Easy Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

This isn’t just any fried rice; it’s an Onion Beef Fried Rice that’s incredibly easy to make and tastes like a gourmet takeout meal. With minimal steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner in no time. The rich flavors and simple preparation make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try it tonight—you won’t believe how simple it is to create such an amazing dish!

Ingredients:

Save

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced: For best results, partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut into uniform, thin pieces.
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced: I prefer yellow onions for their balanced sweetness and savory flavor.
• 4 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old: Day-old rice is drier and fries up better without clumping.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This adds a deep umami flavor that elevates the dish.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Ginger adds a warm, spicy note to the fried rice.
• 2 green onions, chopped: For garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust according to your preference.

Tips:

• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Salt pasta water like the ocean for flavor: This ensures the rice is seasoned from the inside out.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Save

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. This marinade will tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. A marinade is essential as it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with preliminary flavors. For optimal results, ensure the beef slices are uniformly thin to facilitate even marination and cooking.
2. Sauté the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside. Caramelization is key to unlocking the onion’s sweetness and creating a foundational flavor profile for the entire dish.
3. Cook the Beef: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the marinated beef and sear quickly until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Searing the beef ensures a flavorful crust forms, sealing in the juices and adding a delightful textural contrast to the fried rice.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step is crucial for infusing the oil with the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger. The aromatic base of garlic and ginger enlivens the oil, which will then permeate the rice, creating a symphony of flavors. This step should be quick to prevent burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
5. Fry the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through. Using day-old rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Day-old rice is less moist, making it ideal for frying without clumping. Stir-frying ensures each grain is individually coated with the flavorful oil, creating a delightful texture.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the caramelized onions and cooked beef to the skillet with the rice. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Integrating all the elements allows the flavors to meld, creating a cohesive and harmonious dish. The oyster sauce introduces a deep umami note, elevating the overall taste profile.
7. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions. Serve the Onion Beef Fried Rice immediately. Enjoy! Adding green onions at the end provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color, enhancing both the taste and visual appeal of the dish.

Serving Ideas

Onion Beef Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways. Its savory flavors and hearty ingredients make it a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

1. Classic Asian Meal: Serve the Onion Beef Fried Rice with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas make excellent choices. The crispness of the vegetables complements the richness of the fried rice, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal. For plating, mound the fried rice on a plate and arrange the vegetables around it, creating a visually appealing and balanced dish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds over the vegetables adds a touch of elegance and nutty flavor.
2. Soup and Salad Combo: Pair the fried rice with a light and refreshing soup such as miso soup or egg drop soup. The warm, comforting soup balances the heartiness of the rice. A fresh salad with a ginger-sesame dressing can also provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. This combination offers a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. To present this elegantly, serve the soup in a small bowl alongside a neatly plated portion of the fried rice, with the salad on a separate plate to maintain its crispness.
3. Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Accompany your Onion Beef Fried Rice with crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings for an appetizer. The different textures and flavors will create an exciting culinary experience. Spring rolls can be filled with vegetables or shrimp, while dumplings can be stuffed with pork or chicken. Serving a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger sauce alongside the appetizers adds an extra layer of flavor. Arrange the spring rolls or dumplings artfully on a platter, with a small bowl of dipping sauce for each guest.
4. Grilled Skewers: Grilled chicken or beef skewers marinated in teriyaki sauce are a fantastic complement to the Onion Beef Fried Rice. The smoky flavor of the grilled skewers enhances the overall taste of the meal, while the teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory element that ties everything together. Serve the skewers hot off the grill alongside the fried rice for a complete and satisfying meal. For an attractive presentation, place the fried rice on a plate and lay the grilled skewers across the top, garnishing with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.
5. Egg Topping: For an extra touch of richness, top your Onion Beef Fried Rice with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds a creamy texture that elevates the entire dish. Simply fry an egg to your liking and place it on top of the fried rice just before serving. This simple addition transforms the fried rice into a more substantial and luxurious meal. Arrange the fried rice in a bowl, create a small well in the center, and gently place the fried egg on top, allowing the yolk to run down the sides for an enticing visual appeal.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of beef for this recipe?Yes, you can use different cuts of beef depending on your preference and what you have available. Sirloin is a great choice because it’s lean and tender when thinly sliced and quickly cooked. Other good options include flank steak, skirt steak, or even ground beef. Flank and skirt steak have a lot of flavor but can be a bit tougher, so make sure to slice them thinly against the grain. Ground beef is a more budget-friendly option and works well if you prefer a more crumbly texture in your fried rice. No matter which cut you choose, ensure it is thinly sliced or broken into small pieces for even cooking and to blend well with the other ingredients.
2. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?The key to preventing mushy rice in fried rice is to use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in a clumpy and mushy final product. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out, making it perfect for stir-frying. When stir-frying, make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough to quickly heat the rice without steaming it. Also, avoid adding too much liquid at once, as this can also make the rice mushy. If you only have freshly cooked rice, you can spread it out on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a couple of hours before using it in the recipe.
3. Can I add vegetables to this Onion Beef Fried Rice?Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your fried rice. Some excellent choices include carrots, peas, bell peppers, and broccoli. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra dose of vitamins. To prepare the vegetables, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and blend well with the rice and beef. Add the vegetables to the wok or skillet after cooking the beef, and stir-fry them until they are tender-crisp before adding the rice. This ensures that the vegetables are cooked but still retain some of their crunch.
4. What is oyster sauce, and can I substitute it?Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce made from oyster extracts, sugar, salt, and other ingredients. It has a rich, umami flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes, especially in Asian cuisine. If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce, which has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile. Another option is to use a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sugar to mimic the umami flavor. However, keep in mind that these substitutes may not provide the exact same taste as oyster sauce, so adjust the amount to your liking.
5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?To make this Onion Beef Fried Rice vegetarian, simply omit the beef and add more vegetables or a vegetarian protein source. Tofu is a great option – press it to remove excess moisture, then cube it and stir-fry it until golden brown and crispy. You can also use tempeh or plant-based crumbles as a substitute for the beef. For added flavor, consider marinating the tofu or tempeh in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger before stir-frying it. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetarian protein is cooked to perfection.
6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare certain components of this dish ahead of time to save time when you’re ready to cook. For example, you can slice the beef and marinate it in the soy sauce and sesame oil mixture a few hours in advance or even the night before. You can also cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. However, it’s best to cook the onions and stir-fry the ingredients just before serving to ensure the flavors are fresh and the textures are at their best. When reheating the fried rice, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

Save

This Onion Beef Fried Rice recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a flavor-packed adventure that brings the taste of your favorite Asian restaurant right to your kitchen. The combination of tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and perfectly cooked rice creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and sauces.

Pro Tips: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a dash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends and family, this Onion Beef Fried Rice is sure to become a new favorite. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Deluxe Version: Top with a fried egg for added richness and protein.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade Onion Beef Fried Rice. You won’t be disappointed!

External Links:

• USDA Food Composition Database
• World Health Organization on Healthy Diet

Easy Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Onion Beef Fried Rice recipe is quick, easy and tastes great! A simple dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy!

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups cooked rice, cold
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and stir-fry until softened.
4. Add rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir-fry until heated through.
5. Add beef, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry until heated through.
6. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use cold, cooked rice. You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers.