This Easy Beef Fried Rice is a yummy way to use up leftover rice! With tender beef, colorful veggies, and a hint of soy sauce, it’s quick and satisfying.
Honestly, it’s like a party in a bowl! I often toss in whatever veggies I have on hand. It’s so simple to whip up; you might find yourself making it a lot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and prevents clumping. If you don’t have any, you can cook fresh rice and let it cool completely before using.
Beef: I love using sirloin for its tenderness, but flank steak also works well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use chicken or firm tofu instead!
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the dish light. However, sesame oil can add flavor too! You could also use canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
Vegetable Mix: I usually add more veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for color and nutrition. Feel free to get creative with what you have!
Eggs: They give a nice, fluffy texture. If you’re vegan, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water as a substitute!
How Do I Properly Cook the Beef?
Cooking the beef correctly is key to a tender finish. Here are some tips:
- Slicing the beef against the grain helps make it more tender.
- Cook on high heat quickly to brown it without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
This caramelizes the meat nicely without steaming. It keeps the flavor rich, making each bite delicious!
Easy Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this Easy Beef Fried Rice will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal in just around 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
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. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s browned. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the diced onions, the white parts of the green onions, and the minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 2 minutes until you can smell the delightful aroma.
3. Add More Veggies:
Next, add the diced carrots to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften a bit. Then stir in the thawed peas, cooking for just 1 minute more.
4. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Gently scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked, then mix them with the veggies.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Give everything a good stir until the rice is well mixed with the vegetables and eggs.
6. Add Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything well to make sure the sauces are evenly distributed.
7. Mix in the Beef:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and combine it with the rice and veggies. Don’t forget to toss in the green parts of the sliced green onions for that fresh flavor.
8. Final Cooking:
Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until it’s all nicely heated through. Taste your fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your beef fried rice hot, garnishing with extra sliced green onions if you desire. Dig in and enjoy your delicious and quick dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Rice?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s drier and helps prevent clumping. If you have fresh rice, just let it cool completely before using it to minimize moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken, shrimp, or even firm tofu can work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the protein you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep it from drying out, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients like chopping the vegetables and marinating the beef ahead of time. Just keep everything stored separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
