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.
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
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 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.
- 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.
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Classic Beef Fried Rice