Onion Beef Fried Rice

If you love quick, flavorful stir-fried dishes, this Onion Beef Fried Rice is a must-try! It’s packed with tender slices of beef, sweet and savory caramelized onions, and fluffy rice—all stir-fried with bold seasonings for an irresistible one-pan meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes using everyday ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Done in 30 minutes or less with minimal prep.
One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
Bold Flavor – Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and onions bring out deep umami richness.
Great for Leftovers – Ideal way to use up cold, day-old rice.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Marinade:

• 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 black pepper

For the Fried Rice:

• 3 cups cooked white rice (cold, day-old rice is best)
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
• 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

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

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, and pepper.
2. Mix well and let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

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

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Beef

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the marinated beef.
4. Stir-fry until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Add the white parts of the green onions and garlic. Stir-fry for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Sauces

1. Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
2. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, letting the rice heat through and get slightly crispy.
3. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and a drizzle of sesame oil.
4. Mix well to evenly coat the rice and ingredients.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Finish

1. Return the 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 extra soy sauce or pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Scoop into bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, or a splash of chili oil.
2. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice – Cold rice is firmer and fries up better without turning mushy.
Thinly Slice the Beef – Cuts down on cooking time and makes every bite tender.
Cook on High Heat – Helps achieve that slightly crispy, restaurant-style texture.
Prep Everything First – Fried rice comes together quickly, so have everything ready to go.

Serving Suggestions
With a Side of Miso Soup – Light and warming for a balanced meal.
Cucumber Salad – Adds a refreshing crunch and cools the palate.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – Great for a takeout-style dinner at home.
Steamed Bok Choy – A simple veggie side to balance the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of beef?
Yes! Flank steak, skirt steak, or thin-sliced sirloin all work well.

2. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can skip it or use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or a splash of Worcestershire for a different flavor.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap beef for tofu or mushrooms and use plant-based sauces.

4. Is it okay to use freshly cooked rice?
Day-old rice works best, but if using fresh, let it cool and dry out a bit before stir-frying.

5. How do I make it spicier?
Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of gochujang to kick up the heat.

Final Thoughts
This Onion Beef Fried Rice is everything you love about classic takeout-style fried rice—savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor—but made fresh at home in just one pan. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s a fast and tasty go-to that you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.

Try it and tag your version online—I’d love to see your take on this flavor-packed dish!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 640mg

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