Beef Fried Rice
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ToggleA quick, flavorful, restaurant-style fried rice made with tender beef, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory garlic-soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Fried Rice
- 4 cups cooked day-old jasmine rice (cold)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine:
- Beef
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper
Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet.
Add the beaten eggs and cook until just set.
Transfer to a plate and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the remaining oil to the wok.
Cook the marinated beef over high heat for 2–3 minutes, until browned.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add:
- Peas and carrots
- Corn (if using)
Cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Rice
Add the cold rice.
Break up any clumps with a spatula.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- White pepper
- Brown sugar
Pour over the rice and stir until evenly coated.
Step 7: Finish
Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs to the pan.
Add the sliced green onions.
Stir-fry for 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Steamed dumplings
- Hot and sour soup
- Stir-fried broccoli
- Asian cucumber salad
- Sweet chili sauce
Tips
- Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and fries without becoming mushy.
- Cook over high heat for the best restaurant-style flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Prepare all ingredients before you begin, as stir-frying happens quickly.
Variations
- Spicy: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable: Add mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Replace the beef with diced chicken.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Use peeled, deveined shrimp instead of beef.
- Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
Allergen Information
Contains:
- Soy (soy sauce, oyster sauce)
- Eggs
- Sesame (sesame oil, sesame seeds)
- Wheat (traditional soy sauce and oyster sauce may contain wheat)
Does NOT Contain:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Milk
Nut-Free Tips
- This recipe is naturally free of peanuts and tree nuts.
- If cooking for someone with a severe nut allergy, check the labels on soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and other packaged ingredients for cross-contamination warnings.
Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I use day-old rice?
A: Day-old rice has less moisture, which helps create fluffy, separate grains instead of sticky fried rice.
Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
A: Yes, but spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool completely before using to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze Beef Fried Rice?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of water or soy sauce, or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.
Q: What cut of beef is best?
A: Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak are excellent choices because they stay tender and cook quickly.
