This Easy Beef Fried Rice is perfect for busy nights! With tender beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice, it’s a fun and tasty meal that comes together in a flash.
I love how it transforms leftover rice into a delicious dish. Plus, it’s one of those meals where you can sneak in extra veggies without anyone noticing! 🥕😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and won’t clump together when frying. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out to cool before using it. Brown rice can be a healthy substitute, but it may change the texture slightly.
Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: These cuts are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using chicken or tofu instead. You can also use leftover cooked beef if you have it on hand!
Vegetable Oil or Sesame Oil: Both oils work well, but sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. You can use canola or avocado oil if sesame isn’t available. Coconut oil is another great alternative for a tropical twist.
Mixed Vegetables: I like using frozen mixed veggies for ease, but fresh ones like bell peppers or broccoli can add a nice crunch. Feel free to substitute based on what you have in your fridge!
Eggs: Eggs add richness to the dish, but if you’re avoiding eggs, consider scrambled tofu or chickpea flour for a vegan option.
How Do You Get the Rice Just Right?
The key to fried rice is ensuring your rice is not too wet. Day-old rice has the perfect texture. If you only have freshly cooked rice, cool it in the fridge for a bit before using it. This helps reduce moisture.
- Spread fresh rice on a tray to cool quickly.
- If using leftover rice, break up any clumps before adding it to the pan.
- Fry it in a hot pan to give each grain a good sear without sticking together.
Taking these steps will ensure you have that perfect texture for fried rice, making your meal even better!
Easy Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil, divided
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Beef Fried Rice recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a 25-minute meal from start to finish. The perfect quick and tasty option for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced beef. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry the beef until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes. After it’s done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion is fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. This will add a lovely flavor to your fried rice.
3. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Cook them until they’re tender, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Stir everything around so they cook evenly.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Now, push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set, and then mix them in with the veggies.
5. Combine the Rice:
Time to add the star ingredient! Add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and toss everything together so that the rice mixes well with the veggies and eggs.
6. Add the Beef and Sauces:
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir everything together to combine. Pour in the soy sauce and the oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
7. Finishing Touches:
If you like, drizzle with sesame oil and stir in the chopped green onions. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Beef Fried Rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if you’d like. Enjoy this quick and flavorful meal with family and friends!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Beef Fried Rice
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just add them straight to the pan without thawing—they’ll cook quickly alongside the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Day-Old Rice?
No worries! If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for a bit. This helps reduce moisture, preventing the fried rice from becoming mushy. Let it sit in the fridge for around 30 minutes if you have the time!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time! Just cook them according to the recipe, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together with the chilled rice. It’ll be ready in no time!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover beef fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of soy sauce or water to keep it moist!
