This Beef Fried Rice is a simple and tasty meal perfect for busy evenings. With tender beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a plate full of flavor!
It’s so easy to make that I often whip it up when I need dinner in a hurry. Just toss everything in the pan, and voila! A satisfying meal in no time. 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Using day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, helping to achieve that perfect fried rice texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and harden for a while.
Beef: I prefer sirloin for its tender and juicy qualities. However, if you want a leaner option, flank steak or even ground beef works well. For a meat-free version, try tofu or a mix of your favorite veggies instead.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: These are super convenient and add sweetness and color. You can swap them with other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli, depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preference.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute if you’re watching your sodium intake. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
How Do I Get My Rice Perfectly Fried?
Frying rice is all about technique! Here are some tips to ensure it turns out great:
- Use old rice if possible; it’s drier and fries better. Fresh rice is often too moist.
- Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding oil. This helps keep the grains separate.
- Stir-fry quickly! Keep the ingredients moving to avoid burning and to warm everything through evenly.
- Break up any rice clumps as you add them to the pan, so everything gets coated with flavor.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious fried rice every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold, day-old)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate whites and greens)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll have a delicious beef fried rice dinner ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare 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, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the beef is browned and cooked through, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté everything until the onions become translucent, which should take about 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the onions and garlic to one side of the pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Scramble them gently until just set, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the frozen peas and carrots mix to the pan. Cook everything together until the vegetables are heated through, around 2 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Next, add the cold cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps as you stir-fry, making sure to blend all the ingredients evenly and heat everything through.
6. Mix in the Sauces:
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), and mix everything well so the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish with Green Onions:
Drizzle sesame oil (if using) over the fried rice and add the green parts of the sliced green onions. Give everything a final stir and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove from heat, serve hot, and optionally garnish with extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
This quick and easy beef fried rice is not only flavorful but also ready in under 30 minutes! Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
FAQ for Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Leftover Rice?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and helps achieve the perfect texture for fried rice. If using fresh rice, make sure to cool it quickly to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time until your protein is fully cooked.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to help steam it back to life, and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this recipe with more veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is cooked properly!
