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    Home / Sides / Easy Beef Fried Rice

    Easy Beef Fried Rice

    Published: Mar 7, 2023 Modified: Mar 7, 2023 by Jillian This post may contain affiliate link. This blog generates income via ads

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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!

    Beef fried rice in a wok with a wooden spoon slotted in the side.

    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!

    Table of contents

    • Ingredients for this dish
    • How to make Beef Fried Rice
    • Cookware for this meal
    • Substitutions
    • How can the kids help
    • Tips and FAQ's
    • Other side dishes you'll also love

    Ingredients for this dish

    You will need the following ingredients!

    A birds-eye view of the ingredients you will need to make this dish with labels included.
    Ingredients to make this dish!
    • 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.

    Steps 1 and 2 in the directions process to make beef fried rice. Step 1 is whisking ingredients in a bowl and step 2 is adding the beef.
    Steps 1 and 2

    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.

    Steps 3 and 4 in the directions process for this recipe. Step 3 is whisking an egg and step 4 is stir frying minced garlic.
    Steps 3 and 4

    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.

    Steps 5 and 6 in the directions process for this recipe. Step 5 is stir frying garlic and onions and step 6 is adding the beef in.
    Steps 5 and 6

    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.

    Steps 7 and 8 of the cooking process for this recipe. Step 7 is adding the cooked rice and step 8 is adding carrots and peas.
    Steps 7 and 8

    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!

    Steps 9 and 10 of the cooking process for this recipe. Step 9 is adding an egg and step 10 shows adding scallions.
    Steps 9 and 10

    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

    What kind of rice is best to use for fried rice?


    Brown rice, white rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice are the best choices for fried rice.

    How do you store beef fried rice?

    Store your leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze beef fried rice in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 5 months. Let thaw completely before reheating.

    What type of wok should I use for fried rice?


    Any type of wok would work just fine for this recipe. Just use a non-stick wok or even a large skillet that will cook the food evenly.

    Other side dishes you'll also love

    • irish soda bread on a piece of parchment paper with a slice next to the loaf with butter on it
      Irish Soda Bread without Buttermilk
    • homemade crockpot applesauce in a wooden bowl on a wooden table
      Homemade Crockpot Applesauce
    • baked zucchini chips in a bowl filled with parchment paper on a wooden white board
      Oven Baked Zucchini Chips
    • the crispiest sweet potato fries on a wooden board with ranch dressing on the side
      The Crispiest Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

    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!

    Beef fried rice in a wok with a wooden spoon slotted in the side.

    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 variation of the fried rice you get in your Chinese take-out order!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Chinese
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 200kcal
    Author: Jillian Schneider

    Equipment

    • wok
    • cutting board
    • paring knife

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz sirloin or flank steak cut into thin strips and fat sliced off
    • 2 tsp coconut aminos
    • 1 tsp light brown sugar
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • 1 pinch white pepper
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 large egg
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for frying
    • 1 tsp minced garlic
    • ½ medium onion chopped
    • 4 cups brown rice cooked and cooled
    • ½ cup frozen peas thawed
    • ½ cup shredded carrot 1 medium carrot shredded
    • 3 scallions finely chopped

    Instructions

    • Step 1 - In a large mixing bowl, combine coconut aminos, light brown sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch. 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, then mix it with the rest of the fried rice.
    • Step 10 - Stir in the chopped scallions. Do a taste test and if desired add more salt, sesame oil, and/or coconut aminos.

    Notes

    Notes:  Will make enough for leftovers. Store your leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze beef fried rice in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 5 months. Let thaw completely before reheating. 
    The best rice to use is either brown rice, white rice, basmati rice, or jasmine rice are the best choices for fried rice.
    Any type of wok would work just fine for this recipe. Just use a non-stick wok or even a large skillet that will cook the food evenly.
    How can my kids help? Measure out all the ingredients before adding them to the wok. 
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.4g | Protein: 4.6g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.3g | Cholesterol: 23.3mg | Sodium: 28.9mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 0.9g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @JilliansHealthfulEats or tag #jillianshealthfuleats!
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