This Easy Beef Fried Rice is perfect for quick dinners! It’s made with tender beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, all tossed together with a tasty sauce. Yum!
I love how this dish comes together in a flash. It’s my go-to for busy nights when I want something delicious without the fuss. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Using chilled rice helps prevent it from getting mushy. If you don’t have white rice, try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Freshly cooked rice can work too; just cool it quickly by spreading it out on a baking sheet.
Beef: Beef sirloin or flank steak works best for tenderness. If you’re looking for an alternative, chicken or tofu are great options. You can also use ground beef; just cook it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works here, like canola or peanut oil. For a slightly richer flavor, you can use avocado oil instead.
Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can skip them or use scrambled tofu as an egg substitute for a similar texture.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari as a substitute. For a bit of sweetness, coconut aminos can be a tasty alternative.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Veggies in Fried Rice?
Cooking the veggies just right is key to great fried rice! Start by sautéing onions and garlic until they’re aromatic, then add the carrots and peas.
- Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a crunch.
- Mixing them into the rice quickly helps keep their vibrant colors and nutrients.
- Always add your veggies before the rice so they have enough time to cook.
Easy Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably chilled)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 3 green onions, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use more or less to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Seasoning:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef fried rice will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
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 stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they are just set (this will only take a minute or two). Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside with the beef.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and the onion has turned translucent.
4. Add Veggies:
Next, stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas. Cook this mixture until the veggies are tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Now it’s time to add your chilled cooked rice! Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together until the rice is heated through.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Mix everything together well.
7. Flavor It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and drizzle the sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so that all the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
8. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat and garnish your fried rice with the chopped green onions. Serve it hot and enjoy your quick and easy beef fried rice meal!
Can I Use Frozen Beef Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just make sure to thaw it completely before slicing and cooking. The easiest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Rice Ready?
No worries! You can cook fresh rice right before making the fried rice. Just ensure it’s cooled down to room temperature or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to avoid mushiness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can customize this recipe to include any vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
