Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Onion Beef Fried Rice is a flavorful, quick-cooked dish made by stir-frying tender beef, aromatic onions, and rice with savory sauces. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice and create a comforting, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-pan wonder delivers takeout-quality results right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and quick to prepare in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for using up leftover rice and pantry staples
• A satisfying, all-in-one meal
• Packed with flavor from caramelized onions and seasoned beef
• Customizable with various vegetables or proteins

ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound beef (thinly sliced or ground)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

directions

this recipe

1. Heat the pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the beef: Add the sliced or ground beef. Stir-fry until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the onions until soft and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add vegetables: If using, stir in the mixed vegetables and cook until heated through.
5. Combine rice: Add the cooked rice and stir-fry everything together, breaking up any clumps.
6. Add sauces: Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
7. Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat
• Protein Swap: Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu in place of beef
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice
• Eggy Version: Scramble an egg in the pan before adding rice
• Extra Flavor: Add hoisin sauce, ginger, or a dash of rice vinegar

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave until hot throughout

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky and easier to fry without turning mushy.

What kind of beef is best?

Thinly sliced flank steak, sirloin, or even ground beef work well for this recipe.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute beef with tofu or more vegetables, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

How do I prevent rice from clumping?

Use cold, dry rice and break it up with your hands before cooking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Can I skip oyster sauce?

You can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for similar depth.

How do I add more veggies?

Add bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to increase the nutritional content.

Can I add eggs?

Yes, scramble eggs in the pan before or after adding the rice for extra richness.

What’s a good side for this?

Serve with egg drop soup, cucumber salad, or spring rolls.

How long will leftovers last?

Up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Onion Beef Fried Rice is a fast, flavorful, and filling dish that you can throw together with basic ingredients. Its savory blend of beef, onions, and rice makes it a family favorite, and it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re using up leftovers or cooking from scratch, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal every time.

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