Beef Fried Rice
Tender, velvety beef strips, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables tossed with savory day-old rice and a rich soy-sesame sauce. A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite made easy at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- 2
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat
- a.Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Lightly beat the eggs and pour them into the hot skillet. Scramble for 1-2 minutes until just cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
Increase the heat to high
- a.Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove the beef and set aside with the eggs.
- 4
Reduce heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil
- a.Add the chopped onion and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 2 minutes
- a.Add the cold, day-old rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and toss continuously for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted.
- 6
Step 6
- a.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper. Pour this sauce mixture over the rice and toss everything to coat evenly.
- 7
Return the cooked beef and scrambled eggs to the skillet
- a.Add most of the green parts of the green onions. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through completely.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary
- a.Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh green onions.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use day-old, cold rice. The grains are drier and separate easily, preventing mushy fried rice.
- 2To easily slice beef thinly, place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm it up before cutting against the grain.
- 3The cornstarch marinade (a technique called velveting) creates a protective layer that keeps the beef tender and juicy.
- 4Get your wok or skillet screaming hot before adding the beef to achieve a perfect sear rather than steaming the meat.
- 5Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 6Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the eggs and beef in separate batches to ensure they cook properly.
- 7Break up any large clumps of cold rice with your hands before adding it to the wok for more even cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Beef Fried Rice
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a spicy kick.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like chopped broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Add them with the onions to ensure they cook through.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This recipe works wonderfully with other proteins. Swap the beef for diced chicken, shrimp, or firm tofu.
Pineapple Fried RicePineapple Fried Rice
For a sweet and savory twist, add 1/2 cup of diced fresh pineapple along with the peas and carrots.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef and eggs provide high-quality complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the rice offer a quick and sustained source of energy, making this a fulfilling meal to power you through your day.
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Beef is a fantastic source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia. It's also rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, crucial for nerve function and energy production.
Includes Vegetables
The peas, carrots, onions, and garlic contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish, supporting digestive health and overall wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this Beef Fried Rice (about 2 cups) contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact cut of beef and amount of oil used. It's a calorie-dense meal that provides significant energy.