Like any frame of snooker, the underdog is always the one that unexpectedly produces something out of the blue and ends up being a star in the making…

Food is no different. Something that you think may not work becomes a bit of a splash and a bit of a surprise on the tastebuds…

A comfort-food underdog that punches way above its weight.

This rich wok dish combines:

• beef mince
• barbecue sauce
• a splash of lager
• honey
• onions
• chillies
• and vegetables (onions, spring onions, chillies, and mushrooms, and peas).

to create a sticky, smoky, sweet heat glaze that clings beautifully to rice or noodles or sautee potatoes.

The tiny amount of lager adds depth.
The honey brings balance.
The wok brings the sizzle.

INGREDIENTS

• 500g beef mince
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1–2 chillies (sliced)
• Mixed vegetables
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• Small splash of lager
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Oil for frying
• Sticky rice or noodles

METHOD

1. Brown the mince

Heat the wok until hot and brown the mince hard for maximum flavour.

2. Build the base

Add onions, garlic, chillies, and vegetables. Let everything soften and caramelise slightly.

3. Add the flavour

Pour in a small splash of lager and allow it to reduce.

Add:

• barbecue sauce
• honey
• soy sauce

Stir until everything becomes rich, glossy, and sticky.

4. Serve

Serve over sticky rice or toss through noodles for a takeaway-style comfort bowl.

THE UNDERDOG PHILOSOPHY

Sometimes the best dishes begin as experiments.

A few simple ingredients.
A hot wok.
A willingness to try something different.

That’s the spirit behind Final Frame Flavours — a collection of comforting, flavour-packed wok recipes inspired by experimentation, creativity, and the joy of discovering unexpected gems in the kitchen.

Find more sizzling recipes and food features at:

SNOOKERZONE: THE RECIPES…