Beef Fried Rice Recipe: The Perfect Homemade Delight

Posted by Posted: Silvy 16 October 2024
Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Beef Fried Rice Recipe: The Perfect Homemade Delight

Looking for the best Beef Fried Rice recipe that’s both easy and incredibly flavorful? You’re in the right place! This dish is a savory, satisfying meal packed with tender beef, crispy rice, and vibrant veggies, all brought together by an irresistible sauce.

If you’re tired of hunting for beef in your takeout fried rice, then this homemade version will change the game. Plus, it’s perfect for using up leftover rice while delivering a meal that’s bursting with taste.

Let’s dive into the details of how you can make the most delicious Beef Fried Rice in your own kitchen.

Why Homemade Beef Fried Rice Beats Takeout

Making Beef Fried Rice at home gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring you get the right amount of beef, vegetables, and sauce.

With this recipe, you won’t need to dig through the rice just to find a tiny piece of beef—every bite is loaded with juicy, tender beef. The rice, cooked in beef broth, soaks up extra flavor, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality.

Moreover, this recipe allows you to use leftover rice, which means you can minimize food waste while whipping up a quick and delicious meal.

The secret lies in using cold, dry rice—it crisps up beautifully, absorbing the sauce without becoming soggy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Beef Fried Rice recipe, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s the breakdown:

For the Rice

  • 1 cup uncooked white long grain rice (you can use leftover rice too)
  • 2 cups chicken broth

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or substitute with brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Stir Fry

  • ¾ lb. strip steak, skirt, flank, or sirloin (thinly sliced)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1-2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute with olive or canola oil)
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional, see below for substitutes)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • ¾ cup frozen peas
  • ¾ cup frozen carrots
  • 3-4 green onions, diced

How to Make the Best Beef Fried Rice

Making Beef Fried Rice at home is straightforward, but following these key steps will ensure you get the best results.

1. Cook the Rice

Start by bringing 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add 1 cup of uncooked rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot.

Let the rice cook for 15 minutes. Once done, spread the rice on a tray and cool it in the fridge. This step is critical as cold rice will absorb the sauce better and crisp up perfectly.

2. Prepare the Beef and Sauce

While the rice cools, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, beef broth, honey, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ginger in a bowl. Set this aside. Pound the beef slices using a meat tenderizer, then toss them in 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture.

3. Scramble the Eggs

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the whisked eggs and scramble them until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef

Add peanut oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.

5. Deglaze the Skillet

Pour white wine into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape the browned bits off the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, intensifying the flavors.

6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Rice

Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the skillet, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened. Next, toss in the frozen peas and carrots, followed by the cold rice.

Pour the remaining sauce over the rice, and stir-fry everything for about 3 minutes until the sauce is fully absorbed and the rice is golden brown.

7. Combine and Serve

Finally, add the cooked beef, scrambled eggs, and green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure even distribution. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Beef Fried Rice!

Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Fried Rice

  • Use Cold, Dry Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist for fried rice. Cold, leftover rice works best because it crisps up in the pan without becoming mushy.
  • Cut the Beef Thinly: Thin strips of beef cook quickly and absorb the sauce well, giving you tender and flavorful bites.
  • Don’t Skip the Deglazing: Deglazing the skillet with wine or broth adds depth to the flavors by incorporating the caramelized bits from cooking the beef.
  • Customize Your Vegetables: While peas and carrots are traditional, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
  • Storage: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

Variations on Beef Fried Rice

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

  • Chicken Fried Rice: Substitute chicken for beef.
  • Shrimp Fried Rice: Swap the beef for shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the beef and add tofu or more vegetables for a meatless version.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best beef for fried rice?


Strip steak, skirt steak, flank steak, or sirloin are great options. They all offer tenderness and absorb the sauce well.

Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?


It’s possible, but cold, leftover rice is preferred. Fresh rice tends to be too moist and can become mushy when stir-fried.

What can I use instead of wine for deglazing?


You can substitute wine with chicken broth or beef broth if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.

Is it necessary to rinse rice before cooking?


It depends on your preference. Rinsing rice removes excess starch and can prevent it from becoming sticky. However, some people prefer not to rinse to retain more starch for a slightly creamier texture.

Can I freeze leftover fried rice?


Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a skillet.

Conclusion

This Beef Fried Rice recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to make delicious, restaurant-quality fried rice at home.

With tender beef, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant veggies, it’s a complete meal that’s both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re using up leftover rice or starting fresh, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

References

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