Onion Beef Fried Rice

This Onion Beef Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful dish packed with tender beef, caramelized onions, and perfectly fried rice. Made in just 20 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Savory & Flavorful – Caramelized onions and soy-marinated beef add depth.
• Great for Leftovers – Perfect for using up leftover rice.
• Customizable – Add vegetables, spice, or swap the protein.
• One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

• ½ lb beef steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Marinate the Beef

• In a bowl, mix beef slices, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and garlic.
• Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

2. Cook the Beef

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
• Stir-fry beef for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from pan.

3. Cook the Onions & Eggs

• In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil and sauté onions until golden and caramelized.
• Push onions to one side and add beaten eggs, scrambling them until just set.

4. Stir-Fry the Rice

• Add cooked rice and break up any clumps.
• Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Toss everything together and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Beef & Final Touches

• Return cooked beef to the pan and mix well.
• Stir in green onions and cook for 1 more minute.

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot!
• Enjoy as is or with extra soy sauce, sriracha, or chili oil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Extra Vegetables – Add peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Version – Use sriracha or more red pepper flakes.
• Low-Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
• Different Protein – Try with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Stir-fry in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce if dry.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Yes, but day-old rice is best for the perfect fried rice texture.

How do I prevent rice from sticking?

Use cold rice and separate grains before adding to the pan.

What’s the best beef for this recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best for tenderness.

Can I use frozen onions?

Yes! Just cook them a little longer to remove excess moisture.

How do I add more umami?

Add a splash of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms.

How do I get the smoky wok flavor?

Use high heat and a carbon steel wok for the best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a large pan and stir-fry in batches.

What oil is best for fried rice?

Vegetable, peanut, or sesame oil work great for high-heat cooking.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.

Conclusion

This Onion Beef Fried Rice is a fast, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with tender beef, caramelized onions, and savory fried rice, it’s a satisfying meal that’s better than takeout. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic!

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