Beef Fried Rice

Beef fried rice is a stir fry of tender beef, peppers, onions, garlic, and egg tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. This quick and easy one-pan meal is better than takeout!

If you are searching for easy fried rice recipes, try my Leftover Pork Fried Rice and Korean-inspired Kimchi Fried Rice next!

Beef fried rice is a quick way to feed a family on a busy weeknight. It is a flavorful meal of juicy, tender beef, fluffy scrambled eggs, and assorted vegetables with toasted rice. Add a mouthwatering sauce and each forkful is better than the last!

This will definitely become a top requested dinner and you will be more than happy to make it!

Jump to:

• Why We Love This Beef Fried Rice Recipe:
• Ingredients You Need:
• What Kind of Beef is Best for Beef Fried Rice?
• Instructions to make Beef Fried Rice:
• Alternatives and Variations:
• Pro-Tips:
• How to Serve Beef Fried Rice
• Storing and Reheating:
• FAQ:
• More Asian Inspired Recipes to Try
• Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!

Why We Love This Beef Fried Rice Recipe:

Easy One Skillet Meal! Start by sauteing veggies then add in your meat, rice, and sauce. Dinner will be set in just 20 minutes with one pan, less mess, and no stress!

Better than Takeout! This is an affordable way to enjoy restaurant-inspired food. Plus, you get to modify it for your taste buds. It is also healthier!

A Great Way to Use Leftovers! Clean out the fridge when you make beef fried rice. Do not let those leftovers go to waste! Remix beef and rice into a new, delicious meal instead. It saves you a ton of prep time too!

Ingredients You Need:

• Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil to saute the onions, peppers, and garlic.
• Red and yellow bell pepper: They should be diced.
• Aromatics: Use minced garlic and diced onions.
• Beef: Cut it into bite-size pieces.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the other flavors in this beef fried rice recipe.
• Rice: It should be day-old cooked rice. Ensure it is chilled before adding it to the skillet. Leftover white rice would be perfect!
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs add flavor, protein, and color.
• Salt and pepper: Add to taste.
• Chopped green onions: Add to garnish for a pop of color.

Sauce for Beef Fried Rice

Reserve half for serving.

• Soy sauce: Adds a deep, rich quality to the sauce. If salt levels are a concern, use low sodium instead.
• BBQ sauce: For a spicy tangy flavor.
• Honey: Adds sweetness.
• Black pepper: For a kick of spice.

What Kind of Beef is Best for Beef Fried Rice?

Since this is a quick meal, opt for a tender cut of beef like sirloin or thinly sliced flank steak. Ground beef would be a good option too. But if you are using cooked beef, this Texas-style smoked brisket or my beloved pot roast would be tasty additions!

Leftover steak and leftover brisket are great to use in this fried rice recipe. Since the meat is already cold, it will be easy to cut into bite size pieces too.

Instructions to make Beef Fried Rice:

Saute

Add vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium high heat, allow it to heat up for at least one minute. 

Gently add the diced onion and red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper into the oil and saute for about 1-2 minutes just until they are almost soft. Then add in the minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds. Stir continuously so that the garlic does not burn.

Cook Beef

Then add your beef directly into the skillet with the vegetables and garlic. Saute the meat for 1-2 minutes just to heat it through. If you are using ground beef, it should be cooked and drained, then you can move directly to the next step.

Add Rice

Pour the sesame oil into the skillet and let it heat up for about one minute. Then pour the day old rice directly into the oil.

Use your wooden spoon or spatula to break up any large pieces of rice. Then stir it continuously to fully incorporate all of the ingredients. 

Move the fried rice to one side of the skillet, and crack the two eggs into the vacant side. Use your spatula to scramble the eggs directly in the skillet. Once they are almost cooked through, begin mixing them in with the fried rice. 

Mix all of the ingredients for the sauce for your fried rice. Pour half of the sauce directly into the skillet and mix it together thoroughly. Reserve the remaining to serve with your rice. 

Garnish with green onions if desired. Finally, enjoy!

Alternatives and Variations:

• Rice: Try a variety of leftover rice including basmati, long grain, jasmine rice, or brown rice. Or instead of using traditional rice, you can use cauliflower rice.
• Vegetables: Vegetables: For added nutrition, include a blend of veggies like frozen peas, corn, carrots, celery, or broccoli.
• Spice: For extra heat add a bit of Sriracha or chili oil. A little goes a long way.
• Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the beef and use tofu instead.
• Kimchi: For a sour twist, add homemade kimchi.
• Additional flavors: You can choose to add other flavors such as oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger.

Pro-Tips:

• Lots of beef fried rice recipes use a wok but it is not necessary. Just make sure you use a non-stick skillet.
• Day old rice is best for beef fried rice.
• Use high heat to prevent the rice from steaming and getting too soft.

How to Serve Beef Fried Rice

Beef fried rice is a full meal on its own. But if you want to add some complementary Chinese-inspired dishes, I suggest serving it with my Egg Roll in a Bowl and Air Fryer Crab Ragoon.

Storing and Reheating:

Once the beef fried rice has cooled completely, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Consume it within five days. To freeze, store leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen rice in the fridge overnight.

When you want to reheat, warm it up on a skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat or microwave.

FAQ:

What is the secret to fried rice?

The best fried rice includes leftover, cold rice because the chilled grains lack moisture. This results in crispy rice. If you use fresh or warm rice, then it would be mushy and clump up.

What meat goes well with fried rice?

Fried rice is a versatile dish so you can add beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp. Use whatever meat you are craving or have on hand.

What makes the fried rice brown?

The rice is essentially toasted in the skillet so that adds color but soy sauce and sesame oil contribute to the hue as well.

More Asian Inspired Recipes to Try

• Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli
• Korean Beef Bulgogi in the Instant Pot
• Easy and Delicious Vermicelli Bowls
• Homemade Lumpia (Filipino spring rolls)
• Food Court Style Asian noodles

Be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook when you make this recipe! I would love to see your creation, and give you a shoutout!