Quick Beef Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef fried rice recipe is a delightful blend of savory beef, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s simple yet flavorful, using just a few ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beef is marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch, which helps to tenderize it and give it a nice texture when stir-fried. This recipe is not only easy to make but also quick—ready in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, making it both a practical and delicious meal choice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and chilled)

• ½ lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoon soy sauce (divided)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (divided)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 2 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef:
   In a small bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.

2. Cook the Beef:
   Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and just cooked through (about 2-3 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the peas and carrots, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.

4. Scramble the Eggs:
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until just set.

5. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

6. Finish and Garnish:
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Stir in the sliced green onions.

7. Serve:
   Serve the beef fried rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili paste or fresh chilies to bring a spicy kick to the dish.

• Different Proteins: You can use chicken, shrimp, or even pork instead of beef for variety.

• Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a more colorful dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water or broth to help prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Using day-old rice is recommended because it’s drier and less likely to clump together, making it perfect for fried rice. However, you can use freshly cooked rice if you don't have leftovers. Just let it cool slightly before using it.

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, such as marinating the beef and chopping the vegetables. When ready to cook, everything will be ready to go.

3. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, any thinly sliced beef cut works well for stir-frying. You can try flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye for a richer flavor.

4. Can I freeze the leftover fried rice?

You can freeze leftover fried rice for up to a month. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat it thoroughly when ready to eat.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains soy sauce and oyster sauce, which are typically not gluten-free. You can substitute them with gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce if needed.

6. Can I add other sauces for more flavor?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different sauces like hoisin sauce or even teriyaki sauce to adjust the flavor to your liking.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicy kick, add chili paste, sriracha, or fresh sliced chilies to the stir-fry.

8. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can skip the eggs for a dairy-free or egg-free version of this fried rice.

9. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used in place of white rice for a healthier option, although it may change the texture slightly.

10. How do I know when the beef is cooked properly?

The beef should be browned and no longer pink in the center. Since it's sliced thinly, it cooks very quickly—usually in about 2-3 minutes.

Conclusion

Beef fried rice is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice. This one-pan dish is not only packed with flavor but also versatile, allowing for variations based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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