This Easy Beef Fried Rice is a super quick and tasty dinner that everyone will love! With juicy beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying meal in one bowl.
The best part? You can whip it up in no time, which is great after a long day. I love adding a splash of soy sauce for that extra yum! Plus, it’s perfect for using up leftovers. 🍚🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is the best choice! It doesn’t clump together, making your fried rice fluffy. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook some fresh rice and spread it out to cool before using.
Beef: I like using beef sirloin for its tenderness, but flank steak is a great option too. If you prefer, chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work well for a protein twist!
Eggs: Eggs add a nice texture and flavor. You can skip them if you’re looking for a lighter dish or use scrambled tofu as a vegan option.
Vegetables: I use frozen peas and carrots for convenience, but feel free to toss in other veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Fresh vegetables give a nice crunch!
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich flavor. If you’re vegetarian or avoid shellfish, skip it or check for mushroom-based oyster sauce as a substitute.
How Do I Get My Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the beef just right is key to a delicious fried rice. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
- When cooking, let the beef sear without stirring too much for a nice browning effect. This adds flavor!
- Cook on medium-high heat. This helps to get that lovely golden color while keeping the center juicy.
Remember to not overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the beef instead of sear it. If cooking a large batch, do it in batches to achieve the best results.
Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots mix
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, making a total of around 25 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Ingredients:
Before you begin cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Slice the beef thinly for quick cooking, chop the onions and green onions, and have your day-old rice ready. Day-old rice is less sticky, which is perfect for fried rice!
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside for later.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Using the same pan, add the remaining oil. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. This builds a great flavor base for your fried rice!
4. Cook the Beef:
Add the sliced beef to the pan and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Add Vegetables:
Next, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re heated through and tender. Fresh or other veggies can also be used here if preferred!
6. Mix in the Rice:
Now it’s time for the rice! Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps as you go. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
7. Add Sauce:
Pour the soy sauce (and oyster sauce if using) evenly over the rice mixture. Stir well to coat everything in that delicious sauce.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Toss everything together to ensure the rice, beef, and veggies are well-mixed.
9. Final Touches:
Mix in the green parts of the green onions and give everything a taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed—this is where you can customize based on your preference!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot beef fried rice immediately, garnishing with extra sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy a quick, homemade dinner packed with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Leftover Rice?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice as it’s less sticky and holds up better in the frying process. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out before using.
What If I Don’t Have Some of the Ingredients?
No worries! You can easily substitute or skip ingredients. For example, any protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu can replace the beef. If you’re out of frozen veggies, use any fresh vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or broccoli!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Always double-check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the flavors.
