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If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and a delightful fusion of ingredients, this Beef Fried Rice Recipe will quickly become your new favorite weeknight go-to. It’s the perfect harmony of tender ground beef, fluffy day-old rice, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce that brings it all together. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is easy to pull off but feels incredibly satisfying—comfort food with a bit of an exciting twist that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe relies on a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the fragrant ginger and garlic to the perfectly scrambled eggs and vibrant veggies, every element adds something special.
- 3 eggs: For rich, fluffy scrambled eggs that add a wonderful softness.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the eggs’ flavor without overpowering.
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil: Gives a nutty base flavor, but peanut oil can also be a great alternative.
- ½ cup diced onions: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional): For a subtle kick of heat and brightness.
- 1 tsp minced ginger: Adds warm, fragrant zing that cuts through the richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with classic savory aroma.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty protein center that makes this dish fulfilling.
- 2 cups day-old rice: Best texture for fried rice, ensuring it doesn’t turn mushy.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: Convenient and colorful, adding crunch and nutrition.
- ¼ cup sliced green onions: Bright, fresh garnish to complete the dish.
- 2 tsp white sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal as garnish.
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone.
- 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- ½ Tbsp rice vinegar: Lends a mild tang that balances flavors.
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar: Rounds out the savory sauces with a hint of sweetness.
- ½ Tbsp sriracha: Adds a gentle heat and vibrant color.
- ½ tsp pepper: Lightly spices the dish, rounding out the seasoning.
How to Make Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Aromatics
Start by mixing the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sriracha, and pepper in a small bowl. This homemade sauce will coat the beef beautifully and give the dish its signature savory-sweet balance. Then, dice your jalapeño, onion, and green onions, and mince the garlic and ginger to have everything ready to go for the cooking process.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs Separately
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Whisk the eggs with salt and cook them gently in the hot pan for 3 to 4 minutes until softly scrambled. By cooking the eggs separately, you keep their tender texture intact, avoiding mushiness that can sometimes happen if cooked directly with beef and rice.
Step 3: Sauté Onions, Jalapeños, and Aromatics
Using the leftover sesame oil, add the diced onions and jalapeños to the pan and let them soften for about 2 minutes. Next, toss in the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing for an additional minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible fragrant aroma that signals you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef to Perfection
Next, add the lean ground beef to the pan and cook it, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step is key because the beef absorbs the flavors and turns beautifully savory when combined with the sauce next.
Step 5: Combine Sauce, Vegetables, and Rice
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef and give it a good stir. Let it cook for 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef nicely. Then add the frozen mixed vegetables, cooking for around 4 minutes until they are heated through but still retain some bite. Finally, stir in the day-old rice followed by the scrambled eggs and mix everything well until piping hot.
How to Serve Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions and white sesame seeds over the top to add fresh bursts of flavor and a lovely visual contrast. For an extra touch, you can add sliced avocado or drizzle more sriracha if you like things on the spicy side.
Side Dishes
Beef Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with light side dishes like a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to keep the meal balanced and fresh. A cup of miso soup also complements the flavors perfectly for a more complete dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your beef fried rice in hollowed-out bell peppers or crisp lettuce cups for a fun and elegant presentation. You can also top it with a fried egg or sprinkle crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for an extra flavor punch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover beef fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its flavor quite well, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover beef fried rice in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to keep it moist and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Using day-old rice is best because it’s drier and less sticky, which prevents clumping in your fried rice. If you only have fresh rice, try spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out before cooking.
What type of ground beef works best?
Lean ground beef is ideal because it cooks quickly without releasing too much grease, which helps keep your fried rice flavorful but not greasy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce without fish ingredients. You can also omit the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu for a vegan version.
Can I adjust the level of spice in this recipe?
Yes, the jalapeño and sriracha can be adjusted to your preferred heat level. Omit the jalapeño for a milder version or add more sriracha if you like it extra spicy.
Why is sesame oil recommended?
Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that enriches the depth of this dish. While it has a lower smoke point so it’s perfect for a final sauté or finishing touch, peanut oil can be a great substitute if you prefer a slightly different nutty note.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Fried Rice Recipe is a fantastic way to bring an exciting and tasty meal to your table with minimal fuss. It’s packed with bold flavors, satisfying textures, and easy enough for any cooking skill level. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug in every bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Beef Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Fried Rice recipe featuring ground beef, scrambled eggs, mixed vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Eggs and Oil
- 3 eggs
- ¼ tsp salt (for the scrambled eggs)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (Peanut oil will also work for flavor)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- ½ cup onions, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
Protein and Carbohydrates
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups day old rice (see notes for measurement help)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar
- ½ Tbsp sriracha
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tsp white sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce and veggies: Mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sriracha, and pepper together in a bowl and set aside. Dice the jalapeño (if using), onions, and green onions. Mince the garlic cloves and ginger.
- Scramble the eggs: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt, then pour into the hot skillet. Scramble the eggs for about 3-4 minutes until cooked but still moist. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté aromatics and cook ground beef: Using the leftover oil in the skillet, add the diced onion and jalapeño and cook for about 2 minutes to soften. Add the minced ginger and garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until fully browned and cooked through.
- Glaze the beef with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef, stirring to coat. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling to the beef nicely.
- Add vegetables, rice, and eggs: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 4 minutes until they are heated through. Next, add the day-old rice and finally fold in the scrambled eggs. Mix well and heat everything through thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the beef fried rice immediately garnished with sliced green onions and white sesame seeds. Optional toppings like avocado slices and extra sriracha can be added for additional flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture; freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.
- Adjust the level of jalapeño and sriracha to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef if preferred.
- Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can enhance nutrition and color.
- Scrambling eggs separately improves texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
