Imagine a steaming bowl of fragrant rice, tender beef, and sweet caramelized onions—this Onion Beef Fried Rice delivers all of that and more. Bursting with savory flavors, pops of color from peas and carrots, and an irresistible warmth from garlic and soy, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort and excitement. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy evenings, yet impressive enough to make you crave seconds. With a handful of everyday ingredients and just 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy Onion Beef Fried Rice to bring everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can make something truly magical. Each element plays its role, ensuring fantastic taste, contrasting textures, and tempting color in every bite of your Onion Beef Fried Rice.
- Jasmine rice (2 cups, cooked and chilled): Day-old rice is key for the perfect chewy texture without clumping.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): High-heat oil helps everything stir-fry beautifully without burning.
- Flank steak (1/2 pound, thinly sliced): Slices up tender and soaks in all the bold flavors quickly.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds that signature salty umami punch you can’t get from salt alone.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the entire dish with sweet-salty complexity and shine.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a dash offers aromatic richness at the finish.
- Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): Sweet and savory, the onions truly make this fried rice stand out.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Rounds everything out with a gentle garlicky warmth.
- Eggs (2 large, lightly beaten): Soft curds bring extra protein and a luscious mouthfeel.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1/2 cup, thawed): A quick way to add color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- Green onions (2, sliced): For a fresh finish that brightens each hearty bite.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, balancing all the flavors and giving that final pop.
How to Make Onion Beef Fried Rice
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating one tablespoon of oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high. Add your thinly sliced flank steak and a tablespoon of soy sauce, stir-frying just until the beef browns and is cooked through. This step locks in every bit of savory flavor and keeps your beef juicy. Once done, scoop the beef out and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the rest of your oil, then toss in those thin onion slices. Let them cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until they’re soft and fragrant with a hint of golden caramelization. This takes the edge off the onions and brings out their natural sweetness—an essential backdrop for the Onion Beef Fried Rice flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Eggs
Drop in the minced garlic, stir it around with the onions for about 30 seconds until everything is dreamy and aromatic. Push the onions to one side of the pan, pour in your beaten eggs, and scramble softly. Let them set just enough before mixing with the onions so you get tender egg curds throughout the dish.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Now comes the fun part: add your chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cold rice gives you those perfect, separated grains and just the right chewy texture. Stir to combine everything evenly while letting the rice soak up the oniony, savory goodness.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Return the seared beef to the skillet, pour in the thawed peas and carrots, then drizzle over the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together gently, making sure the sauces coat every bit of rice, beef, and veggie. Cook for another few minutes until everything is heated through, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Right before serving, shower with fresh green onions for that fragrant lift.
How to Serve Onion Beef Fried Rice
Garnishes
Garnishes are the secret to turning a delicious Onion Beef Fried Rice into something extraordinary! Sprinkle extra green onions, a handful of toasted sesame seeds, or a little chili oil on top for restaurant vibes and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is hearty enough to stand alone, but a crisp cucumber salad or steamed Asian greens make fantastic sides. You can also pair your Onion Beef Fried Rice with spring rolls or miso soup to turn mealtime into a full-on feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Onion Beef Fried Rice by serving it family-style on a large platter or spooned into individual bowls topped with a soft-fried egg. For a fun twist, try stuffing leftover fried rice into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until just tender—dinner party ready!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Onion Beef Fried Rice keeps beautifully! Transfer cooled rice to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. That means lunch or dinner is sorted for days to come.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a rainy day, freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers. Just let the rice cool completely before freezing to maintain the texture. It keeps well frozen for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover loosely, and microwave until hot. Alternatively, toss in a skillet over medium heat with a touch more oil. This keeps your Onion Beef Fried Rice moist and revives the textures beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Onion Beef Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Flank steak is ideal for tenderness and quick cooking, but sirloin, skirt steak, or even leftover roast beef work well. Just slice thinly for best results.
Is it necessary to use day-old rice?
Using day-old, chilled rice is recommended because it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy when stir-fried. In a pinch, freshly cooked rice cooled on a baking sheet for 30 minutes can work, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure thing! Skip the beef and use extra veggies, tofu, or even plant-based ground “meat.” Swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative, and you’ll still have a deeply flavorful fried rice.
What else can I add to Onion Beef Fried Rice?
Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or baby spinach. A drizzle of chili oil can also bring a pleasant kick if you love spice.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can double (or even triple) this recipe—just make sure to use a large enough skillet so the ingredients crisp up instead of steaming. Cook in batches if needed for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Onion Beef Fried Rice at home; it’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—I promise you’ll love it as much as I do!
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Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Onion Beef Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef, sweet onions, and savory rice stir-fried to perfection. With a mix of soy and oyster sauces, this Asian-inspired dish is a satisfying one-pan meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Cooked Jasmine Rice:
- 2 cups
Vegetable Oil:
- 2 tablespoons
Flank Steak (thinly sliced):
- 1/2 pound
Soy Sauce (divided):
- 2 tablespoons
Oyster Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil:
- 1 teaspoon
Onion (thinly sliced):
- 1 medium
Garlic (minced):
- 2 cloves
Eggs (lightly beaten):
- 2 large
Frozen Peas and Carrots (thawed):
- 1/2 cup
Green Onions (sliced):
- 2
Salt and Black Pepper:
- To taste
Instructions
- Cook Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet, stir-fry beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce until cooked. Set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Add remaining oil, cook onion until caramelized. Add garlic.
- Scramble Eggs: Push onions aside, scramble eggs.
- Combine: Stir in rice, beef, peas, carrots. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil.
- Finish: Cook until heated through. Season and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use chilled, day-old rice for best results.
- Substitute chicken or pork for beef if desired.
- Add chili oil for a spicy variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
