Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This beef fried rice recipe is loaded with tender steak, crispy rice, savory sauce, and colorful veggies, making it a perfect one-pan meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish combines restaurant-style flavors with easy, homemade comfort. Whether you’re craving a hearty stir fry, need to use up leftover rice, or want a customizable dish, this easy beef fried rice is a must-try. Packed with protein, simple to make, and bursting with flavor, it’s your go-to recipe for satisfying cravings in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Rice

• 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice (see notes)
• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon honey (can substitute with brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger

Stir Fry

• ¾ lb. strip steak, skirt, flank, or sirloin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 eggs, whisked well
• 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute with olive or canola oil)
• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• ¾ cup frozen peas
• ¾ cup frozen carrots
• 3-4 green onions, diced

Instructions

Equipment

• 3-quart saucepan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid for steaming the rice
• Wide skillet with ample surface area for frying the rice

1. Cook the Rice

1. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Return to a boil, then cover the pot. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (medium-low) and let it steam for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, lift the lid. If the liquid is absorbed, the rice is done. If not, let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Spread the cooked rice out on a tray and transfer it to the fridge to cool completely. For even crispier fried rice, allow it to cool and store in an airtight container overnight.

2. Prepare the Sauce and Marinate the Beef

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, beef broth, honey (or brown sugar), hot sauce, sesame oil (if using), and ground ginger. Set aside.
2. Tenderize the Beef: Place the beef between layers of plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound it gently on each side, making it more tender. Trim away any large fat areas.
3. Slice the Beef: Cut the tenderized beef into thin strips against the grain, then slice into smaller pieces about 1.5 inches long.
4. Marinate the Beef: Transfer the beef slices to a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture. Toss to coat and set aside.

3. Scramble the Eggs

1. In a separate skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add the whisked eggs and cook until just set, scrambling them gently. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Make the Fried Rice

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the marinated beef with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sear the Beef: Add the beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until seared and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Deglaze the Skillet: Reduce heat to medium and pour in ½ cup dry white wine. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet, allowing the liquid to reduce by half (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Cook Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for an additional 1 minute.
6. Add the Rice and Sauce: Incorporate the chilled rice and the remaining sauce into the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and toss continuously for about 3 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and starts to brown as the sauce is absorbed.
7. Combine All Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium and add the cooked beef, scrambled eggs, and diced green onions. Toss everything together to coat and heat through.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep time.
• Flavor-Packed: Combines savory beef, rich sauces, and fresh vegetables for a delicious meal.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
• Leftover-Friendly: Makes great use of leftover rice, reducing food waste.
• Balanced Meal: Provides a good mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

Tips

• Use Day-Old Rice: Chilled or day-old rice helps achieve the best texture for fried rice, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• High Heat is Key: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures that ingredients sear properly, adding depth to the flavor.
• Prep Everything First: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.
• Cut Against the Grain: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
• Control Moisture: Pat dry your meat and vegetables to avoid excess moisture, which can make the fried rice soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu for different flavors.
• Vegetable Choices: Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.
• Sauce Alternatives: Use teriyaki sauce or oyster sauce instead of soy sauce for a different taste profile.
• Spice It Up: Add more hot sauce, chili flakes, or sriracha for an extra kick.
• Healthy Twist: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier version.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen rice instead of chilling it overnight?
A: Yes, you can spread the freshly cooked rice on a tray and let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. However, chilling it overnight in the fridge yields the best texture.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While fried rice is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cook and cool the rice in advance, and store the marinated beef separately until ready to cook.

Q: What can I substitute for beef broth?
A: You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water if necessary, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Serving and Suggestions

• Garnish: Top with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or spring rolls for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Accompaniments: Pair with a side of egg rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad to enhance the meal.

Enjoy this delicious and versatile Beef Fried Rice as a satisfying meal for any occasion!