Beef Fried Rice with Vegetables

A colorful skillet dish of tender beef, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings—ready in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef fried rice is a complete meal in itself—rich in protein, vegetables, and grains. With intuitive stir-fry techniques, you can craft restaurant-worthy flavor at home while using pantry staples and leftover rice.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• Lean beef, thinly sliced or diced
• Carrot, diced
• Peas (fresh or frozen)
• Corn kernels
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs (optional)
• Green onions for garnish

directions

1. Prepare ingredients. Chop vegetables and beef; ideally have everything ready before heating the pan.
2. Brown the beef. In a large skillet or wok over high heat, warm oil and cook beef until browned; remove and set aside.
3. Cook vegetables. Add more oil if needed, stir-fry onion, garlic, carrot, peas, and corn for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add rice and soy sauce. Add chilled rice to the pan; stir and break up clumps. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Recombine beef and optional eggs. Return the beef, stir to combine. Push rice to one side; scramble eggs in the empty space, then mix in.
6. Finish and serve. Adjust seasoning, sprinkle chopped green onion, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu in place of beef.
• Add bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas for extra color.
• Spice it up with sriracha or chili oil.
• For a healthier version, use brown rice or cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Stir-fry or microwave until heated through; add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh.
• Freezing: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to one month; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice?

Yes, but day-old rice gives a better texture by being dryer and less sticky.

What cut of beef is best?

Flank steak or sirloin work well when thinly sliced.

How do I prevent rice from sticking?

Use cold rice and stir-fry in a hot, well-oiled pan, stirring frequently.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—omit beef, add tofu or extra vegetables, and replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check that other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes—freeze in airtight containers and reheat until hot. Moisture may vary slightly but is still delicious.

How can I boost the flavor?

Add a dash of oyster sauce or toasted sesame seeds at the end.

How to make it more protein-rich?

Add a second egg or extra beef, chicken, or shrimp.

Can I cook in a wok?

Absolutely—a wok is ideal for high-heat stir-frying and even cooking.

What sides pair well?

It’s complete on its own, but serve with a light Asian-style salad or simple spring rolls.

Conclusion

This Beef Fried Rice with Vegetables recipe brings flavor, convenience, and balanced nutrition to your table. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or meal prepping—and fully adaptable to your preferred protein, vegetables, and seasonings.

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