Beef Fried Rice

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The Ultimate Guide to Making Restaurant-Style Beef Fried Rice at Home

A Quick, Savory Stir-Fry That’s a Total Game-Changer for Busy Weeknights

When you think of comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, fried rice immediately springs to mind. It’s the kind of dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. But when you add beef to the equation—particularly seasoned, caramelized ground beef—you elevate the dish into something truly special.

This recipe for Beef Fried Rice brings together the satisfying chew of day-old rice, the rich umami of soy and oyster sauces, colorful vegetables, and silky scrambled eggs—all tied together with a punch of flavor that mimics your favorite Chinese takeout. And the best part? You can make it all in one pan.

Whether you’re trying to meal prep, clean out the fridge, or impress with minimal effort, this beef fried rice is the answer.

 Preparation Time & Nutritional Info

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories per serving: Approximately 471 kcal

 Ingredients (US Measuring Cups)

This beef fried rice is packed with flavor yet incredibly simple. The ingredients are divided into three core parts: the sauce, the scrambled eggs, and the stir-fry base.

 Sauce Ingredients

This flavorful sauce ties everything together. It’s bold, savory, and a touch sweet.

  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce – for deep color and rich umami

  • 2 tsp light soy sauce – adds salt and brightness

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce – provides depth and a touch of sweetness

  • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) – enhances aroma and complexity

  • ½ tsp white sugar – balances saltiness

  • â…› tsp white pepper – adds subtle heat

 Scrambled Eggs

Soft scrambled eggs add richness and texture contrast.

  • 1 tsp sesame oil – for that nutty, aromatic finish

  • 2 eggs, lightly whisked – protein-packed and fluffy

 Stir-Fry Base

This is where the real magic happens. Each element contributes to flavor, texture, and color.

  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola) – high smoke point for stir-frying

  • ½ cup onion, finely diced – aromatic foundation

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced – essential flavor base

  • 8 oz (about 250g) lean ground beef – juicy and flavorful protein

  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) – color, sweetness, and nutrition

  • 3 cups day-old cooked rice – firm texture, perfect for stir-frying

  • ½ cup green onions, finely sliced – freshness and finish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this recipe down into clear stages to help you create beef fried rice that tastes just like it came out of a wok at your favorite restaurant.

 Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start with the flavor bomb that ties the dish together.

  1. In a small bowl, add the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sugar, and white pepper.

  2. Whisk together until fully combined.

  3. Set aside. This will be added in two stages during cooking.

 Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

The eggs are best cooked first to ensure they stay fluffy and distinct.

  1. Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

  2. Pour in the whisked eggs and allow them to set for a few seconds.

  3. Gently stir and scramble until they’re just cooked through but still moist.

  4. Remove from the pan and place on a plate. Set aside.

 Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Beef

This is where the deep flavors start to build.

  1. Add 2 tbsp of neutral oil to the same pan and heat over high heat.

  2. Add finely diced onions and sauté for about 30 seconds until slightly translucent.

  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 15–20 seconds, making sure not to burn it.

  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 2–3 minutes.

  5. Pour in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and stir until the beef is well-coated and slightly caramelized.

 Step 4: Add the Vegetables

A colorful and nutritious addition.

  1. Stir in the frozen carrots, peas, and corn mix.

  2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until vegetables are soft and well incorporated.

  3. If needed, reduce heat slightly to avoid overcooking the garlic.

 Step 5: Add the Rice and Remaining Sauce

This is where it all comes together.

  1. Add the cold, day-old rice to the skillet. Break it up gently with your spatula.

  2. Pour in the remaining sauce.

  3. Stir-fry vigorously for 2–3 minutes until every grain is coated and slightly crispy in places. The goal is a mix of softness and crunch.

 Step 6: Finish with Eggs and Green Onions

The final stage is about folding everything together.

  1. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan.

  2. Add the sliced green onions.

  3. Stir everything gently until well-mixed.

  4. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

How to Prepare Beef Fried Rice – Pro Tips & Kitchen Notes

The charm of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but here’s how to make it truly exceptional:

 Why Use Day-Old Rice?

Freshly cooked rice has more moisture, which can lead to a mushy stir-fry. Day-old rice, stored uncovered in the fridge, dries out and gives you that distinct, chewy fried rice texture. If you’re short on time, spread hot rice on a tray, let it cool, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.

 Customize Your Add-ins

Fried rice is endlessly flexible:

  • Protein swaps: Use diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh instead of beef.

  • Vegetable variations: Broccoli, green beans, red bell peppers, or edamame work great.

  • Low-carb option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

 Wok vs. Skillet

If you have a wok, use it! Its shape promotes quick cooking and better searing. But a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet works just as well.

 Make It Spicy

Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of sambal oelek for an extra kick. You can also stir in a squirt of sriracha at the end.

 Don’t Skip the Chinese Cooking Wine

Shaoxing wine adds restaurant-level complexity. If unavailable, substitute with dry sherry or mirin (reduce sugar slightly).

 Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating Tips:
Reheat in a skillet or microwave. If microwaving, sprinkle a bit of water over the rice before covering with a damp paper towel—this restores moisture and prevents drying.

 Serving Suggestions

Beef fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with:

  • Egg Drop Soup or Hot and Sour Soup

  • Spring Rolls or Potstickers

  • Asian-style cucumber salad for a fresh contrast

  • A side of chili oil or soy dipping sauce

 Make It a Meal Prep Staple

One of the best things about beef fried rice is that it holds up well as a make-ahead meal. Prepare a large batch, divide it into individual containers, and refrigerate. You’ll have flavorful lunches or dinners ready to go all week.

 Final Thoughts

This Beef Fried Rice recipe checks all the boxes: it’s fast, flavorful, customizable, and comforting. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers and sneak vegetables into your meals without even noticing.

The balance of savory sauce, crispy rice edges, tender beef, and creamy scrambled egg makes this a go-to dinner for any night of the week. Whether you’re a cooking newbie or a kitchen pro, this dish belongs in your repertoire.

So next time you’re craving takeout, skip the delivery app and grab a wok instead. Your homemade beef fried rice will be on the table faster—and better—than anything that comes in a carton.

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