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Tip 1: Be sure to use extra lean ground beef (or chicken) so that there won't be any fat to drain. If you drain off any fat, you'll also drain off seasonings.
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Tip 2: The rice you choose is very important to the authentic flavor of the original, but you can substitute brown rice or Jasmine rice. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse the rice and adjust the water and cooking time according to the rice you choose. My recipe is specifically written for Uncle Ben's Original long grain white rice. Do not use Minute Rice or instant rice, as it will be mushy.
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Tip 3: This recipe is very high in sodium, so you can substitute low sodium ingredients, but it won't taste the same. This may not be a good recipe for a person who is on a low sodium diet.
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In a large skillet, add ground beef, chopped onion, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoning salt. Cook until onions are soft and meat is browned. Do not drain.
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Add all remaining ingredients to the skillet and cook in medium-high heat until the mixture starts to boil. Turn heat down to low, cover with a tight fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. No peeking! If any water remains, uncover and cook a minute or two more, and then turn off the heat. DO NOT OVERCOOK or the rice will turn mushy.
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Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes to absorb remaining moisture. Stir and serve.
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Tip 4: Dress it up! I like to add a can of chow mein veggies, a can of sliced water chestnuts, and a can of sliced mushrooms. These veggies are fully cooked during the canning process, and you don't want them to get mushy, so add them at the very end of the cook time, before the resting period. Stir them in and let it rest.
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Tip 5: Top it off! Sprinkle with sliced green onions, or cashews, or slivered almonds, or sesame seeds, for a little extra crunch and flavor.
