If you are craving a dish that combines the sizzling goodness of steak with the comforting familiarity of fried rice, then this Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender, marinated rump beef, fresh veggies, and a glorious garlic butter finish, this dish delivers an irresistible blend of savory, buttery, and umami flavors that dance on your tongue with every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your culinary skills, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps that yield a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in layering the flavors and textures— from the juicy rump steak lending a hearty bite, to the fresh greens adding crispness, and the garlic butter glaze pulling everything into a savory symphony.
- Rump beef steak (300g / 10 oz): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Dark soy sauce (½ tsp): Provides depth and a slightly smoky saltiness to the marinade.
- Oyster sauce (2 tsp + 1½ tbsp): Adds rich umami and a hint of sweetness.
- Water (2 tbsp): Helps balance the marinade and tenderizes the beef.
- Garlic cloves (3 total, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and pungent flavor.
- Sugar (¾ tsp total): Balances savory elements with subtle sweetness.
- Baking soda (⅜ tsp, heaped ¼ tsp): Tenderizes the steak for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Canola or peanut oil (2½ tbsp, divided): For high-heat stir-frying without smoke or overpowering flavor.
- Green onions (4 total): Divided into whites and greens for layering flavor and garnish.
- Cooked day-old long grain white rice (520g / 4 cups): Essential for perfect fried rice texture.
- Green beans (200g / 7 oz): Adds crunch and fresh color.
- Peas (½ cup, optional): Brings natural sweetness and a pop of green.
- Fish sauce (2 tbsp): Boosts savory depth with authentic Southeast Asian character.
- Eggs (2): Adds richness and protein to the dish.
- Sesame oil (½ tsp): Infuses a subtle nutty aroma in the eggs and at the finish.
- Salt and pepper (pinch): To taste, finishing with balanced seasoning.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Begin by mixing the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, minced garlic, sugar, and baking soda in a bowl. Toss in the thinly sliced rump steak, making sure every piece is well coated. Let this marinade work its magic for 15 to 20 minutes—it’s what tenderizes the beef and infuses crucial flavor from the start. The baking soda tenderizes the meat beautifully, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Scrambled Eggs
While the steak is marinating, whisk together the eggs with sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and scramble the eggs gently until just set but still soft. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside. The sesame oil here adds a fragrant nuttiness that mellows the richness of the eggs—such a nice touch.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat, then toss in the white parts of the green onions followed by the marinated steak slices. Stir-fry quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. This quick, high-heat method seals in juices to keep the meat juicy. Once done, remove the steak from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil along with the minced garlic, green beans, and peas to your hot wok. Stir-fry for about 1 to 2 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant and crisp. This keeps a lovely textural contrast in your finished rice, balancing the softness of the meat and rice perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Next, introduce the cold day-old rice to the wok. Use a spatula to break up any clumps, ensuring that every grain is evenly heated and coated with oil. Using day-old rice is key because its drier texture keeps the fried rice from becoming mushy, giving you that signature light and fluffy feel.
Step 6: Season the Rice
Pour in the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to evenly coat the rice, vegetables, and garlic with this flavorful combo. The balance here is everything: salty, sweet, and tangy notes wrestle beautifully with the natural garlic aroma.
Step 7: Finish with Steak and Eggs
Return the cooked steak slices and scrambled eggs to the wok, along with the green parts of the green onions. Toss everything together gently, making sure to warm the eggs and steak through without breaking the eggs apart too much. You’ll notice the dish coming alive now with vibrant colors and aroma.
Step 8: Final Touch
For an extra layer of indulgence, finish with either a splash of sesame oil or a small pat of butter, allowing it to melt into the hot rice, leaving behind a subtle, silky sheen and hint of richness. Serve your Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice piping hot for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even further. Thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few chili flakes can add texture, color, and a dash of heat. A wedge of lime on the side also pairs beautifully, brightening the savory richness with a fresh citrus pop.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, try serving it alongside simple steamed vegetables or a tangy Asian slaw. Pickled radishes or cucumbers provide a welcome crisp contrast that cuts through the richness of the fried rice, balancing the palate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fried rice in a hollowed-out bell pepper or in lettuce cups for a bite-sized appetizer version. You could also top the rice with a sunny-side-up egg or drizzle with a little soy-ginger glaze to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftover fried rice for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
For the most delicious results, reheat your leftover fried rice in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or water to refresh the moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the rice fluffy and the steak tender. A quick stir-fry will bring it back to near freshly-made perfection.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rump steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak. Just slice it thinly and marinate as directed to ensure it stays tender.
Why is day-old rice important for fried rice?
Day-old rice is drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, which helps it fry up with a better texture, keeping the grains separate and preventing clumping or mushiness.
Can I omit the fish sauce if I don’t have it or don’t like the flavor?
Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option, though fish sauce adds a unique umami richness that’s worth trying if possible.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinate the steak a few hours ahead or overnight for deeper flavor. You can also prep your vegetables and scramble the eggs in advance to save time on the cooking day.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. The way the garlic butter transforms simple fried rice into a rich, comforting feast is nothing short of magical. I wholeheartedly encourage you to put this recipe on your dinner rotation—you might just find it becoming your new favorite too!
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice recipe combines tender marinated rump beef steak with fragrant garlic, vibrant green beans, and day-old rice to create a flavorful, satisfying stir-fry. Enhanced with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, this dish is perfect for a quick yet gourmet meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 300g (10 oz) rump beef steak (top sirloin), thinly sliced (3–5 mm thick, ~1.5 cm squares)
- ½ tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ tsp sugar
- ⅜ tsp baking soda (heaped ¼ tsp)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 green onions, cut into 1.25 cm lengths (separate white and green parts)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 200g (7 oz, ~2 heaped cups) green beans, cut into 1.25 cm pieces
- ½ cup peas (optional)
Rice and Sauces
- 520g (1 lb / 4 cups) cooked, day-old long grain white rice, refrigerated overnight
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1½ tbsp oyster sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
Eggs and Oils
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 2½ tbsp canola or peanut oil, divided
- Pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Combine the rump steak slices with dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, minced garlic, sugar, and baking soda. Mix well and let the beef marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Scrambled Eggs: Whisk the eggs together with sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and scramble the eggs until just set but still moist. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and the marinated beef. Stir-fry quickly until the beef browns and is cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the pan followed by minced garlic, green beans, and optional peas. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender yet crisp.
- Add Rice: Add the cold day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Toss the rice with the vegetables to combine evenly.
- Season the Rice: Stir in fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix until the rice is evenly coated with the sauces, providing a rich umami flavor.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked steak and scrambled eggs to the pan. Add the green parts of the chopped green onions and toss everything together until heated through and well mixed.
- Final Touch: Optionally, finish the dish with a splash of sesame oil or a pat of butter to enhance richness. Serve the fried rice hot.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is crucial to avoid mushy fried rice; it helps achieve the ideal texture.
- Baking soda in the marinade helps tenderize the beef.
- Adjust vegetables according to preference or availability.
- Use a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut for better stir-frying results.
- For extra richness, a small amount of butter can be added at the end.
- Ensure the pan or wok is hot before stir-frying to get a nice sear on the beef.
