Beef Fried Rice Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Beef Fried Rice Recipe with you—it’s become one of my go-to weeknight meals. What I love most is how it strikes that perfect balance between being comforting and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re craving something hearty after work or need a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual get-together, this recipe works beautifully.
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe is special because it combines tender, flavorful beef with vibrant veggies and a sauce that hits all the right notes: savory, a little sweet, and just a touch spicy. Plus, using chicken broth to cook the rice adds an unexpected depth that really sets it apart. You’re going to love the way the ingredients play off each other and how quickly everything comes together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Beef Fried Rice Recipe come together to create a dish that’s both flavorful and well balanced. A few simple tips will help you pick the best quality items and make your cooking experience smoother!
- Long grain white rice: Using long grain rice helps keep the grains separate in the final dish—perfect for fried rice texture.
- Chicken broth: Cooking your rice in broth instead of water adds savory depth right from the start.
- Soy sauce: Opt for a good-quality soy sauce for that classic umami punch; low sodium is fine if you prefer to control saltiness.
- Beef broth: Adds richness to the sauce, making everything taste meatier and more robust.
- Honey: A hint of sweetness balances the salty and spicy notes; brown sugar is a fine swap if you’re out of honey.
- Hot sauce: Just a teaspoon gives the dish a subtle kick without overwhelming heat—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Sesame oil: This is optional but adds a lovely toasty aroma that feels extra special.
- Ground ginger: A little warms up the sauce naturally and complements the beef beautifully.
- Strip steak: I love strip steak for its tenderness and flavor, but flank, skirt, or sirloin work well too and might even be more budget-friendly.
- Butter: Adds richness to the eggs and gives the fried rice a silky finish.
- Eggs: Whisked eggs make the fried rice feel more substantial and add a nice protein boost.
- Peanut oil: Great for stir-frying due to its high smoke point; olive or canola oil can substitute but might compromise the flavor slightly.
- Dry white wine: This might seem fancy, but it really deglazes the pan and lifts the flavors—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced for sweetness and crunch in every bite.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These add color, texture, and a bit of sweetness; frozen works perfectly for convenience.
- Green onions: Tossed in at the end for freshness and a subtle oniony bite.
Variations
I encourage you to make this Beef Fried Rice Recipe your own—there’s something about fried rice that invites creativity. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or the season.
- Vegetable-packed: I sometimes throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn to boost nutrition and color.
- Spicy upgrade: Adding more hot sauce or a splash of chili oil turns this into a fiery comfort dish, great when you want a bit of a kick.
- Low-carb tweak: Try swapping rice for cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs—it won’t be quite the same but still tasty and quick.
- Different proteins: While I love beef, I’ve also made this recipe with diced chicken or shrimp when feeling adventurous or just to change things up.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the rice with flavor
The secret to great fried rice is starting with rice that’s not wet or sticky. I cook the long grain rice in chicken broth instead of plain water—this adds a layer of savory goodness from the get-go. Rinse the rice first to get rid of excess starch, then simmer gently until tender. Spread it out on a tray to cool if you have time—cool rice fries much better and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Prepare the beef and sauce
Slice your steak thinly against the grain—this helps keep the beef tender once cooked. Season well with salt and pepper. Mix the soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil (optional), and ground ginger to make the sauce. This combo hits a great balance that flavors both the beef and rice perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the beef and aromatics
Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef until browned but still juicy, then remove to avoid overcooking. In the same pan, add butter, then scramble the whisked eggs gently. When eggs are just set, push them to the side and toss in garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
Step 4: Stir-fry everything together
Return the beef to the pan, pour in the white wine to deglaze (stir and scrape up those flavorful bits), then toss in peas and carrots. Add the cooked rice, pour over the sauce, and stir-fry everything together on high heat until the rice is heated through and nicely coated. Finish by folding in green onions for that fresh bite.
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of sprinkling extra green onions on top plus a few toasted sesame seeds for crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes I add a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime to brighten things up, especially if I’m making it for lunch.
Side Dishes
Usually, this Beef Fried Rice Recipe shines on its own, but I like pairing it with simple Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings or a crisp cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, some quick stir-fried bok choy with garlic works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served the fried rice hollowed out inside a bell pepper or even shaped it into neat little mounds topped with a fried quail egg. It’s fun, impressive, and makes the meal feel a little more celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef fried rice keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool it completely before storing to avoid sogginess and keep that fresh stir-fry texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe a few times with good results. Freeze in portioned containers for quick meals later. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to make sure it heats evenly.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of water or broth. This helps steam the rice back to life without drying it out. Microwave works in a pinch, but I find the pan method retains the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover rice for this Beef Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rice is actually ideal for fried rice because it’s drier and prevents the dish from turning mushy. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, try to cool it completely and let it dry out a bit before stir-frying.
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What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
I recommend strip steak if you can, but flank, skirt, or sirloin steaks also work great. The key is slicing thinly against the grain for tenderness.
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Is sesame oil necessary for the sauce?
Sesame oil is optional but does add a nice toasty flavor and aroma. If you don’t have it on hand or prefer to skip, the sauce will still taste delicious.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap beef for firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broth. Adjust the sauce accordingly, but this recipe adapts nicely with those tweaks.
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How spicy is this Beef Fried Rice Recipe?
It has a mild heat level, thanks to just a teaspoon of hot sauce. You can always add more if you like it spicier or tone it down by leaving out the hot sauce altogether.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Beef Fried Rice Recipe as much as I do—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you get comfortable with the steps, it becomes an effortless recipe that’ll save your weeknights and impress your friends. Give it a try, and don’t be shy to make it your own!
PrintBeef Fried Rice Recipe
This Beef Fried Rice recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish combining tender strip steak with vibrant vegetables and fluffy rice, all tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it features a harmonious blend of soy sauce, beef broth, honey, and aromatic seasonings, delivering a satisfying balance of textures and tastes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon honey (can substitute brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Stir Fry
- ¾ lb. strip steak (or skirt, flank, or sirloin steak)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 eggs, whisked well
- 1–2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive or canola oil)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- ¾ cup frozen carrots
- 3–4 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked rice with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Slice the strip steak thinly against the grain. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in whisked eggs and stir gently until just set but still soft. Remove the eggs and set aside with the steak.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add remaining peanut oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then add frozen peas and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the wine reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Add the cooked rice and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to blend and rice to get slightly crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in diced green onions. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot as a delicious and complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old cooked rice to prevent clumping and to achieve a better texture.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Sesame oil is optional but adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish slightly lighter.
- If you prefer a gluten-free recipe, use gluten-free soy sauce.
Keywords: beef fried rice, Asian beef stir fry, easy fried rice recipe, steak fried rice, quick weeknight dinner
