This Easy Beef Fried Rice is a tasty and quick dish perfect for busy nights! With tender beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a meal the whole family will enjoy.
What’s great is how fast it comes together! Just throw everything in one pan, and in no time, you have a delicious dinner. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice too! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is the best choice since it’s drier and won’t clump together. If you don’t have any, cook fresh rice and spread it out to cool before using.
Beef: Beef sirloin or flank steak gives great flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak will do the trick. You can also use chicken, shrimp, or firm tofu for a different protein!
Vegetables: Carrots and peas are common, but feel free to swap in whatever you have! Bell peppers, broccoli, or corn work great too. Fresh or frozen peas are both fine!
Eggs: They add richness and protein. If you want to keep it egg-free, simply omit them, or use scrambled tofu as a substitute for a vegan version.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer. A splash of extra soy sauce or a little hoisin sauce can be nice alternatives.
How Do You Make Sure Your Fried Rice Isn’t Mushy?
The key to perfect fried rice is starting with the right rice! Use rice that’s been cooked and cooled, ideally the day before. This helps dry it out, preventing mushiness.
- When you cook the rice, make it a little drier than usual.
- If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to cool before frying.
- Be sure to stir-fry over high heat. This quickly heats the rice without steaming it.
- Break up any clumps as you add the rice to keep it fluffy!
Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect texture for your beef fried rice!
Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Dinners
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Beef Fried Rice takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a fantastic dish to whip up in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef strips, season them lightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until browned and cooked through for about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant and the onion is slightly translucent.
3. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, stir in the green peas and combine everything well.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Now, push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble them quickly until they are just set.
5. Combine with Rice:
Add the cooked rice into the pan, breaking up any clumps gently with a spatula. Stir everything together to combine well, ensuring the rice gets mixed with the flavorful ingredients.
6. Mix in the Sauces:
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly so that all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauces.
7. Toast the Rice:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is heated through. If you like, let it cook a little longer for a lightly toasted bottom.
8. Final Touches:
Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with extra soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed. Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions.
Enjoy your quick and easy beef fried rice! It’s the perfect comforting meal after a busy day.
FAQ for Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is actually ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumping in your fried rice. If you only have fresh rice, let it cool completely or spread it out on a baking sheet for 30 minutes before using to reduce moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Beef on Hand?
No worries! You can easily substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose; chicken and shrimp will cook quickly like beef!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry it in a pan or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce during reheating to loosen up any clumped rice.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your fried rice with other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Just ensure they are chopped small and added to the pan at the right time for even cooking.
