Beef Fried Rice Recipe
There’s just something irresistible about Beef Fried Rice: every bite is hearty, savory, and full of vibrant color and flavor. Sweet and savory sauces coat tender strips of beef, while fluffy grains of rice, crisp-tender veggies, and flecks of golden scrambled egg mingle together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding an entire household on a busy weeknight or just craving something warm and comforting, this is a dish that never disappoints. It’s incredibly easy to prepare at home, and you’ll never look at restaurant takeout the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef Fried Rice is that every ingredient counts: nothing is complicated, but each brings its own charm, from the rich marinated steak to a splash of hot sauce that brightens up every spoonful. Get ready to transform humble staples into one fabulous meal!
- White long grain rice: Use day-old or cooled rice for the best fried texture; it won’t clump in the pan.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor right from the start—avoid plain water for this reason.
- Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami backbone that makes beef fried rice so familiar and addictive.
- Beef broth: Rounds out the beefy depth in both the sauce and the finished dish.
- Honey (or brown sugar): Balances savory notes and helps the rice caramelize slightly.
- Hot sauce: Just a touch for subtle heat and brightness, not to overpower—adjust to taste.
- Sesame oil (optional): Adds that unmistakable toasty aroma you find in your favorite fried rice.
- Ground ginger: Lends gentle warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin): The star of the show! Pick a cut you love—thin slices will cook quickly and stay tender.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to season the beef right before it hits the pan.
- Butter: Guarantees dreamy scrambled eggs and a touch of richness.
- Eggs: Fluffy, silky bites of scrambled egg make fried rice indelible.
- Peanut oil (or olive/canola): Withstands high heat, ensuring rice gets crispy, not soggy.
- Dry white wine: Brilliant for deglazing the skillet and deepening flavor—don’t worry, the alcohol evaporates!
- Garlic: Just three cloves add heaps of aroma and depth.
- Yellow onion: Sweet and sharp—dice small so it cooks down fast.
- Frozen peas: Add bright green color and a naturally sweet pop.
- Frozen carrots: Keep things colorful, sweet, and ultra-easy, no peeling required.
- Green onions: For that fresh, zippy crunch—add them at the end for ultimate flavor.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Great Beef Fried Rice starts with perfectly cooked rice. Simmer long grain rice in chicken broth instead of water for a savory base. Once tender and all the liquid’s absorbed, spread the rice out on a tray to cool, then chill it. This vital step keeps the grains separate and will help you achieve that signature fried-rice crispiness once you hit the skillet.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Marinate the Beef
Stir together soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger for a sauce that’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and beautifully aromatic. Take just a few tablespoons to toss with your sliced beef, letting it marinate for the time it takes to prep the rest—this quick soak guarantees every piece is deeply seasoned and tender after frying.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
While the beef mingles with that delicious marinade, gently scramble your eggs in a bit of butter. Cook them just until set but still tender, then transfer to a plate. Don’t skip this step—folding fluffy eggs through at the end gives you creamy pockets that play perfectly alongside the savory beef and crunchy veggies.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Now, get your skillet sizzling-hot and add a splash of oil. Sear the marinated beef (sprinkled with salt and pepper for best flavor) until deeply browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if you need to ensure each piece caramelizes beautifully. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Build Up the Flavor Base
Reduce the pan heat and deglaze with white wine, scraping up the browned meat bits—that’s liquid gold for flavor. Let it reduce, then toss in the onions and garlic. A quick sauté, and in go the frozen peas and carrots; just heat through, keeping the veggies bright and snappy.
Step 6: Fry the Rice
Now, here’s where the magic happens! Increase the heat, add your cooled rice and pour in the remaining sauce. Stir almost continuously so every kernel is coated and soaks up all the goodness. Keep it moving until the liquid’s absorbed and your rice is an even, toasty brown—this takes about three minutes.
Step 7: Finish the Beef Fried Rice
Reduce the heat and quickly fold in the cooked beef, scrambled eggs, and those fresh green onions. Give it all one last toss in the pan so the flavors marry and everything is piping hot. Serve straight from the skillet for the very best eating experience!
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds adds both color and texture right before serving. If you love a spicy kick, a few dots of sriracha or a dusting of cracked black pepper is a fabulous finish. Even a handful of crispy shallots or a drizzle of sesame oil sets this Beef Fried Rice apart!
Side Dishes
Pair your Beef Fried Rice with a refreshing cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or Asian-style pickled vegetables to balance out the hearty richness. For a more festive spread, some quick potstickers, edamame, or miso soup always fit right in. Every bite will feel like your favorite restaurant meal—at home!
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the rice into individual bowls and topping with a sunny side up egg for brunch vibes, or serve family-style directly from a sizzling skillet for a fun, communal dinner. For something extra special, pile Beef Fried Rice into lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a striking, hand-held twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Beef Fried Rice (lucky you!), get it into an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled to room temperature. It’ll keep happily in your refrigerator for up to 3 or even 4 days without a hitch.
Freezing
Want quick weeknight magic? Freeze portions of Beef Fried Rice in freezer-friendly bags or containers. It holds up beautifully in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re all set for a hassle-free meal!
Reheating
To bring your Beef Fried Rice back to life, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it—just cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewier texture, while cauliflower rice offers a lighter, low-carb twist. Just make sure whichever you use is cold and dry before frying, so you still get that signature separation and crispness.
What’s the best way to make the rice ahead of time?
The easiest method is to cook your rice the day before and refrigerate it in a thin layer. This helps evaporate extra moisture and gives you perfectly textured grains for Beef Fried Rice the next day.
Do I have to marinate the beef?
A brief marinade makes a huge difference in tenderness and flavor, so it’s definitely worth the few extra minutes. Even ten minutes while you prep the veggies is enough to impart plenty of flavor into each bite.
Which beef cut works best for Beef Fried Rice?
Feel free to use strip steak, skirt, flank, or even sirloin—just slice thinly against the grain. Each delivers a juicy, satisfying bite, and thin strips cook quickly so they stay tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, Beef Fried Rice uses soy sauce and some broths that may contain gluten. Swap in tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your broths are gluten-free for a safe and still delicious meal!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s faster, fresher, and bursting with flavor, Beef Fried Rice is simply unbeatable. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—one bite and you’ll understand why it’s been a staple in my kitchen for years!
Print
Beef Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender strips of beef, scrambled eggs, and a medley of vegetables are mixed with seasoned rice to create a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Beef and Vegetables:
- ¾ lb. strip steak
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 eggs
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small yellow onion
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup frozen carrots
- 3–4 green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Boil chicken broth, add rice, simmer for 15 minutes, cool completely.
- Prepare the Sauce/Marinate the Beef: Combine sauce ingredients, tenderize and slice beef, marinate.
- Scramble the Eggs: Cook scrambled eggs, set aside.
- Make the Fried Rice: Cook beef, deglaze with wine, add vegetables and rice, toss and heat through.
Notes
- You can use other cuts of beef like skirt, flank, or sirloin.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for beef.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Beef Fried Rice, Fried Rice Recipe, Asian Beef Recipe
