Onion Beef Fried Rice

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Onion Beef Fried Rice

Main Dishes

This Onion Beef Fried Rice is your ultimate go-to when you want something bold, savory, and super satisfying—all made in one pan. It’s packed with tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, fluffy rice, and a perfect balance of soy and sesame flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or repurposing leftover rice, this easy recipe brings restaurant-style fried rice to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Flavorful – Ready in under 30 minutes, with bold umami taste in every bite.
One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup and full of layered flavor.
Great Use of Leftovers – A perfect way to use cold, day-old rice.
Customizable – Add extra veggies, spice it up, or switch the protein.
Hearty & Filling – Makes a complete meal that satisfies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinated Beef:

  • ½ lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp cornstarch
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Fried Rice:

  • 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil (divided)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • ½ tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Extra green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chili oil or sriracha for heat

Tools You’ll Need
Wok or large skillet
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  1. In a bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and black pepper.
  2. Toss well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
  3. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions & Cook the Beef

  1. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
  2. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
  3. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3–5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Stir in the white parts of the green onions and garlic. Sauté for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Add the Rice & Sauce

  1. Add the cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break apart clumps.
  2. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes to heat through and lightly toast the rice.
  3. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and a drizzle of sesame oil.
  4. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

  1. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and toss to combine.
  2. Stir in the green parts of the green onions.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Serve hot, topped with toasted sesame seeds, extra green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil.
  2. Enjoy your savory, homemade fried rice with all the takeout vibes—minus the wait!

Tips for the Best Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice – Cold rice is firm and fries up without getting mushy.
Slice Beef Thin – Thin slices cook fast and stay tender.
Cook on High Heat – Helps develop flavor and slight crispness.
Prep Ahead – Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start stir-frying.

Serving Suggestions
With Steamed Veggies – Such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas.
As a Bowl Base – Top with a fried egg for a Korean-style twist.
With Soup – A light miso or egg drop soup makes a great pairing.
With Kimchi – Adds tangy heat and balances the richness of the dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil or water until hot.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other meats?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey all work well in place of beef.

2. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can omit it or use hoisin sauce or a bit more soy sauce for a similar effect.

3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—carrots, bell peppers, peas, and mushrooms are all great additions.

4. Can I make it spicy?
Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or gochujang for heat.

5. What kind of rice is best?
Long-grain white rice (like jasmine) is perfect. Day-old rice gives the best texture.

Final Thoughts
This Onion Beef Fried Rice is a one-pan meal that’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to whenever you want something quick, comforting, and better than takeout. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or next-day leftovers—you really can’t go wrong.

Try it out and tag your version online—I’d love to see how you bring this stir-fry favorite to life!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 440 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 660mg

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Onion Beef Fried Rice

Onion Beef Fried Rice

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  • Author: Sandra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

This Onion Beef Fried Rice is your ultimate go-to when you want something bold, savory, and super satisfying—all made in one pan. It’s packed with tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, fluffy rice, and a perfect balance of soy and sesame flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or repurposing leftover rice, this easy recipe brings restaurant-style fried rice to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinated Beef:

  • ½ lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • ½ tsp cornstarch

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Fried Rice:

  • 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil (divided)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)

  • ½ tsp sesame oil (for finishing)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Extra green onions

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Chili oil or sriracha for heat


Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  1. In a bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and black pepper.

  2. Toss well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

  2. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set.

  3. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions & Cook the Beef

  1. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet.

  2. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.

  3. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3–5 minutes until browned and cooked through.

  4. Stir in the white parts of the green onions and garlic. Sauté for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Add the Rice & Sauce

  1. Add the cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break apart clumps.

  2. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes to heat through and lightly toast the rice.

  3. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and a drizzle of sesame oil.

  4. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

  1. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and toss to combine.

  2. Stir in the green parts of the green onions.

  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Serve hot, topped with toasted sesame seeds, extra green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil.

  2. Enjoy your savory, homemade fried rice with all the takeout vibes—minus the wait!


Notes

Use Day-Old Rice – Cold rice is firm and fries up without getting mushy.
Slice Beef Thin – Thin slices cook fast and stay tender.
Cook on High Heat – Helps develop flavor and slight crispness.
Prep Ahead – Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start stir-frying.

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