Onion Beef Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables with perfectly fried day-old rice. This easy-to-make dish offers a balanced blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fried rice recipe is simple, fast, and packed with flavor. Using day-old rice ensures a perfect, non-sticky texture, while the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a delicious umami-rich taste. Ground beef adds hearty protein, and the mixed vegetables provide a fresh, colorful crunch. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and cold) 1 pound ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.) 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1
Prepare the rice: Use cold, day-old rice for best results. It’s less likely to clump and will fry up nicely.
Step 2 Cook the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Step 3 Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
Step 4 Add vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 5 Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
Step 6 Season: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the rice evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7 Serve hot: Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Servings and Timing
Makes 4 servings Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Use brown rice or jasmine rice depending on your preference.
Add scrambled eggs for extra protein and texture.
Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or broccoli.
Adjust seasoning by adding chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Fried rice can be frozen, but texture may change slightly; thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
Fresh rice tends to be too moist and sticky for frying. Day-old, cold rice works best for a fluffy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace ground beef with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables.
What vegetables work best in fried rice?
Carrots, peas, bell peppers, corn, broccoli, and green beans are all great options.
Can I use other sauces besides soy and oyster sauce?
Yes, tamari is a good gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and hoisin sauce can add a sweeter flavor.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Use a hot skillet with enough oil and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Can I add eggs to this recipe?
Yes, scrambled eggs make a great addition. Add them after cooking the beef or at the end.
How spicy is this recipe?
This base recipe is mild; you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to increase heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not unless you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, fried rice reheats well and is great for meal prep.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works well due to their high smoke points.
Conclusion
Onion Beef Fried Rice is a quick, tasty, and satisfying dish that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or meal prep routines. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful meal that combines the hearty richness of ground beef with the fresh crunch of vegetables and the perfect texture of day-old rice. This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary preferences and tastes, making it a reliable go-to for delicious home cooking.
Onion Beef Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables with perfectly fried day-old rice. This easy-to-make dish offers a balanced blend of textures and tastes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and cold)
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the rice: Use cold, day-old rice for best results. It’s less likely to clump and will fry up nicely.
Cook the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
Add vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
Combine with rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
Season: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the rice evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot: Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Use brown rice or jasmine rice depending on your preference.
Add scrambled eggs for extra protein and texture.
Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or broccoli.
Adjust seasoning by adding chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid clumping.
