Classic Beef Fried Rice
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A takeout favorite you can master at home. Beef fried rice is warm, savory, and loaded with texture—comforting yet indulgent, familiar yet satisfying. Tender beef is marinated and seared, then tossed with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, peas, and aromatics. The secret is in the layering: marinate the beef properly, prep the sauce ahead, and stir-fry in steps so every ingredient shines.
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Beef Fried Rice 🍚🥩
Ingredients
| For the Beef Marinade | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flank steak | 10 oz, bite-sized pieces | Tender protein |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Seasoning |
| Water | 1 tbsp | Helps absorb flavors |
| Baking soda | ⅛ tsp | Optional, for tenderness |
| Dark soy sauce | 1 tsp | Mushroom-flavored preferred |
| Cornstarch | 1 tsp | Coating |
| Oil | 1 tsp | For marinating |
| For the Sauce | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water | 1 tbsp | Base |
| Sugar | ¼ tsp | Balance |
| Sesame oil | ½ tsp | Aroma |
| Soy sauce | 1 ½ tbsp | Flavor |
| Dark soy sauce | 2 tsp | Depth & color |
| MSG | ½ tsp | Optional |
| White pepper | Pinch | Heat |
| For the Rice | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold cooked rice | 5 cups | Day-old preferred |
| Canola oil | 3 tbsp, divided | For stir-frying |
| Eggs | 2, beaten | Protein |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Aromatic |
| Peas | ¾ cup | Sweetness |
| Scallion | 1, chopped | Fresh finish |
| Shaoxing wine | 1 tbsp | Wok hei |
Instructions
- Marinate beef: Mix beef with salt, water, baking soda, soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil. Let sit while prepping.
- Make sauce: Stir hot water, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauces, MSG (if using), and white pepper together. Set aside.
- Scramble eggs: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a hot wok. Scramble eggs until nearly set, then remove.
- Cook beef: Add 1 tbsp oil, sear beef in a single layer for 20 seconds. Stir-fry until 70% cooked, then remove.
- Sauté onion: Add remaining oil, cook onion until soft and translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Add rice: Break up cold rice, stir-fry 5 minutes until warmed and separated. Splash water if needed.
- Season & combine: Pour in sauce, mix well. Return beef, eggs, peas, and scallions. Stir-fry to combine.
- Finish with wok hei: Push rice to center, let wok edges heat. Pour Shaoxing wine around perimeter, let sizzle, then toss. Serve immediately.
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