Easy Beef Fried Rice

This Beef Fried Rice recipe is one you can't deny! Made with brown rice, tons of vegetables, chopped-up sirloin steak, and a flavor that keeps you wanting more. This is my healthier version of the fried rice you get in your Chinese take-out order!

Does anyone else ever have a craving for Chinese take-out? I know I do 🙂 If you also love a bowl of good fried rice but don't want to feel guilty after scarfing down 2 bowls, then this recipe was made for you.

My version is healthy and nutritious. I used brown rice, instead of white and used a boatload of veggies for added nutrition. I also used extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil for the stir-frying. This is also a great meal prep food because it makes a ton. Looking for other easy side dishes, then you need to try my Oven Baked Zucchini Chips and my Crispy Sweet Potato Fries!

Ingredients for this dish

You will need the following ingredients!

• sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips, and fat sliced off. These types of meat work best for this recipe because they cook fast.
• coconut aminos - this sauce is dark brown, slightly sweet and salty, and made from fermented coconut plant sap. This sauce is soy-free, wheat-free, gluten-free, vegan, and lower in sodium than soy sauce.
• light brown sugar - takeout rice always has a hint of sweetness in it so I decided to add just a tsp of sugar to sweeten up my recipe.
• sesame oil - I am a big fan of sesame oil. It comes from the sesame seed and has a nutty, earthy taste. The taste is very strong so it is best used in small quantities.
• white pepper - this seasoning has a musty, grassy flavor that I believe has a more mild taste than black pepper.
• cornstarch - cornstarch helps protect the beef from the intense heat of the wok. It helps prevent overcooking.
• egg - egg is one of the main ingredients in any fried rice recipe. It helps bring in a savory flavor.
• extra virgin olive oil - for stir-frying, this is one of the healthiest oils you can use because it's packed with antioxidants.
• minced garlic - one of my favorite ways to cut corners in cooking is to use garlic that comes minced. I always have Spice World's Organic Minced Garlic in my fridge.
• onion - chopped, fried rice always has onions, peas, and carrots mixed into it.
• brown rice - cooked and cooled, I always use brown rice over white when cooking because it has more fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than white rice does. Make sure your rice has been cooled or use day-old, cold, leftover rice for best results.
• frozen peas - thawed or use fresh.
• shredded carrot - peeled from 1 medium carrot, make sure to discard the outer layer of the carrot when shredding.
• scallions - finely chopped, bring extra flavor to the dish. Scallions have a spicy, sharp, and peppery flavor.

How to make Beef Fried Rice

Step-by-Step directions for this meal.

Step 1 - Combine coconut aminos, light brown sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2 - Add the beef to the marinade making sure to coat all sides of the beef.

Step 3 - In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg and salt together.

Step 4 - Heat a wok on medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of oil and the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 5 - Add the onion and cook until it starts to brown, about 2 - 3 minutes.

Step 6 - Add the beef next. Stir-fry the beef until it changes color.

Step 7 - Heat the last 2 tbsp of oil in the wok. Bring the heat down to low and add in the rice. Stir until well combined.

Step 8 - Next, add the peas and carrots and stir to combine.

Step 9 - Slide the fried rice over and make room in the wok for the egg. Make the egg into a scrambled egg and then mix it with the rest of the fried rice.

Step 10 - Stir in the chopped scallions. Add more salt, if desired!

Cookware for this meal

You definitely should try and make fried rice in a wok. Here are some options if you are on the hunt for one. If you don't have a wok, don't fret, you can make your fried rice in a large, straight-sided skillet that's 12 inches or larger.

• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Wok
• Zwilling Stainless Steel Wok
• Willow and Everett Wok Pan

Substitutions

Here are a few swap ideas for the ingredients for this beef fried rice recipe.

Coconut Aminos - I like using this ingredient as a substitute for soy sauce because it is lower in sodium than soy sauce, but you can definitely use soy sauce in its place.

Light Brown Sugar - I used light brown sugar for this recipe because that is the type of sugar I usually have in my pantry, but feel free to use white sugar or dark brown sugar for that bit of added sweetness. You could also use natural sweeteners here, as well, and swap in pure maple syrup or pure honey.

Cornstarch - Here are a few cornstarch substitutes you can use in place - potato starch, rice flour, all-purpose flour, tapioca flour, arrowroot powder, or xanthan gum.

Brown Rice - I only use brown rice when cooking any type of rice, but feel free to also use white rice or jasmine rice.

Frozen Peas - you can always use fresh peas in place of frozen ones.

Sirloin or Flank Steak - If you want to change it up use ground beef instead and make ground beef fried rice.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - I like using this oil the best because it's packed with antioxidants, but vegetable oil or neutral-flavored oil is ideal for making Chinese Beef Fried Rice.

How can the kids help

Any type of fried rice is made in a wok. The wok gets very hot and it might be a tad dangerous to have your kiddos pour stuff in and stir it up. Instead, use the hand-over-hand method and teach them how to chop and dice vegetables.

They can also help to measure out each ingredient before adding it to the wok.

I found this great brand that sells kids' cooking tools that are all kid-friendly and safe to use. The Curious Chef! This would make a great birthday or holiday gift.

Tips and FAQ's

Other side dishes you'll also love

If you try this recipe, don't forget to rate the recipe below! I always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!