Beef Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender beef, savory rice, and a mix of veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking from scratch, this dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a homemade meal.
Why We Love This Beef Fried Rice
Beef Fried Rice is one of those meals that checks all the boxes—delicious, quick, and full of flavor. It’s a perfect go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and hearty. Here’s why we love this dish:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether it’s using chicken instead of beef or adding extra vegetables, this recipe is all about customization.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of tender beef, fragrant rice, and a mix of fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering balance of textures and tastes. Plus, a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil adds that irresistible umami flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover rice, this is a fantastic way to give it new life! Day-old rice works best, as it holds up better during stir-frying and doesn’t get mushy.
- One-Pan Wonder: Not only is the flavor unbeatable, but the clean-up is a breeze, too! Everything cooks in one pan, saving you time and hassle.
Ingredients for beef fried rice
Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
Beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
Frozen peas and carrots
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Eggs, beaten
Green onions, chopped
Garlic, minced
Vegetable oil
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s bring this Beef Fried Rice to life! Follow these simple steps to make a flavorful, satisfying meal:
Prepare the rice: Cook and cool the rice. Day-old rice works best.
Cook the beef: Heat oil in a pan, cook sliced beef for 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
Scramble the eggs: In the same pan, scramble the eggs for 1-2 minutes and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Cook garlic, peas, and carrots for 2-3 minutes.
Combine the rice: Add rice to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden-brown.
Season the rice: Add soy sauce and sesame oil, and mix in beef and eggs.
Final touch: Sprinkle green onions on top and stir. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips
Want to take your Beef Fried Rice to the next level? Here are some expert tips that will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
Use cold, day-old rice: This is the key to achieving that perfect fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice can become too soft and mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have leftovers, spread fresh rice on a baking sheet to cool it down quickly.
High heat is essential: Stir-frying at high heat ensures that the rice gets crispy edges, which adds great texture. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the rice.
Add the soy sauce gradually: Soy sauce can be quite salty, so it’s best to add it little by little. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.
Customize with extras: Want to add a personal touch? Try adding some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a bit of chili for heat. You can also experiment with different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Keep the beef tender: When slicing your beef, make sure to cut against the grain. This will ensure that the beef remains tender and not tough when stir-fried.
Don’t overcook the eggs: Scramble the eggs quickly and cook them only until they’re just set. Overcooked eggs can become dry and rubbery, so keep them soft and tender for the best texture.
Variations
One of the best things about Beef Fried Rice is how versatile it is. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences or use up what’s in your fridge. Here are a few variations to help you get creative:
Swap the protein: While beef is the star of this dish, you can easily substitute it with chicken, shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Add more veggies: To boost the nutrition or add extra color, consider adding bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli. Just make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Go spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some sliced red chili or drizzle sriracha sauce over the fried rice for a spicy kick. You can also add some chili flakes when sautéing the garlic for a milder heat.
Use different rice: While white rice is the traditional choice, you can swap it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier or more fragrant version.
Serving Suggestions for beef fried rice
Beef Fried Rice is a delicious, all-in-one meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, here are some great options to complete your meal:
Simple side salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the fried rice. Try a cucumber and carrot salad or a mixed greens salad with a light sesame dressing.
Steamed vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your meal, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are great choices. Their natural crunch complements the soft, savory rice perfectly.
Spring rolls: For a fun, Asian-inspired side, serve some crispy spring rolls on the side. They add a nice crunch and pair beautifully with the flavors of the fried rice.
FAQs about beef fried rice
To help you get the most out of this Beef Fried Rice recipe, here are some frequently asked questions that might come in handy:
Can I use frozen vegetables for Beef Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and can still yield delicious results. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the pan so they cook evenly and don’t release too much water into the dish.
How do I make Beef Fried Rice with less oil?
If you’re looking to reduce the oil in your fried rice, you can use a non-stick pan or wok and reduce the amount of oil used. Alternatively, you can swap the vegetable oil for a spray oil, which will give you better control over the amount you use without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make Beef Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Beef Fried Rice keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re prepping in advance, store the fried rice in an airtight container and reheat it in a hot pan with a small splash of water to bring back the texture. The flavors will meld even more after a day or two!
What type of beef works best for this recipe?
For the best results, use a tender cut of beef such as flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Slice it thinly against the grain to keep it tender. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use ground beef, though the texture will be different.
Can I add more seasonings to my fried rice?
Of course! While soy sauce and sesame oil are the foundation, you can also experiment with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a little garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. Just be mindful of the salt levels in your soy sauce or other sauces to avoid overpowering the dish.
beef fried rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice preferably day-old
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: If you haven’t already, cook the rice and let it cool. Day-old rice works best because it’s less sticky and holds up better in the stir-frying process. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Scramble the eggs: In the same pan, add the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until just set. Push the eggs to one side of the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the garlic, peas, and carrots to the pan, cooking for about 2-3 minutes, or until the veggies are heated through and the garlic is fragrant.
- Combine the rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice gets a nice golden-brown color.
- Season the rice: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat the rice and veggies evenly with flavor. Add the cooked beef and scrambled eggs back to the pan, stirring everything together until fully combined.
- Final touch: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top and give everything one last stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (you can add more soy sauce or sesame oil if you prefer).