Classic Beef Fried Rice – Culinary Chase

Before diving into the delightful world of classic beef fried rice, let’s chat about what pairs well with this dish. A fresh green salad or a side of steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and balances the savory flavors of the fried rice. 

You might also enjoy a simple egg drop soup for a warm, comforting addition. Alternatively, some pickled vegetables can add a zing that complements the savory notes in the rice. If you’re in the mood for beverages, consider serving ice-cold green tea or a fizzy ginger ale to cleanse your palate between bites.

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, the sun sets earlier, and your family is gathering for dinner. Everyone is hungry, and you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s satisfying, quick to prepare, and delicious. 

This is where classic beef fried rice steps in, shining like a culinary superhero. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—a comforting, comforting bowl of flavor that can turn an ordinary day into something special.

What is Classic Beef Fried Rice?

Classic beef fried rice is a staple in Asian cuisine. It’s a simple dish made with stir-fried rice, savory beef, and an array of colorful vegetables, all tossed together in a delicious sauce. 

The dish usually starts with leftover cooked rice, which is essential as it helps to achieve that signature fried rice texture. Fresh ingredients, seasonings, and careful technique bring everything together in harmony, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

What is the Flavor Profile of this Dish?

When it comes to flavor, classic beef fried rice is a symphony of tastes. The dish begins with a base of slightly nutty rice, perfectly fried to create a delightful texture. You have the umami from the beef and soy sauce kicking in, while the vegetables add a touch of sweetness and crunch. 

Scallions lend a mild oniony flavor, and let’s not forget the warmth of garlic and ginger that enhances the aroma and taste. Juggling savory, sweet, and a pinch of spice from the hot sauce, every forkful offers a unique taste experience.

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Why You’ll Love This

You’ll absolutely love classic beef fried rice for its unparalleled versatility. It can be on the table in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. You can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences, which keeps things exciting! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers. You might just find that the combination of flavors and textures becomes a new family favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

• Rice: 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (see notes)
  
• Chicken Stock: 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  
• Stir-Fry:
  
  • ¾ lb. beef strips (strip steak, skirt, flank, or sirloin)
    
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    
  • 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive/canola oil)
    
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
    
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
    
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    
  • ¾ cup frozen diced carrots
    
  • ¾ cup frozen peas
    
  • 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
    
• Sauce:
  
  • ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
    
  • ¼ cup beef stock (see notes)
    
  • 1 tablespoon honey or light brown sugar
    
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce
    
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
    
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
    
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
    

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to make your classic beef fried rice.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing the uncooked rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cover it with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Usually, this takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool. You can do this step in advance, ideally using leftover rice for optimal results.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

While the rice cooks, season your beef strips liberally with salt and pepper. Using a heavy skillet or wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear the meat for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a nice browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan; do it in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s bubbling, pour in the beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to sit for a few moments before gently stirring them to scramble. Once they are fully cooked but still tender, remove them from the pan and set aside with the beef.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, using the remaining oil. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, around 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the frozen diced carrots and peas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

With the cooked vegetables ready, add the cooled rice to the skillet and gently fold it in. Add in the cooked beef and scrambled eggs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef stock, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Pour this sauce over the rice mixture.

Step 6: Final Touches

Give everything a good stir and increase the heat slightly to help the flavors meld together. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, making sure nothing sticks to the pan. Toss in the sliced green onions and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your classic beef fried rice game, here are some valuable tips:

• Day-Old Rice Works Best: Using leftover rice prevents it from clumping together. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool before cooking.
  
• Cook on High Heat: High heat ensures each ingredient fries rather than stews, achieving that perfect fried rice texture.
  
• Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu depending on what you have on hand.
  
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just remember to chop them evenly to ensure quick cooking.
  
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or basil can enhance the dish’s aesthetic and flavor.
  

Nutrition Information

For a serving of classic beef fried rice (which is about one-fourth of the total recipe), you can expect the following nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: Approximately 450
  
• Protein: 25g
  
• Carbohydrates: 55g
  
• Fat: 15g
  
• Fiber: 3g
  
• Sodium: 600mg (depending on soy sauce used)
  

How Can You Store This Classic Beef Fried Rice?

If you find yourself with leftovers—a rare but wonderful gift—it’s essential to store them properly. Transfer the fried rice into an airtight container and let it cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to stash it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Brown the rice in smaller portions in freezer-safe bags and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label your storage container!

Ingredient Alternatives

Sometimes, you might find that you’re missing an ingredient or two. Here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Beef Substitute: Chicken strips or diced tofu can stand in for beef. Just ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
  
• Rice Options: If you lack long-grain white rice, jasmine rice or brown rice can provide a different flavor and texture.
  
• Vegetable Choices: No peas or carrots? Use corn or bell peppers instead—they can enhance both color and taste.
  

Classic Beef Fried Rice

Before diving into the delightful world of classic beef fried rice, let's chat about what pairs well with this dish. A fresh green salad or a side of steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and balances the savory flavors of the fried rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Rice:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice see notes

Chicken Stock:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• Stir-Fry:
• ¾ lb. beef strips strip steak, skirt, flank, or sirloin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil or olive/canola oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ¾ cup frozen diced carrots
• ¾ cup frozen peas
• 3-4 green onions thinly sliced
• Sauce:
• ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef stock see notes
• 1 tablespoon honey or light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil optional
• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions

 

Step 1: Cook the Rice

• Start by rinsing the uncooked rice under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. In a saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cover it with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Usually, this takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool. You can do this step in advance, ideally using leftover rice for optimal results.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

• While the rice cooks, season your beef strips liberally with salt and pepper. Using a heavy skillet or wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear the meat for about 2-3 minutes until it gets a nice browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan; do it in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

• In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s bubbling, pour in the beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to sit for a few moments before gently stirring them to scramble. Once they are fully cooked but still tender, remove them from the pan and set aside with the beef.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, using the remaining oil. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, around 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the frozen diced carrots and peas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• With the cooked vegetables ready, add the cooled rice to the skillet and gently fold it in. Add in the cooked beef and scrambled eggs. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef stock, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Pour this sauce over the rice mixture.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Give everything a good stir and increase the heat slightly to help the flavors meld together. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, making sure nothing sticks to the pan. Toss in the sliced green onions and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed

Notes

• Day-Old Rice Works Best: Using leftover rice prevents it from clumping together. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool before cooking.
• Cook on High Heat: High heat ensures each ingredient fries rather than stews, achieving that perfect fried rice texture.
• Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu depending on what you have on hand.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just remember to chop them evenly to ensure quick cooking.
  
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or basil can enhance the dish’s aesthetic and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3g

Keyword Classic Beef Fried Rice

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Classic beef fried rice is a canvas for flavor, creativity, and comfort. Not only is it an easy and satisfying meal, but it’s also incredibly adaptable to suit your tastes. From the first bite to the last, you’re immersed in an explosion of delightful flavors. 

Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just enjoying a quiet meal, this dish is sure to impress every time. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to stir-fry your way to culinary bliss! Enjoy the journey, enjoy the flavors, and most importantly, enjoy every bite.

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