This Easy Beef Fried Rice is perfect for a quick dinner! It combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice all in one tasty dish. Plus, it comes together in just a few steps!
I love making this on busy nights because it’s fast and filling. Just throw everything in the pan, give it a good mix, and you’re ready to eat. Who doesn’t love a meal that cleans up quickly, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s a bit drier, making it easier to fry. If you don’t have day-old rice, freshly cooked rice works too; just let it cool for a bit to reduce moisture.
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground beef or chicken works great too. You can even skip the meat for a vegetarian option and load up on veggies!
Vegetables: Mixed vegetables add color and nutrition. If you’re out of frozen mixed veggies, feel free to use any fresh vegetables you have on hand. Peas, broccoli, or even zucchini will work well.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient brings all the flavor! If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. You can also reduce the amount for a less salty version or use low-sodium soy sauce.
How Do I Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Cooking the beef correctly is key to making it tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with thinly sliced beef; it cooks faster and absorbs flavors better.
- Heat the skillet or wok until hot, then add the oil before the beef to avoid sticking.
- Cook the beef in batches if necessary; overcrowding the pan can steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Stir-fry for just 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through, then remove it quickly to prevent overcooking.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked beef every time! Enjoy your fried rice! 🍚
Easy Beef Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Dinner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, diced bell peppers)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tsp 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 time, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef strips and sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked. This will take about 1-2 minutes. Remove the eggs and set them aside with the beef.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a little crunch. This step adds great color and texture to your dish!
5. Mix in the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetable mixture for about 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and well mixed.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. This is where the magic happens; everything comes together in a delicious mix!
7. Add Sauce and Season:
Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste it and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Finish with Green Onions:
Finally, stir in the sliced green onions, saving a few for garnish. This adds a fresh flavor to your fried rice!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the beef fried rice hot. Garnish with the reserved green onions if desired. Enjoy your quick and easy dinner!
Bon appétit! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can use freshly cooked rice; just be sure to let it cool for a bit before adding it to the pan to reduce moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
If you want to make this dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly, you can easily substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Ground meat works well too! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like heat, add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha sauce when you stir in the soy sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a little splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also use a microwave, just be sure to cover it to maintain moisture.
