This Easy Beef Fried Rice is perfect for quick dinners! It combines yummy beef, colorful veggies, and fluffy rice all stir-fried together for a fast meal that tastes amazing.
The best part? You can toss in any leftover veggies you have lying around. I sometimes find myself making it just to clear out my fridge – and it’s always a hit! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best since it’s drier and won’t get mushy when frying. No leftover rice? You can use freshly cooked rice, just spread it out to cool before using.
Beef: I use sirloin or flank steak, but you can substitute with ground beef or even chicken if you prefer. Tofu or tempeh are great options if you’re looking for a vegetarian meal.
Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to customize! Frozen mixed veggies are handy and can be tossed straight in. You could also use bell peppers, broccoli, or even leftover roasted veggies.
Eggs: If you’re avoiding eggs, try adding scrambled tofu instead, seasoned with a little turmeric for color. It’s a nice way to keep the dish filling!
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Tender in Fried Rice?
To get tender beef, slicing it thinly against the grain is crucial. This helps break down the protein fibers, making it softer when cooked. Also, marinating the beef in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15-30 minutes can help keep it juicy.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding it back to the pan. This helps retain moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the beef in batches if necessary to allow it to sear properly.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Fried Rice Without It Getting Mushy?
To avoid mushy fried rice, make sure your rice is cold. When stir-frying, keep the heat high. This helps quickly fry the rice instead of boiling it. Use a spatula to break up lumps and toss everything together well.
- Add the rice gradually while stirring constantly, ensuring it gets evenly heated.
- Cook it just long enough to combine all flavors but not so long that it turns into porridge.
Easy Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., diced carrots, peas, and onions)
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauces:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking, giving you a total of 25 minutes to serve a delicious dinner that everyone will love!
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 thinly sliced beef strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor base to your dish!
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set. This should take just a minute or so, as we want them to remain soft and not overcooked.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, onions) to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You want to preserve some of the crunch!
5. Combine the Rice:
Now, add the chilled cooked rice to the pan. Be sure to break up any clumps as you stir-fry to combine it with the veggies and eggs, mixing everything together thoroughly.
6. Return the Beef:
Return the cooked beef to the pan and mix everything well to combine. This ensures that the beef gets nicely distributed throughout the rice.
7. Add the Sauces:
Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
8. Season and Garnish:
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. Finally, remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
This Easy Beef Fried Rice makes for a fantastic and satisfying dinner, perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies. Enjoy cooking and eating!
FAQ for Easy Beef Fried Rice
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice! Just make sure to spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry a bit before using, which helps prevent a mushy texture when frying.
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want a different protein. Ground meat works well too! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce. Just make sure to check the other sauces you use, like oyster sauce, for gluten-free options.
