Beef Fried Rice

Every time I prepare Beef Fried Rice, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This dish reminds me of countless family dinners where we gathered around the table, laughing and sharing stories while enjoying this hearty meal. The savory aroma of the sizzling beef and fresh vegetables would fill the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. It’s amazing how a simple combination of ingredients can evoke such strong feelings of belonging and togetherness.

On busy weeknights, Beef Fried Rice becomes my go-to recipe. It’s quick, easy, and satisfies my cravings for something hearty. I love how versatile it is; you can throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a delicious meal that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

As I stand at the stove, the sound of the beef sizzling and the smell of soy sauce wafting through the kitchen, I can’t help but smile. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive into the magic of making the perfect Beef Fried Rice together and create some beautiful memories along the way!

What You’ll Need for Beef Fried Rice

To create a memorable Beef Fried Rice, you’ll need some staple ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component brings its own unique flavor and texture, contributing to a balanced and satisfying dish. The key players here are the beef, soy sauce, and rice, which come together to create a delicious symphony of tastes that you’ll want to savor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, highly recommended but optional
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or canola oil, plus more if needed
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil
• ½ to ¾ pound of sirloin or flank steak, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• ½ cup of white onion, diced small
• 1 ½ cups of frozen peas and carrots
• 2 or 3 large eggs
• 4 cups of cooked rice
• Scallions, thinly sliced; optional for garnishing

How to Cook Beef Fried Rice

Cooking Beef Fried Rice is a delightful experience! As the ingredients come together, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. It’s all about timing and technique, so let’s get started on this flavorful journey with step-by-step instructions!

1. To begin, take a small bowl and add the dark soy sauce, soy sauce (I prefer reduced sodium), and the optional oyster sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and set aside. This sauce is going to be the flavor base for our fried rice.

2. Now, grab a large high-sided skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Pour in the vegetable oil and canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add the strips of beef to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring and flipping frequently. You’re looking for a nice char and sear on the beef. It should be just done and beautifully browned.

3. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked beef from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Do not drain the skillet! We want all those flavorful bits left behind.

4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it starts to soften. The onion will absorb some of the delicious beef flavors while adding its own sweetness.

5. Next, toss in the frozen peas and carrots. There’s no need to thaw them; just add them straight from the freezer. Cook for about 2 minutes until the vegetables soften, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and add them to the plate with the beef.

6. In the same skillet, crack in the eggs and scramble them for about 2 to 3 minutes. If the skillet seems dry, feel free to drizzle in a bit more vegetable oil. Once scrambled, add the eggs to the plate with the beef and vegetables.

7. Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Add the cooked rice to the skillet. If the rice seems a bit clumpy, break it up gently with a spatula. Drizzle a touch of vegetable oil over the top, and allow the rice to rest in the skillet for about 2 minutes. This resting period helps to sear the rice a little, adding texture.

8. After a couple of minutes, stir the rice around to mix it up. Then, return the cooked beef, onions, and peas and carrots back into the skillet. Toss everything together to combine.

9. Finally, drizzle the reserved sauce over the entire mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through and beautifully combined. You can add more soy sauce to taste if you like!

10. For a finishing touch, optionally garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Serve your delicious Beef Fried Rice immediately and enjoy!

Make It Your Own

Every chef has their own spin on classic dishes, and Beef Fried Rice is no exception. Here are some tips to personalize your version:

• Storage: Store leftover Beef Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions of Beef Fried Rice for up to 4 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a refreshing contrast.
• Try Different Proteins: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile!
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding some chopped chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil while cooking.
• Herbs and Seasoning: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a nice touch when sprinkled on top before serving.

Pairing Suggestions for Beef Fried Rice

When it comes to serving Beef Fried Rice, there are numerous options that can complement its flavors beautifully. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Fresh Salads: Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the savoriness of the fried rice.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, bok choy, or green beans add a nice crunch and fresh flavor, making them perfect accompaniments.
• Asian-inspired Soups: Pair your Beef Fried Rice with a light miso soup or a hot and sour soup for a complete meal.
• Great for Lunch or Dinner: This dish makes for a hearty lunch or dinner option. It’s filling enough to satisfy hunger and can be a great way to use leftovers.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, Beef Fried Rice is sure to please the crowd.
• Storage Tips: Remember that Beef Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it in a pan for best results.
• Seasonal Pairings: Consider pairing your dish with seasonal vegetables or fruits that are fresh and available – think spring peas or autumn squash.

FAQ

Conclusion

Beef Fried Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, memories, and togetherness. This dish brings comfort and satisfaction, no matter the occasion. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy cooking and creating delightful memories around the table.

Beef Fried Rice

The ultimate comfort food for any occasion, Beef Fried Rice combines tender beef and colorful veggies with perfectly cooked rice. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. Make it tonight and enjoy a satisfying meal!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce highly recommended but optional
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil, plus more if needed
• 1 to 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• ½ to ¾ pounds sirloin or flank steak, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• ½ cup white onion diced small
• 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 2 or 3 large eggs
• 4 cups cooked rice
• Scallions thinly sliced; optional for garnishing

Equipment

• Small Bowl
• large high-sided skillet

Method

 

1. To a small bowl, add the dark soy sauce, soy sauce (I use reduced sodium), and the optional oyster sauce. Stir to combine; set aside.
2. In a large (8 to 10 inches) high-sided skillet, add the vegetable oil and canola oil. Once hot, add the beef and cook over medium-high heat until nicely charred, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir and flip frequently.
3. Remove the cooked beef with a slotted spoon and place on a plate; set aside. Don't drain anything from the skillet.
4. Add the onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, until beginning to soften.
5. Add the peas and carrots mixture (no need to thaw) and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the plate with the beef.
6. Add the eggs and scramble for about 2 to 3 minutes. If needed, add a touch more vegetable oil. Add to the plate with the rest of the cooked food.
7. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, drizzle with more vegetable oil if desired, and let sit for about 2 minutes to sear.
8. Stir the rice and add back in the cooked beef, onions, peas, and carrots. Stir to combine.
9. Drizzle with the sauce mixture and cook for about 2 minutes, or until everything is warmed through.
10. Optionally garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: Use cold, day-old rice for better texture.
• Tip 2: Cooking on high heat is crucial for a nice sear.
• Tip 3: Avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Tip 4: Customize with your favorite vegetables.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.