Beef Fried Rice Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a big, steaming skillet of Beef Fried Rice to satisfy your takeout cravings right at home. This colorful and comforting dish comes bursting with juicy strips of steak, vibrant veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs, and tender rice, all tossed in a mouthwateringly savory sauce. With every bite, you get a delightful combination of textures and flavors—salty, sweet, and a touch spicy! No wonder Beef Fried Rice is a weeknight hero and a real crowd-pleaser for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Fried Rice is all about taking simple, everyday staples and making them pop with just the right additions. Every ingredient here brings something special—whether it’s bold flavor, a hint of sweetness, gorgeous color, or the perfect bite of protein.
- Uncooked white long grain rice: This rice is fluffy and doesn’t clump, which is perfect for fried rice. Day-old rice is even better for crispiness!
- Chicken broth: Richly flavors the rice from the start, adding depth you’ll taste in every spoonful.
- Soy sauce: Delivers essential saltiness and that umami goodness that makes fried rice irresistible.
- Beef broth: Adds another layer of hearty, beefy flavor to tie everything together.
- Honey (or brown sugar): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory, salty sauce.
- Hot sauce: A subtle kick that you can take up or down depending on your preference.
- Sesame oil (optional): Drizzled in for fragrant, nutty undertones—just a little goes a long way.
- Ground ginger: Brings a bright, zesty warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin): Juicy, tender beef is the heart of this fried rice; slice it thin for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Salt/Pepper: A finishing touch to season the beef right before’s it’s cooked.
- Butter: Helps create the fluffiest scrambled eggs to tuck into the rice.
- Eggs (whisked well): Adds protein, color, and that classic takeout style.
- Peanut oil (or olive/canola): A high smoke point keeps everything sizzling and adds subtle flavor.
- Dry white wine: This is the “secret agent” that deglazes and releases every last beefy, savory flavor in your pan.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic punch and earthy sweetness.
- Yellow onion (finely diced): For sweetness and texture in every bite.
- Frozen peas: Little pops of sweetness and color—no need to thaw.
- Frozen carrots: Same as above—they add color and a light crunch.
- Green onions (diced): For freshness and a mild oniony bite at the finish.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook and Chill the Rice
Start by bringing your chicken broth to a boil, then add the rice and cover. Let it steam gently until all the liquid’s absorbed—about 15 minutes. For the best Beef Fried Rice, you want the rice completely cooled before frying. Spread it on a tray and pop it in the fridge, or make it a day ahead so it gets that classic crispy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Marinate the Beef
Whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil (if using), and ground ginger. This magic mix is the flavor backbone of your Beef Fried Rice. Now, place plastic wrap over your steak and give it a quick pounding to tenderize. Cut off any excess fat, slice against the grain into thin strips, and then into shorter pieces. Toss your beef with a couple tablespoons of that savory sauce and let it marinate—this amps up the flavor and keeps it juicy.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
In a small nonstick pan over medium-low heat, melt your butter and pour in the whisked eggs. Cook gently, stirring just enough to keep them fluffy but not dry. Remove the scrambled eggs and set aside—you’ll stir them in later for that signature takeout touch.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Now for the fun part! Drizzle your skillet with oil, season the marinated beef with a little salt and pepper, and sear over medium-high heat. Cook just a few minutes per side (don’t overcook!) until you get those delicious brown edges. Remove and set aside—the beef will finish up in the rice soon.
Step 5: Deglaze and Start the Veggies
Pour in the white wine to the hot pan and use a spatula to scrape up all that flavorful brown goodness. Let the liquid reduce by half for concentrated taste, then toss in your onions and garlic. Sauté until just fragrant, then add the peas and carrots; they’ll thaw and cook up quickly, brightening up your fried rice.
Step 6: Fry the Rice and Bring It Together
Add the cooled rice to your skillet with the remaining sauce. Turn up the heat and keep stirring! You’ll notice the rice getting that gorgeous golden color as it soaks up the sauce. After a few minutes, stir in your cooked beef, scrambled eggs, and green onions. Toss everything together until it’s heated through and loaded with flavor. Your Beef Fried Rice is ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice
Garnishes
A handful of fresh green onions or a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top can add color and flavor. Some like a dash of extra soy sauce at the table or even a few chili flakes if you want a little more heat to your Beef Fried Rice.
Side Dishes
While Beef Fried Rice is a meal in itself, it’s also fantastic with a simple side of steamed broccoli, a crispy cucumber salad, or some delicate veggie spring rolls. It makes for a well-balanced and exciting weeknight spread.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Beef Fried Rice in cute individual bowls, pile it high family-style on a big platter, or even wrap it up in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, interactive dinner. If you’re feeling extra, add a fried egg on top for that deluxe restaurant look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef Fried Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool before storing, and just remember that the flavors settle beautifully overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, portion out cooled fried rice into zip-top bags or containers, press out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat directly from frozen with a splash of broth to revive the texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Beef Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat with a dash of water or a little broth, stirring gently until piping hot. The microwave also works fine for quick lunches—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, fluffing with a fork in between.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well if you prefer a nuttier taste and chewier texture. Just make sure it’s cooled and dried out for the best fried rice.
What’s the secret to getting restaurant-quality Beef Fried Rice?
The biggest trick is using thoroughly chilled (even day-old) rice so each grain fries up nice and separated. Marinating and searing the steak, and adding the sauce in two stages, brings out the signature flavors you love from takeout.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Definitely. Skirt, flank, or sirloin are all great choices in place of strip steak. The key is thinly slicing the meat against the grain for tenderness.
How spicy is this recipe?
The hot sauce adds just a little warmth, but you can easily adjust it for your taste. For a punchier dish, splash in extra chili sauce or even some sriracha!
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries—just swap in extra beef or chicken broth, or even a sprinkle of rice vinegar for acidity. The Beef Fried Rice will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your ticket to the ultimate homemade Beef Fried Rice! It’s bold, speedy, and bursting with flavors that beat delivery any day. I can’t wait for you to dive in, get creative, and make this recipe your new favorite. Give it a try and watch it become a weeknight regular!
Print
Beef Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Fried Rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Tender strips of beef, fluffy rice, and a mix of veggies come together with a savory sauce to create a mouthwatering stir-fry.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Beef and Vegetables:
- ¾ lb. strip steak
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 eggs
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 small yellow onion
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup frozen carrots
- 3–4 green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Rice – Bring chicken broth to a boil, add rice, simmer for 15 minutes, then cool.
- Prepare the Sauce/Marinate the Beef – Combine sauce ingredients, tenderize and slice beef, marinate.
- Scramble the Eggs – Cook eggs in butter until just cooked through.
- Make the Fried Rice – Sear beef, deglaze with wine, sauté onions, garlic, peas, and carrots, then add rice and sauce. Toss in beef, eggs, and green onions.
Notes
- For best results, use cold, day-old rice for optimal texture.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or protein choices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Beef Fried Rice, Stir-fry, Asian cuisine, Homemade takeout, Easy beef recipe
