If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with savory goodness, vibrant colors, and that comforting, homemade taste, this Beef Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender strips of marinated beef with fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a delicate balance of sauces that make every bite sing. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a flavorful crowd-pleaser, this recipe will become one of your favorites in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic behind the Beef Fried Rice Recipe: simple, essential ingredients that each bring their own unique touch to the dish. From tender beef to fresh veggies and fragrant seasonings, every component plays a role in the final flavor, texture, and color.
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice: The base of the dish, providing that classic fluffy texture perfect for stir-frying.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Used to cook the rice, infusing it with savory depth right from the start.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Adds the unmistakable umami and saltiness characteristic of fried rice.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Enhances the richness and beefy flavor throughout the dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar): Brings a subtle touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides warmth and a touch of spice in the background.
- ¾ lb. strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin): The star protein, thinly sliced to absorb all the delicious marinade flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used for cooking eggs, adding richness and softness.
- 2 eggs, whisked well: For a fluffy, tender scramble that melds beautifully into the rice.
- 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive or canola oil): High smoke point oil perfect for searing and stir-frying.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds a subtle acidity that brightens the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the rice with its classic aromatic flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- ¾ cup frozen peas: A pop of green and gentle sweetness to add freshness.
- ¾ cup frozen carrots: Colorful bites that bring texture and mild natural sweetness.
- 3-4 green onions, diced: Finally, a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor to finish everything off.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Rice
Begin by simmering the rice in chicken broth to give it more flavor than plain water ever could. Once cooked, spreading the rice out and chilling it is key to getting that coveted crispy texture once fried — this step cannot be skipped if you want authentic fried rice perfection.
Step 2: Marinate and Prepare the Beef
While the rice cools, mix the soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger to create a mouthwatering marinade. Tenderizing and slicing the steak thinly ensures every piece soaks up the flavors quickly, making your beef juicy and packed with taste after a quick sear.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Cooking the eggs gently in butter creates creamy, soft curds that will add richness and a comforting texture contrast when stirred into the rice later on.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heating peanut oil until sizzling, then quickly searing the marinated beef creates beautifully caramelized edges and seals in the juices. This step locks in intense beef flavor that shines through the final dish.
Step 5: Build the Flavor Base
Deglazing the pan with white wine pulls up all the flavorful browned bits left from searing, then cooking onions, garlic, peas, and carrots creates a fragrant, colorful base bursting with texture and freshness.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Rice with Sauce
Adding the chilled rice alongside the remaining sauce to the veggie mixture and tossing over medium-high heat coats every grain perfectly. This is the moment the rice develops its signature light brown color and deep, balanced flavor.
Step 7: Combine Everything Together
Finally, fold in the seared beef, scrambled eggs, and fresh green onions. Gently toss to combine and heat through, ensuring every bite has a little bit of everything that makes this Beef Fried Rice Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra diced green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds can make your presentation pop and introduce an extra layer of texture and flavor that guests often love.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like a crisp cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or quick pickled vegetables for a complete experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your beef fried rice in individual pineapple halves or scoop it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held treat. You can also top it with a fried egg to make a deluxe meal that dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Beef Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, your tasty meal will be ready to enjoy again without losing much of its original texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover beef fried rice in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing and label it with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating
When reheating, the best way is to warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen up the rice while preserving its moisture and crisping it slightly again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
While long grain rice works best for texture and fluffiness, you can substitute jasmine rice for a more fragrant version, or even brown rice if you prefer a nuttier, healthier option, though cooking times may vary.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the beef?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms marinated in the same sauce for a delicious vegetarian take that still captures the smoky, savory essence of this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensuring your hot sauce & other ingredients have no gluten, you can enjoy this dish without worry.
What’s the best way to slice the beef?
Make sure your beef is slightly chilled before slicing thinly against the grain, which will help it stay tender after cooking and absorb the marinade flavors more effectively.
Can I prepare any parts of the recipe in advance?
Definitely. Cooking and chilling the rice the day before saves time and improves texture. You can also marinate the beef ahead of time but avoid marinating eggs or veggies to preserve their freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a homemade Beef Fried Rice Recipe that brings both comfort and excitement to your table. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved classic in so many kitchens. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
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Beef Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Beef Fried Rice recipe combines tender marinated beef strips with fluffy, chilled rice and a medley of vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. The rice is cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor, then stir-fried with savory soy and beef broth sauce, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions. The dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering a delightful balance of textures and umami-rich taste.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce and Marinade
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon honey (can substitute brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Beef and Seasoning
- ¾ lb. strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin steak)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Oils
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive or canola oil)
Additional Ingredients
- 2 eggs, whisked well
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup frozen carrots
- 3–4 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Cook the Rice. Add 2 cups chicken broth to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice ensuring it is submerged. Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. Check if liquid is absorbed; if not, cook an additional 5 minutes. Spread the cooked rice onto a tray and refrigerate until completely cooled to ensure crispiness when fried. You can store it overnight for even better texture.
- Prepare Sauce and Marinate Beef. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Place the beef under plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer to soften. Trim excess fat and slice thinly against the grain into 1.5-inch strips. Toss the beef with 2 tablespoons of the sauce and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Scramble the Eggs. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add whisked eggs and gently scramble until just cooked through but still moist. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sear the Beef. Heat peanut oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Season marinated beef with salt and pepper and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze and Cook Vegetables. Lower heat to medium and pour in white wine. Scrape the skillet bottom with a spatula to loosen browned bits, then reduce the liquid by half, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in frozen peas and carrots and cook for 1 minute.
- Fry the Rice. Add chilled rice and the remaining sauce to the skillet. Turn heat to medium-high and continuously toss for about 3 minutes until rice is evenly coated with sauce and has a light browned color, with most sauce liquid absorbed.
- Combine and Finish. Lower heat to medium, add beef, scrambled eggs, and green onions. Toss everything together to evenly distribute ingredients and heat through. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chilling the cooked rice before frying helps to prevent soggy fried rice and contributes to a better texture.
- Pounding the beef ensures tenderness and easier cooking.
- Feel free to substitute peanut oil with olive or canola oil based on preference or allergies.
- The honey can be swapped with brown sugar if desired.
- Adjust hot sauce amount to taste for spiciness.
- Using leftover rice cooked a day before yields the best results.
