Sizzling Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe: A Tasty Family Favorite

Lazy weeknight cooking meets pure magic with this incredible onion beef fried rice that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Savory beef chunks mingle perfectly with caramelized onion pieces throughout each fragrant bite.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly everything comes together in one delicious skillet.

Every mouthful promises a delightful combination of tender meat and crispy rice edges.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than this hearty one-pan wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fresh green onions scattered across the top make this dish look as amazing as it tastes – you won’t be able to resist diving in immediately.

What Pairs Well with Beef Fried Rice

• Pair this Onion Beef Fried Rice with robust red wines that complement its rich flavors.
• A bold, fruity wine with peppery undertones that matches the beef's savory profile and cuts through the rice's richness.
• Serve alongside a crisp Asian beer like Sapporo or Tsingtao, which cleanses the palate and balances the dish's intense seasonings.
• Add a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty fried rice.

Onion Fried Rice Twists You’ll Want to Try

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a plant-based version that maintains protein content and adds a different texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced turnips to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the delicious Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to enhance the heat level and create a more intense flavor experience for those who enjoy spicier dishes.

Fried Rice FAQ Guide

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough when frying?

Marinate the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce beforehand. This helps tenderize the meat and creates a protective coating that keeps it juicy during high-heat cooking.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this fried rice?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or shrimp. Just ensure you cut the meat into similar-sized pieces and adjust the marinating time accordingly.

• Why is it important to use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumping and allows each grain to separate nicely when stir-frying. Fresh rice contains more moisture and can become mushy.

• What's the best way to get that restaurant-style wok hei flavor at home?

Use a high-heat cooking method and a well-seasoned wok or large skillet. Cook ingredients quickly over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that signature smoky flavor.

Onion Beef Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout

• This onion beef fried rice transforms leftovers into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a fast and satisfying dinner solution.
• Marinating beef with soy sauce and sesame oil creates restaurant-level taste without expensive takeout, allowing home cooks to enjoy professional-style Asian cuisine right in their kitchen.
• Easily adaptable recipe lets you swap ingredients based on what's in your refrigerator, making it a flexible and budget-friendly option for spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single skillet, reducing dishwashing time and making this meal a hassle-free option for tired home chefs after a long day.

Everything You Need for Onion Beef Fried Rice

• Beef: Thin slices of tender meat for hearty protein, best with sirloin or flank steak for maximum flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami and helps tenderize the beef, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.

• Cornstarch: Creates a protective coating on beef for a crispy exterior, helps seal in moisture.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and depth of flavor, freshly ground offers the best taste.
• Sesame Oil: Adds nutty aroma and authentic Asian cooking essence, use sparingly for intense flavor.

• Onion: Provides sweet undertones and aromatic base, white or yellow onions work perfectly for balanced taste.

How to Cook Onion Beef Fried Rice Quickly

Marinating The Beef

• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch
• Sesame oil
• Black pepper

Ensure each beef slice is thoroughly coated and let it rest while preparing other ingredients.

Coating the beef helps lock in moisture and creates a delicious caramelized exterior when cooking.

Marinate for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Pro tip: Use a non-reactive bowl like glass or ceramic for marinating.

Gently toss the beef to distribute seasonings evenly.

The cornstarch will help create a protective layer that prevents the meat from becoming tough.

Set aside and move to the next preparation step.

Chopping Vegetables And Ingredients

• White onions
• Green onions
• Garlic cloves

Use a sharp knife to create uniform pieces.

Chop white onions into small, consistent cubes.

Slice green onions diagonally for an attractive presentation.

Mince garlic finely to distribute flavor throughout the dish.

Have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking.

Preparing Rice

Use day-old refrigerated rice for best results.

Break up any rice clumps with a fork.

Cold rice prevents sticking and creates better texture when frying.

If using freshly cooked rice, spread on a tray and let cool completely.

Cooking The Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.

Add a thin layer of oil.

Cook marinated beef in small batches to ensure proper searing.

Stir-fry quickly, about 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.

Remove beef and set aside.

Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high temperature.

Creating Fried Rice Base

In the same pan, add a bit more oil.

Sauté chopped white onions until translucent.

Add minced garlic and stir quickly.

Toss in cold rice.

Spread rice evenly across pan surface.

Let rice sit momentarily to develop crispy edges.

Combining Everything

Add cooked beef back into the rice.

Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients.

Pour additional soy sauce if desired.

Mix in chopped green onions.

Sprinkle with additional black pepper.

Give a final quick stir to heat everything evenly.

Serving The Dish

Transfer to a serving plate.

Garnish with extra green onions.

Serve immediately while hot.

Optional: Add a side of chili sauce or extra soy sauce.

Pro Tips for Fried Rice Perfection

• Boost Meat Tenderness: Marinate beef in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes to break down proteins and ensure juicy, flavorful bites.
• Master Rice Texture: Use day-old cold rice to prevent clumping and achieve perfect separated grains during stir-frying.
• Control Heat Levels: Stir-fry beef quickly over high heat to seal in juices and prevent overcooking, keeping meat tender and succulent.
• Season Strategically: Add sesame oil at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and provide a rich, nutty aroma to the dish.
• Choose Right Onions: Select sweet or yellow onions for a mild, caramelized flavor that complements the beef without overpowering other ingredients.

Store and Reheat Onion Beef Fried Rice

• Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice to prevent dryness, then heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm a non-stick pan with a little oil, add rice, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated evenly and slightly crispy.
• Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating to kill potential bacteria and maintain food safety.

Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese-style onion beef fried rice delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful skillet. Savory beef, caramelized onions, and perfectly seasoned rice combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• ½ lb (225g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Base and Aromatics:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled rice
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring each beef slice is evenly coated.
2. Allow beef to marinate while gathering and prepping remaining ingredients, which will help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor profile.
3. Heat wok or large skillet over high heat, adding a thin layer of oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
4. Quickly stir-fry marinated beef pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach medium doneness, then transfer to a separate plate.
5. In the same wok, sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
6. Add cooked rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps and spreading it evenly across the cooking surface to create crispy edges.
7. Incorporate scrambled eggs into the rice, stirring continuously to distribute them throughout the mixture.
8. Return seared beef to the wok, gently folding it into the rice and egg mixture to ensure even distribution.
9. Season the entire dish with additional soy sauce, adjusting to taste and creating a rich, savory flavor profile.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while the rice remains hot and crispy.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by coating with cornstarch, which creates a protective layer preventing moisture loss during high-heat cooking.
• Add a splash of sesame oil to enhance the marinade’s depth, introducing a subtle nutty aroma that complements the beef’s richness.
• Choose cold, day-old rice for better texture, as freshly cooked rice tends to become mushy and clump together during stir-frying.
• Opt for high-heat cooking to achieve that coveted wok hei flavor, ensuring beef remains juicy and rice develops a delightful crispy edge.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 140mg