Why You’ll Love Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe
This Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice is quick, hearty, and full of flavor. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with caramelized onions, garlic, and vegetables, then tossed with fluffy rice in a savory soy-based sauce. It’s the perfect one-pan dinner that’s budget-friendly, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
-
1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
-
2 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tsp sesame oil
-
1 tsp cornstarch
-
1 tsp sugar
For the Fried Rice:
-
3 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably day-old)
-
2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
-
1 large onion, thinly sliced
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
-
2 eggs, lightly beaten
-
3 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tsp sesame oil
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
-
Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and sugar. Add sliced beef and let marinate for 15 minutes.
-
Cook the beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry beef until browned and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook onions & veggies: In the same pan, add another tbsp oil. Sauté onions until golden and slightly caramelized. Add garlic, peas, and carrots; cook for 2–3 minutes.
-
Scramble eggs: Push veggies to the side of the pan. Add eggs and scramble until just set.
-
Fry the rice: Add cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, breaking up clumps.
-
Combine & season: Add beef back to the pan along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until heated through.
-
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Servings & Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Spicy Kick: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat.
-
Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice.
-
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, bean sprouts, or mushrooms.
-
Different Protein: Try chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a twist.
Storage & Reheating
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of soy sauce or water.
-
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
A: It’s best to use day-old rice because it’s drier and won’t get mushy when stir-fried.
Q: What’s the best cut of beef?
A: Flank steak or sirloin works best since they’re tender and cook quickly.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes! Skip the beef and add extra vegetables or tofu.
Conclusion
This Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor — tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and savory fried rice all in one pan. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making it a weeknight dinner you’ll come back to again and again.
Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe
This Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice is a flavorful, hearty meal that comes together in just one pan. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with caramelized onions, garlic, and mixed veggies, then tossed with fluffy rice and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, cold rice)
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef and stir-fry until browned, 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize onions: Add remaining oil, then cook onions until golden and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Scramble eggs: Push onions to one side, add eggs, and scramble until set.
- Stir-fry rice & veggies: Add rice and vegetables. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes, breaking up clumps.
- Combine: Return beef to the pan, pour sauce over, and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Use leftover rice for the best texture (fresh rice tends to get mushy).
- Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Add chili paste or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Great for meal prep — stores well in the fridge up to 4 days.