Introduction
Beef fried rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of marinated beef, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables. It is a perfect meal for those who enjoy a satisfying yet quick option that can be made with common ingredients. This recipe not only offers a wonderful fusion of flavors but also allows you to use leftover rice, making it a practical dish to prepare any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
– 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
– 1/8 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
For the Scrambled Eggs:
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 eggs, lightly whisked
For the Fried Rice:
– 2 tablespoons oil (peanut, vegetable, canola, or other neutral oil)
– 1/2 onion, finely diced
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 250g (8 oz) beef mince (ground beef)
– 2 cups frozen diced carrots, peas, and corn (or fresh diced vegetables)
– 3 cups day-old cooked rice (from 1 cup uncooked rice)
– 1/2 cup finely sliced green onions (1-2 stems)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the Scrambled Eggs
Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the lightly whisked eggs and cook, stirring gently, until just set. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over high heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add Vegetables
Add the frozen diced carrots, peas, and corn (or fresh diced vegetables) to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and slightly tender.
5. Combine Rice and Sauce
Add the day-old cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour the prepared sauce over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure the rice and other ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Add Scrambled Eggs and Green Onions
Return the cooked scrambled eggs to the skillet. Add the finely sliced green onions. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. Serve
Remove from heat and serve the beef fried rice hot.
Notes
Storage
Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to substitute the frozen vegetables with others of your choice, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Rice Tips
Using day-old rice helps achieve the best texture for fried rice, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy. Cook rice ahead and refrigerate for optimal results.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Sauce
To prepare the sauce, combine dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, white sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and set aside for later use.
Cooking Scrambled Eggs
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Lightly whisk the eggs and pour them into the skillet. Stir gently while cooking until the eggs are just set, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking Beef
Using the same skillet, heat neutral oil over high heat. Add finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Introduce beef mince and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked.
Adding Vegetables
Add frozen diced carrots, peas, and corn (or fresh diced vegetables) to the skillet. Stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and begin to tenderize.
Combining Rice and Sauce
Add pre-cooked day-old rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour the prepared sauce over the rice mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
Incorporating Scrambled Eggs and Green Onions
Return the cooked scrambled eggs to the skillet along with finely sliced green onions. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
FAQ
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh diced vegetables if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old cooked rice is ideal because it is drier and helps achieve the right texture for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice may be too sticky.
Can I substitute the beef mince with another meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef mince with chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating chili sauce, fresh chilies, or red pepper flakes to the dish while cooking.
Is it necessary to use both dark and light soy sauce?
Using both adds depth of flavor, but you can use one or the other if you prefer, just adjust the quantity to taste.
Conclusion
The beef fried rice recipe combines savory elements from the sauce and a hearty mix of beef and vegetables, creating a satisfying dish that is both flavorful and comforting. The addition of scrambled eggs enriches the texture and adds protein, making this meal a well-rounded choice. It’s a simple yet delicious way to use leftover rice while elevating it to a new level of taste and enjoyment.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Fried Rice
Replace the beef with an assortment of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a lighter, vegetarian option. Use tofu for added protein.
Chicken Fried Rice
Substitute the beef mince with diced cooked chicken breast. Add soy sauce and ginger for an extra burst of flavor.
Prawn Fried Rice
Swap out the beef for shrimp, and finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime for a fresh, seafood twist.
Egg Fried Rice
Increase the number of eggs in the recipe and enhance their flavor with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for a simple, egg-focused variation.
Spicy Beef Fried Rice
Incorporate chili paste or sriracha to the sauce to add a kick. Top with sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
Curry Fried Rice
Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the sautéed onions and garlic for a unique flavor profile. This will give your fried rice a warm, aromatic taste.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Include diced fresh pineapple with the vegetables for a sweet and savory combination. This tropical twist pairs wonderfully with the sauces.
Lemon Herb Fried Rice
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice towards the end of cooking for a refreshing herbaceous flavor.
