Introduction
Fried rice is a popular dish around the world, renowned for its versatility and ability to incorporate various ingredients. This particular recipe elevates traditional fried rice with marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Beef and Marinade:
300g (10 oz) rump beef steak, sliced into small thin pieces (3-5mm thick, ~1.5cm squares)
1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
2 tsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp water
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp sugar
3/8 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda)
Fried Rice:
2 1/2 tbsp canola or peanut oil, divided
4 green onion stems, cut into 1.25 cm (1/2″) lengths, white and green parts separated
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
520g (1 lb) cooked, day-old long grain white rice, refrigerated overnight
200g (7 oz) green beans, cut into 1.25 cm pieces (~2 heaped cups)
Fried Rice Sauce:
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tsp sugar
Scrambled Egg:
2 eggs
1/2 tsp sesame oil
Pinch of salt and pepper (preferably white, but black is acceptable)
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is about 1 hour for marinating the beef, plus additional time for gathering and preparing the other ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is approximately 15-20 minutes, leading to a total time of around 1 to 1.5 hours including marination.
This recipe yields approximately 2-3 servings, making it an excellent option for both small gatherings and family dinners.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate and Tenderize Beef:
– In a bowl, combine dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, minced garlic, sugar, and baking soda.
– Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
– Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
Prepare Sauce and Egg Mixture:
– In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to create the fried rice sauce. Set aside.
– In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook Beef:
– 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 and green beans. Cook for another minute until the beef is caramelized, stirring constantly.
– Add the minced garlic and cook briefly, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Add Rice and Sauce:
– Add the day-old rice to the pan.
– Pour the prepared fried rice sauce over the rice.
– Toss everything together for about 1.5 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice to get toasty.
Scramble Eggs:
– Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan.
– In the cleared space, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
– Pour in the egg mixture and let it set for about 10 seconds.
– Gently scramble the eggs until mostly cooked.
Combine and Serve:
– Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice mixture.
– Add the green parts of the green onions and toss everything together.
– Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Beef Tenderization:
– The baking soda helps to tenderize the beef, making it more flavorful.
Day-Old Rice:
– Using refrigerated rice is crucial, as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy when cooked.
Cooking Techniques:
– Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout.
Oil Choice:
– Canola or peanut oil can be used based on preference, but peanut oil adds a nice flavor to the dish.
Cook Techniques
Marinade
Mix ingredients like dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, sugar, water, and baking soda together to create a tenderizing marinade for beef. Ensure each piece of beef is fully coated and allow it to soak up the flavors for 1 hour up to 24 hours.
Cooking Beef
Heat oil in a non-stick pan over high heat before adding marinated beef. Sear the beef until it is caramelized and cooked through, ensuring to add vegetables like green beans and garlic for added flavor during cooking.
Stir-Frying Rice
Use day-old refrigerated rice for the best texture when stir-frying. Add the rice to the pan with the cooked beef and vegetables, along with the fried rice sauce, and toss everything together over high heat to enhance flavors and achieve a toasty finish.
Scrambling Eggs
Create a designated space in the pan by pushing the rice mixture to the side before adding egg mixture. Allow the eggs to set briefly before gently scrambling until cooked, then mix them back into the main dish for a creamy texture.
Serving
After combining all ingredients, including fresh green onions, serve the fried rice hot for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, but tender cuts like flank steak or sirloin work best for marinating and quick cooking.
Why is it important to use day-old rice?
Day-old rice has a firmer texture compared to freshly cooked rice, reducing the chance of becoming mushy during stir-frying.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with soy sauce mixed with a little bit of sugar, but the flavor will be different.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
Is sesame oil necessary for the scrambled eggs?
Sesame oil adds a unique flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can simply use a neutral oil or omit it entirely.
Conclusion
This beef and fried rice dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, bringing together tender marinated beef, vibrant green beans, and fluffy scrambled eggs. The day-old rice absorbs the savory sauces, resulting in a satisfying meal that’s both aromatic and delicious. Perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, it showcases the versatility of fried rice and its ability to transform simple ingredients into a delectable feast.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice
Substitute the beef with diced chicken breast and add a mix of bell peppers and peas for a colorful and nutritious variation.
Prawn Fried Rice
Use shrimp instead of beef, and enhance the flavor with a hint of lemon zest, paired with baby bok choy for added crunch.
Vegetarian Tofu Fried Rice
Replace beef with firm tofu cubes, and add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and corn for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Curried Beef Fried Rice
Incorporate curry powder into the beef marinade, and add some cooked peas and diced potatoes for a unique twist on traditional fried rice.
Spicy Thai Fried Rice
Add Thai red curry paste to the fried rice sauce, and include sliced chili peppers for an extra kick, along with fresh cilantro for garnish.
