Introduction

Beef fried rice is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried with tender, fluffy rice. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a way to use up leftover rice and ingredients. The combination of savory soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and juicy beef creates a satisfying meal that can be customized to fit personal preferences.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 2 cups of cooked rice
– 200g of ground beef
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: an egg (for added protein)

Prep Time

The preparation time for beef fried rice is approximately 10 minutes. This includes gathering the ingredients, chopping the vegetables, and cooking the rice if it is not already prepped.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking time for this recipe is around 15 minutes. Therefore, the total time needed from start to finish is about 25 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it an excellent option for a family meal or for meal prepping throughout the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all necessary ingredients: cooked rice, beef, vegetables, and sauces. Make sure the rice is cold and preferably a day old for the best texture. Slice the beef thinly against the grain and chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Wok

In a large wok or skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over high heat. Ensure the pan is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve a nice sear.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Add the sliced beef to the hot wok, spreading it out evenly. Let it sear without moving it for a minute, then stir-fry until just browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.

Step 5: Add Rice

Add the cold, cooked rice to the wok. Break up any clumps of rice and stir-fry, ensuring the rice is mixed well with the vegetables.

Step 6: Season the Dish

Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and vegetables with the sauces. Adjust to taste as necessary.

Step 7: Return Beef to Wok

Add the cooked beef back to the wok. Toss everything together over high heat for a couple of minutes to ensure everything is heated through and combined.

Step 8: Add Eggs (Optional)

If using eggs, push the rice mixture to one side of the wok. Crack the eggs into the empty space, scramble, then mix into the rice once cooked.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the fried rice from heat. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Note 1: Rice Preparation

Using cold, day-old rice is ideal as it prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy during cooking.

Note 2: Cooking Temperature

Keeping the heat high is crucial for achieving the desired wok hei (wok breath) flavor in the fried rice.

Note 3: Ingredient Customization

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have available or your personal preference.

Note 4: Protein Alternatives

This recipe can be adapted to use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef, according to your dietary choices.

Note 5: Storage

Leftover fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Cook techniques

Using cold, day-old rice

Using rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for a day allows it to dry out slightly, preventing the grains from sticking together during frying.

Properly dicing beef

Cut the beef into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and to make it easier to incorporate with the other ingredients.

Prepping vegetables

Chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and can be easily mixed throughout the dish.

High-heat cooking

Using high heat for stir-frying quickly cooks the ingredients while retaining their texture and flavor.

Timing the addition of ingredients

Add ingredients to the frying pan in stages according to their cooking times, starting with those that take the longest to cook.

Using a wok or large pan

A wok or a large frying pan allows for more surface area during cooking, making it easier to evenly stir-fry and toss the rice and ingredients.

FAQ

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Freshly cooked rice is more likely to clump together, making it harder to achieve the desired fried rice texture.

What type of beef is best for fried rice?

Tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, work best as they cook quickly and are easy to eat in the finished dish.

Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?

Yes, you can include a variety of vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers based on your preference.

Is it necessary to use soy sauce?

Soy sauce adds flavor and color to the dish; however, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the beef with tofu or additional vegetables and use a vegetarian sauce to maintain flavor.

Conclusion

Beef fried rice is a versatile dish that combines the rich flavors of marinated beef with the satisfying texture of stir-fried rice. With a balance of protein and vegetables, it makes for a complete meal that can be customized based on personal preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a meal prep option, beef fried rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Fried Rice

Swap beef for succulent chicken slices for a lighter take on fried rice that still packs a punch with flavor.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Use shrimp as a protein for a delightful seafood twist, garnished with green onions and a squeeze of lime.

Vegetable Fried Rice

For a vegetarian option, load up on colorful veggies like bell peppers, peas, and carrots for a nutritious and vibrant dish.

Mixed Fried Rice

Combine different proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, and beef, for a mixed fried rice that satisfies a variety of tastes.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Incorporate pineapple chunks into your fried rice for a sweet and savory flavor profile, perfect for a tropical twist.

Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice

Add kimchi and a touch of gochujang for a spicy version that elevates the traditional fried rice experience.