Authentic Beef Fried Rice: A Restaurant-Quality Chinese Classic

by

Discover the secret to creating restaurant-style beef fried rice that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced textures. This classic Chinese dish transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’s both comforting and exciting, bringing the taste of a professional kitchen right to your home.

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade

  • 10 oz (280g) flank steak, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Marinade:
    • 1/4 tsp salt
    • 1 tbsp water
    • 1/8 tsp baking soda (optional)
    • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
    • 1 tsp cornstarch
    • 1 tsp oil

Sauce Mix

  • 1 tbsp hot water
  • 1/4 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp MSG (optional)
  • White pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients

  • 5 cups cold cooked rice
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3/4 cup (100g) peas
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • 3 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Begin by marinating the beef. In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients with the beef pieces. Mix thoroughly and let sit while preparing other ingredients.
  2. Prepare the sauce mix in a separate small bowl. Combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet. Scramble the beaten eggs until just set. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sear the marinated beef pieces until they are about 70% cooked. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add the final tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent.
  6. Add the cold cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry quickly to heat the rice and prevent clumping.
  7. Pour in the prepared sauce mix, stirring to distribute evenly.
  8. Return the beef to the pan, along with the scrambled eggs, peas, and scallions. Mix well.
  9. Create a well in the center of the rice. Pour the Shaoxing wine around the edge of the pan.
  10. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and heated.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped scallions if desired.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 350-400
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 15g

Pro tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture and to prevent the rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying!