Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Looking for a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal? Onion Beef Fried Rice is your answer! It’s one of those dishes that just hits the spot every time. The savory beef, combined with fragrant rice and the sweet, slightly caramelized onions, creates the perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—you can throw in your favorite veggies or even make it spicy with a dash of sriracha. This dish is everything you love about fried rice, but with the addition of tender beef and the umami-packed goodness of onions.

The best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes! It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve to guests. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Onion Beef Fried Rice

Here’s why this dish is going to become a favorite:

Quick & Easy: It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. No need for complicated steps—just simple ingredients and straightforward cooking.

Flavor-Packed: The beef and onions add so much flavor to the rice, with just the right amount of seasoning. It’s savory, satisfying, and full of umami.

Versatile: You can tweak it based on what you have in the fridge. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers, or even switch the beef for chicken or shrimp.

Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover rice, this is the ideal dish to use it up. It’s the perfect way to transform yesterday’s rice into a hearty meal today!

Ingredients in Onion Beef Fried Rice

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this fried rice such a winner:

Main Ingredients:

• Beef (flank steak or sirloin works best)
• Yellow onion (or any onion of your choice)
• Day-old cooked rice (preferably cold for better texture)
• Eggs (for richness and texture)
• Soy sauce (for that savory umami kick)
• Garlic (to give the dish extra depth of flavor)
• Green onions (for garnish and fresh flavor)
• Oil (vegetable oil, sesame oil, or a combination for frying)
• Optional: Peas, carrots, or any veggies you like

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you’re going to make this delicious Onion Beef Fried Rice!

Step 1: Prep the Beef and Vegetables

First, slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips or pieces. This helps the beef cook quickly and stay tender. Slice the onion thinly as well, and chop the garlic into small pieces. If you’re using any additional veggies, chop them up now.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons). Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Throw in the sliced onions and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become golden brown. Then, add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the onions and garlic to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them with a spatula. Once scrambled and cooked through, mix the eggs with the onions and garlic.

Step 5: Add the Rice

Add the cold, day-old rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together so the rice, eggs, onions, and garlic are all well combined.

Step 6: Season the Fried Rice

Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and stir it in. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce for a deeper flavor or a pinch of salt if you want a bit more savory goodness.

Step 7: Reintroduce the Beef

Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir it into the rice mixture. Continue to stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is nicely mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the fried rice with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (depending on ingredient amounts)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Onion Beef Fried Rice

This fried rice is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate your meal, here are some great ideas:

With a Side of Vegetables: Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach for added nutrition.

With a Fried Egg: For a richer dish, top each serving of fried rice with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds a nice creamy element.

As a Side to Grilled Meat: Serve this alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a well-rounded meal.

With a Side of Soup: For a cozy, comforting meal, serve this fried rice with a bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup.

Additional Tips

Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use rice that’s been cooked and chilled in the fridge overnight. Fresh rice tends to be too sticky for fried rice, while cold rice has the perfect texture for stir-frying.

Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add in any veggies you like! Carrots, peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms are great additions.

Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the mix. You can also throw in a chopped fresh chili for extra spice.

Swap the Beef: If you don’t have beef, you can easily substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Make it a Meal Prep Dish: This fried rice makes for a great meal prep option. Simply store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
A1: While day-old rice works best for fried rice, you can use fresh rice if needed. Just be sure to let it cool completely and fluff it up with a fork to avoid clumping.

Q2: Can I use a different type of beef?
A2: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, like skirt steak or ribeye. Just make sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking.

Q3: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A3: Simply replace the beef with tofu or more vegetables. You can also add extra protein by using edamame or tempeh.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover fried rice?
A4: Yes! Fried rice freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A5: Yes, fried rice is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q6: Can I add more spices to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add chili flakes, sesame oil, or five-spice powder for additional flavor. Get creative!

Q7: How do I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add some chopped fresh chili or a splash of sriracha for extra heat. You can also sprinkle chili flakes into the rice as you cook.

Q8: What type of beef is best for this recipe?
A8: Flank steak or sirloin is perfect for this recipe because it’s tender and cooks quickly. Just slice it thinly against the grain.

Q9: Can I use frozen vegetables in this fried rice?
A9: Yes, frozen vegetables work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the fried rice to avoid excess moisture.

Q10: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Onion Beef Fried Rice is a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender beef, sweet onions, and savory rice, it’s a dish everyone will love. Plus, it’s so customizable—you can add in whatever veggies or spices you prefer. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this fried rice is sure to impress!

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