If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and delightfully satisfying, this Beef Fried Rice Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine tender strips of beef, perfectly cooked rice with a hint of caramelized soy sauce, and vibrant veggies all coming together in one pan for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, savory, and a touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Let’s dive into the magic of this Beef Fried Rice Recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one is essential in building the depth of flavor and wonderful texture that makes this dish shine. From the tender beef to the aromatic garlic and fresh green onions, everything plays a delicious role in this Beef Fried Rice Recipe.
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice: The perfect base that becomes fluffy and slightly crispy after cooling, essential for that authentic texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory flavor to the rice while cooking, elevating it beyond plain water.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings that classic umami punch and salty depth that fried rice is famous for.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Helps create a rich marinade and sauce for the beef, boosting meaty goodness.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar): Balances the salty notes with a touch of sweetness for a harmonious flavor.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: A little kick to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that’s signature in Asian-inspired cooking.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a warm, slightly spicy undertone that brightens the marinade.
- ¾ lb. strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin steak): Tender, thinly sliced beef that’s quick to cook and full of flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For cooking the eggs to creamy perfection without drying them out.
- 2 eggs, whisked well: Adds richness and texture, making the dish even more satisfying.
- 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive or canola oil): Provides high heat cooking to sear the beef and fry the rice with a clean finish.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan, lifting up all those delicious browned bits and adding complexity.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant, savory notes that elevate every bite.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and body for a more balanced texture.
- ¾ cup frozen peas: Brings bursts of sweetness and vibrant green color.
- ¾ cup frozen carrots: Crunchy pops of color and sweetness complement the other veggies perfectly.
- 3-4 green onions, diced: A fresh, zesty finish that brightens the whole dish just before serving.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of plain water to infuse it with flavor right from the start. Bring the broth to a boil, add the rice, cover, and simmer gently. The key here is to cook the rice until just tender, then spread it out on a tray and chill it thoroughly. This cooling step is crucial because cold rice fries up much better, becoming light and a little crispy instead of mushy.
Step 2: Make the Sauce and Marinate the Beef
While the rice cooks, mix together the savory sauce with soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Tenderize your steak gently with a meat tenderizer under plastic wrap to ensure it’s as soft as can be, then slice it thinly across the grain. Toss the beef with some of the sauce to coat it lightly and let it soak in those flavors briefly. This marinade will make your beef juicy and packed with taste in the final dish.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Using butter in your skillet, scramble the whisked eggs over medium-low heat just until set but still moist. This gentle cooking ensures tender, creamy eggs that don’t dry out or become rubbery. Set them aside while you move on to the next steps.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Heat peanut oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season the marinated beef with salt and pepper, then sear it for a few minutes on each side until it’s perfectly cooked through but still tender. Remove from the pan and keep it ready – the beef will rejoin the rice shortly.
Step 5: Deglaze and Cook Vegetables
Lower the heat slightly and pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any delicious browned bits that cling to the skillet – these are packed with flavor! Let the wine reduce by half, then add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened. Finish by stirring in frozen peas and carrots just long enough to heat them through but still retain their texture.
Step 6: Fry the Rice
Add the chilled rice and remaining sauce to the skillet with the vegetables. Turn up the heat to medium-high and toss continuously, ensuring every grain is coated and heated evenly. The rice will develop a slightly browned hue and all the flavors will meld beautifully as the sauce is mostly absorbed.
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Reduce the heat and fold in the cooked beef, scrambled eggs, and diced green onions. Give everything a good toss to combine and warm through. At this stage, your Beef Fried Rice Recipe is ready to serve, looking and smelling fantastic!
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle a little extra diced green onion on top for a burst of freshness and crunch. If you love a bit of heat, add a drizzle of your favorite chili oil or a few red pepper flakes to make it pop. Toasted sesame seeds also add a lovely nutty texture if you want to elevate the presentation even more.
Side Dishes
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple Asian-inspired side like steamed bok choy, easy cucumber salad, or even spring rolls. These lighter sides complement the rich, savory notes of the rice without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your beef fried rice in individual pineapple bowls for a tropical vibe that guests will love. Or turn it into a hearty lettuce wrap filling for a fresh handheld option. Another idea is to top it with a fried egg sunny-side up for an extra layer of indulgence and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef fried rice stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may soften slightly in the fridge, but reheating techniques can restore some of its original texture perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for busy days, this dish freezes nicely. Portion the beef fried rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, reheat the rice in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or broth. This helps rejuvenate the rice’s texture and keeps the beef tender. Stir frequently until heated through and slightly crisped in spots. Avoid microwaving without moisture as it can dry out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it does take longer to cook and won’t crisp up quite the same. You’ll want to pre-cook the brown rice fully and cool it well before frying.
What cut of beef is best for this Beef Fried Rice Recipe?
Strip steak, skirt, flank, or sirloin all work beautifully. The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking. Avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate longer or cook them separately.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the beef and replace the broth with vegetable stock. Add extra veggies or firm tofu for protein. The sauce and rice cooking technique remain the same for a delicious veggie fried rice.
Is it necessary to chill the rice before frying?
Chilling the rice is one of the most important steps for great texture. It dries the grains, preventing them from sticking together and turning mushy when fried. Overnight chilling is ideal, but even cooling for an hour helps a lot.
How spicy is this Beef Fried Rice Recipe?
The hot sauce adds a gentle kick, but the heat level is mild and easily adjusted. Feel free to add more or less to suit your preference or garnish with spicy condiments at serving.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe truly brings together the best flavors and textures in one satisfying dish. It’s versatile, straightforward, and perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends without fuss. Once you’ve made it, you’ll see why it’s an absolute keeper in your recipe collection. So grab your skillet and get cooking—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Savory Garlic Butter Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Beef Fried Rice recipe is a delicious, savory dish combining tender marinated beef, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly cooked rice with vibrant vegetables and a flavorful sauce. Slow-cooked rice is chilled to achieve the ideal texture for frying, resulting in a satisfying meal perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce and Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon honey (can substitute brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Beef and Seasoning
- ¾ lb. strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin steak)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive or canola oil)
Eggs
- 2 eggs, whisked well
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup frozen carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3–4 green onions, diced
Additional Liquids
- ½ cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Add 2 cups of chicken broth to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice, ensuring it is submerged. Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. Check if liquid is absorbed; if not, cook an additional 5 minutes. Spread the cooked rice onto a tray and refrigerate until completely cooled to ensure crispiness when fried. You can store it overnight for even better texture.
- Make the Sauce and Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Place the beef under plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer to soften. Trim excess fat and slice thinly against the grain into 1.5-inch strips. Toss the beef with 2 tablespoons of the sauce and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Scramble the Eggs: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add whisked eggs and gently scramble until just cooked through but still moist. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat peanut oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season marinated beef with salt and pepper and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze and Cook Vegetables: Lower heat to medium and pour in white wine. Scrape the skillet bottom with a spatula to loosen browned bits, then reduce the liquid by half, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in frozen peas and carrots and cook for 1 minute.
- Fry the Rice: Add chilled rice and the remaining sauce to the skillet. Turn heat to medium-high and continuously toss for about 3 minutes until rice is evenly coated with sauce and has a light browned color, with most sauce liquid absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Lower heat to medium, add beef, scrambled eggs, and green onions. Toss everything together to evenly distribute ingredients and heat through. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Refrigerating the rice before frying is key to achieving a crispy texture and preventing mushiness.
- You can substitute the strip steak with skirt, flank, or sirloin steak depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the marinade to your preferred spice level.
- If peanut oil is not available, olive or canola oil can be used as healthier alternatives.
- For an even richer flavor, marinate the beef for up to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prepare the rice a day in advance for the best texture.
