If you are craving a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, this Beef Fried Rice Recipe is just the ticket. Packed with tender ground beef, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked rice all coated in a savory sauce, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re short on time or just want a comforting homemade supper, this recipe brings together simple ingredients you probably already have, transforming them into a vibrant, restaurant-worthy dish that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Beef Fried Rice Recipe is straightforward but key to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role—from the tender beef to the bright splash of green onions—making this dish both delicious and visually appealing.
- Dark soy sauce: Provides deep umami and richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Light soy sauce: Brings a lighter saltiness and helps balance the darker soy’s intensity.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity, essential for that authentic fried rice taste.
- Chinese cooking wine: Introduces a pleasant aromatic depth and helps tenderize the beef.
- White sugar: Balances savory ingredients with a hint of sweetness to round out flavors.
- White pepper: Offers mild heat and a slightly earthy spice unlike black pepper’s sharpness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a nutty fragrance that instantly elevates the fried rice experience.
- Eggs: Lightly scrambled eggs add richness and a soft, comforting texture.
- Neutral oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola): Perfect for high-heat cooking to get that slight caramelization without overpowering flavors.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and a bit of crunch when finely diced.
- Garlic: Delivers a pungent punch that wakes up the taste buds early on.
- Beef mince/ground beef: Lean beef cooks quickly and keeps the dish hearty without being greasy.
- Frozen diced carrots, peas, and corn: Adds bursts of color and sweetness, plus the convenience of being frozen ready to go.
- Day-old cooked rice: The gold standard for fried rice; firm and dry enough to get that irresistible slightly crispy texture.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced, they add a mild onion flavor and a fresh, vibrant pop of green.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients—dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and white pepper—in a small bowl. This combination forms the flavor backbone of your fried rice, so getting these mixed and ready up front sets you up for success.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the lightly whisked eggs and gently scramble them, aiming for soft, fluffy curds rather than dryness. Once cooked, remove the eggs onto a plate to keep them warm while you cook the rest.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Using the same pan, add the vegetable oil and crank the heat to high. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Add the beef mince and cook while breaking it up with your spatula until it’s no longer pink, roughly 2 minutes. Pour in two tablespoons of the sauce mixture and let it sizzle for another minute to absorb those bold flavors.
Step 4: Add the Veggies and Caramelize the Beef
Next, stir in the frozen vegetables—no need to thaw! Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the beef to caramelize and develop that incredible browned flavor which is the hallmark of any great fried rice. This step is all about building layers of taste, so be patient and make sure the beef gets that lovely sear.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Sauce
Fold in the cold, day-old rice along with the remaining sauce. Toss everything vigorously for 2 minutes, ensuring every grain gets coated and you start to see a slight caramelization on the rice. That little bit of toasty crispness really makes the dish sing.
Step 6: Add Eggs and Green Onions
Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the finely sliced green onions. Give it a quick toss to distribute evenly, then it’s ready to be served up. The eggs bring a lovely softness that contrasts with the textures of the beef and veggies, while green onions add fresh brightness.
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To truly impress, sprinkle extra green onions or even some toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and appearance. A light drizzle of chili oil or sriracha on the side can kick things up a notch if you like it spicy. These finishing touches add a visually appealing and flavor-packed layer.
Side Dishes
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or a quick miso soup. These complement the dish perfectly without overwhelming its bold flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the fried rice in individual pineapple halves or on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh twist. You can also plate it alongside some crunchy spring rolls or even stuff it inside lettuce cups for a hand-held version that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Beef Fried Rice Recipe, allow the rice to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beef fried rice by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. It’s best eaten within 1 month for optimal taste. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for a smoother reheating process.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a little oil to bring back that vibrant texture. Stir frequently until warmed through and the rice regains its slight crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the rice a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even diced steak can easily replace ground beef in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times to ensure your chosen protein is fully cooked and tender.
What’s the best type of rice for fried rice?
Day-old, refrigerated white rice is ideal because it’s dryer and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can clump together.
Do I need a wok to make this Beef Fried Rice Recipe?
While a wok is traditional and great for high-heat cooking, a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet works just as well, especially if you don’t have a wok on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the beef and replace it with tofu or tempeh, and swap the oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative like mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce for that deep umami flavor.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables are perfect for this recipe because they’re convenient and add color and texture without needing prep. Just add them directly from the freezer and cook them thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe is hands down one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It cleverly uses everyday ingredients but turns them into a dish bursting with savory goodness and comfort. Give it a try and watch how fast it becomes a staple in your home kitchen—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Beef Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This delicious Beef Fried Rice recipe is a quick and easy stir-fry made with ground beef, mixed vegetables, eggs, and a flavorful homemade sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it uses day-old rice to achieve the ideal texture and caramelized flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
- 1/8 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
Fried Rice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (peanut, vegetable, canola, or other neutral oil)
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 250g (8 oz) lean beef mince (ground beef)
- 2 cups frozen diced carrots, peas, corn (still frozen or fresh diced vegetables)
- 3 cups day-old cooked rice (1 cup uncooked rice = 3 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup finely sliced green onions (1–2 stems)
Instructions
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and white pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Scramble Eggs: Heat sesame oil in a large wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the lightly whisked eggs and cook gently while stirring to create soft scrambled eggs. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Beef: In the same pan, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for approximately 2 minutes until no longer pink. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add Vegetables and Caramelize Beef: Add the frozen mixed vegetables directly to the pan. Cook without stirring for about 2 minutes to allow the beef to caramelize and develop rich flavor. Avoid stirring too often to achieve the perfect caramelization.
- Add Rice and Sauce: Add the day-old cooked rice and the remaining sauce to the pan. Toss and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed and the rice grains start to caramelize slightly for added flavor and texture.
- Combine Egg and Green Onions: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the sliced green onions. Give everything a quick toss to combine evenly, then divide the fried rice between bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use lean beef mince to reduce excess fat and achieve a better texture.
- Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the perfect stir-fry texture.
- Caramelizing the beef properly is key to unlocking deep flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Substitute white pepper with black pepper if unavailable, but white pepper offers a milder, more authentic taste.
- Chinese cooking wine adds depth to the sauce; if unavailable, dry sherry can be used as a substitute.
