This Easy Beef Fried Rice is perfect for those busy weeknights! It’s a tasty mix of tender beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, all cooked up in one pan.
You can whip this up in no time and it’s a meal the whole family will love! I like to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end for that little extra crunch. Enjoy! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice because it’s drier and prevents clumping. If you don’t have leftovers, cook fresh rice and spread it on a plate to cool before using.
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak is great for this dish, but you can also use ground beef or chicken if that’s what you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh!
Vegetables: Mixed frozen veggies work perfectly when you’re in a hurry! You can substitute with whatever vegetables you prefer like broccoli, corn, or snap peas. Just chop them small for even cooking.
Eggs: Using eggs adds great texture and protein. If you’re avoiding eggs, consider adding extra tofu or a spoon of chickpea flour mixed with water for a similar texture.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich flavor, but it can be omitted or replaced with more soy sauce. For a vegetarian alternative, look for mushroom oyster sauce.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Stays Tender?
Tender beef is crucial for a delicious fried rice. Here are some tips:
- Cut the beef against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef; this helps it brown instead of steam.
- You can marinate the beef briefly in a mix of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil for extra tenderness and flavor.
Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 1/2 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, diced bell pepper)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, so you can have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing them for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the Mixed Vegetables:
Now, add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until they’re just tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. On the other side, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently until they’re fully cooked, then mix everything together so the eggs are evenly distributed.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Next, add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir everything together so that the eggs, veggies, and rice are well combined.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to make sure the sauces are evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture. Heat everything through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Just before serving, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef fried rice hot and enjoy a delicious meal that’s ready in no time!
FAQ for Easy Beef Fried Rice
Can I Use Leftover Steak for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover steak works great in fried rice. Just make sure to slice it thinly and add it towards the end of cooking so it heats through without overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No problem! If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice. Simply cook it, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly, and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before using. This helps dry it out a bit, which is ideal for frying.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this fried rice gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos. Ensure that any other sauces used, like oyster sauce, are also gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to help revive the texture.
