for more consistent cooking.
• Stir the beef with the onion and cinnamon so the flavours are distributed.
• Add the raisins and peas after the rice, following the recipe's sequence.
• Check that the beef is cooked through before you take the pan off the heat.

Variations

• Extra vegetables: Stir in additional peas or another quick-cooking vegetable.
• More warmth: Add a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.
• Fresh finish: Serve with sliced cucumber or a crisp salad.
• Raisin swap: Use another dried fruit in place of the raisins for a different sweet note.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding uncooked rice: This method is written for cooked rice, so cook the rice separately first.
• Uneven beef pieces: Large or mismatched cubes cook inconsistently; dice them to a similar size.
• Skipping the doneness check: The recipe gives no exact cooking time, so check the beef is cooked through.
• Overmixing the rice: Vigorous stirring can break the grains; fold the ingredients together gently.
• Adding everything at once: Follow the stated order so the beef and aromatics cook before the rice and additions.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 2 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, adding a small splash of water if the rice seems dry.

Frequently asked questions