Introduction
This delicious dish combines tender beef strips with vibrant greens and fluffy fried rice, all brought together by a savory marinade and sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a colorful meal that bursts with flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Beef Marinade:
– 10 oz (300 g) rump beef steak, cut into thin strips
– 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
For the Fried Rice:
– 2 1/2 tablespoons canola or peanut oil, divided
– 4 green onion stems, cut into 1/2-inch lengths, white and green parts separated
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 2 heaped cups green beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
– 4 cups cooked, day-old long grain white rice, refrigerated overnight
For the Fried Rice Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Scrambled Egg:
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– Pinch of salt and white pepper (black pepper is acceptable)
Prep Time
1 hour (minimum for marinating beef); can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (up to 24 hours with marination)
Yield: 2-3 servings
Enjoy the burst of flavors with this simple yet satisfying dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, minced garlic, sugar, and baking soda. Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
Prepare the Fried Rice Sauce
Mix fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Prepare the Scrambled Egg Mixture
Whisk together eggs, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper in a bowl.
Cook the Fried Rice
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for about 2 minutes until the surface is sealed. Add the white parts of the green onions, green beans, and minced garlic. Cook for another minute until the beef is caramelized, stirring constantly. Add the cooked rice and pour the prepared fried rice sauce over it. Toss everything together for about 1.5 to 2 minutes to ensure the rice is well-coated and gets toasty. Push the rice to one side of the pan, creating space. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the empty space and pour in the scrambled egg mixture. Allow the egg to partially set for about 10 seconds, then gently scramble it. Once mostly cooked, mix it into the rice. Add the green parts of the green onions, toss everything together, and serve immediately.
Notes
Marinating Time
For best results, marinate the beef for a longer period, ideally 24 hours, to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Day-Old Rice
Using refrigerated, day-old rice prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy, as it allows the grains to firm up.
Cooking Temperature
Ensure the pan is hot enough to achieve a nice char on the beef and rice, which contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.
Cook techniques
Marinating the Beef
To achieve tender and flavorful beef strips, marinate the meat with dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, garlic, sugar, and baking soda. The baking soda helps to tenderize the beef, while marinating time can range from 1 hour to 24 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Preparing the Fried Rice Sauce
Combine fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a bowl until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will enhance the flavor of the fried rice, adding depth and umami.
Making Scrambled Eggs
Whisk eggs with sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Cooking the eggs separately ensures they remain fluffy and can be easily incorporated into the fried rice later.
Stir-Frying
In a large non-stick pan, heat oil over high heat before adding marinated beef. Cook until sealed, then add garlic and green beans. Stir-frying at high heat creates a caramelized texture and locks in flavors.
Incorporating Rice
Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, add day-old rice and pour the prepared sauce over. Toss together for a couple of minutes to evenly coat the rice, allowing it to become slightly toasted.
Cooking the Eggs with Rice
Create space in the pan for the scrambled egg mixture. After partially setting, gently scramble before mixing it into the rice, ensuring the eggs are distributed evenly throughout.
FAQ
Why use day-old rice for fried rice?
Day-old rice is drier and firmer, preventing it from turning mushy during cooking. This texture allows for better separation of grains in the final dish.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with similar sauces or vegetables based on your preference, but it may alter the final flavor profile of the dish.
How important is marinating time?
Marinating the beef for at least an hour is important as it enhances flavor and tenderness. Longer marination allows for deeper flavor absorption.
What if I don’t have a non-stick pan?
If you don’t have a non-stick pan, ensure your pan is well-oiled and watch closely to prevent sticking. You may need to adjust the cooking temperature to prevent burning.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef with tofu or other plant-based proteins and adjust the sauces accordingly to maintain flavor.
Conclusion
This beef fried rice is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any meal. The marinated beef adds a savory depth, while the scrambled eggs and vegetables contribute to its heartiness. This recipe showcases the versatility of fried rice, allowing for customization based on available ingredients and personal preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Fried Rice
Replace the beef with assorted vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Fried Rice
Substitute the beef with diced chicken breast. Marinate similarly and follow the same cooking steps for a flavorful chicken version.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Use peeled and deveined shrimp as the protein. Add a dash of lemon juice for a fresh twist.
Spicy Beef Fried Rice
Incorporate sliced green chilies or chili paste into the beef marinade for added heat.
Egg Fried Rice
Prepare the fried rice without meat and increase the number of eggs for a protein-rich vegetarian dish.
Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice
Add blanched broccoli florets to the fried rice for enhanced nutrition and flavor.
Thai-style Fried Rice
Incorporate basil leaves and a touch of lime juice to create a fresh Thai flavor profile.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Mix in chopped kimchi with the rice for a tangy, spicy Korean-inspired dish.
