This Easy Beef Fried Rice is the perfect dish for a speedy dinner! It’s packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, all stir-fried together for a tasty one-pan meal.
You can whip this up in no time, making it a go-to for busy nights. Plus, it’s so good you might want to keep it a secret from your family! But let’s be real, we all end up sharing anyway! 😂
I love adding extra soy sauce for that tasty kick and throwing in whatever veggies I have left. It’s a great way to use up those ingredients before they go bad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best since it’s drier and helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. Fresh rice can work too, but make sure it’s cooled so it doesn’t clump. If you have brown rice, it makes a great healthy swap!
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak is ideal for tenderness. However, if you’re looking to save, ground beef can substitute nicely. Just adjust the cooking time and make sure it’s well-seasoned.
Vegetables: Carrots and peas are classics, but feel free to mix in whatever you like or have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or corn can be great options too!
Eggs: They add richness, but if you want to keep it vegetarian or need an egg-free dish, you can skip them or use tofu for added protein instead.
How Do You Prevent Rice from Clumping Together?
Using cold, day-old rice is crucial for avoiding clumps in your fried rice. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool it down and let the steam escape. This helps dry it out slightly and prevents it from sticking together.
- Once you’re ready, break up any remaining clumps with your spatula while stir-frying.
- Stir-frying quickly on high heat helps give that non-sticky texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold and day-old)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 2-3 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Beef Fried Rice takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking time. So, in just under 30 minutes, you can serve a delicious homemade meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef strips and sauté them until they are browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they’re just cooked. It should only take a minute! Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and combine them with the beef on your plate.
3. Stir-Fry the Veggies:
Add the diced onion, carrots, and peas into the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Mix in the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet. Use the back of your spatula to break up any clumps and mix everything together. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes so the rice heats through and combines well with the veggies.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce, stirring well to coat all the ingredients. Heat everything together for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the fried rice for that extra flavor, and give it a good stir. Taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat, and garnish your delicious beef fried rice with sliced green onions. Serve hot using chopsticks or a spoon. Enjoy your quick and tasty dinner!
This recipe makes a delicious, quick dinner that’s colorful, hearty, and packed with flavor! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While white rice is traditional, you can use brown rice for a healthier option or jasmine rice for a fragrant twist. Just ensure the rice is cooked and cooled before frying to avoid clumping.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them or stir-fry in a pan over medium heat. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen it up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to chop them small and adjust cooking time accordingly to keep everything tender yet crisp.
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
If you prefer a different protein, chicken, shrimp, or tofu can work great in this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose, ensuring it’s cooked through before adding the rice.
