Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of perfectly seared beef with the comforting warmth of fried rice, all elevated by the luxurious touch of garlic butter. This Beef Fried Rice recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish you can easily create at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- Cold cooked rice: 300g (1½ cups)
- Beef: 250g (8.8 oz) thinly sliced steak (rump or flank)
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, finely chopped
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon (sunflower, sesame, or rapeseed)
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Egg: 1 (optional)
- Spring onions or chives: 2, chopped
- Black pepper and salt: to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
- Use cold rice from the previous day
- Separate rice grains by hand or with a fork to prevent clumping
2. Sauté Garlic
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and oil in a large skillet or wok
- Add minced garlic
- Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (avoid burning)
3. Cook the Beef
- Add thinly sliced beef to the pan
- Sear over high heat for 2-3 minutes until just cooked
- Remove beef and set aside
4. Optional Egg Step
- In the same pan, quickly scramble the egg
- Set aside if using
5. Fry the Rice
- Add cooked rice to the hot pan
- Stir-fry for a few minutes to heat and lightly brown
- Add soy sauce and oyster sauce
- Mix well to coat the rice
6. Combine and Finish
- Add cooked beef and optional scrambled egg
- Stir in chopped spring onions
- Season with black pepper
- Add final tablespoon of butter
- Stir until butter melts and rice becomes glossy
Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
- Difficulty: Medium
Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
Why This Beef Fried Rice is a Culinary Gem
This Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice is more than just a meal – it’s a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. The lean beef provides high-quality protein, while the rice offers essential carbohydrates. The garlic not only adds incredible depth to the dish but also provides potential health benefits, including boosting immune function and reducing inflammation.
Creative Variations
- Add vegetables like peas, grated carrots, diced peppers, or mushrooms
- Use different protein options like chicken or shrimp
- Experiment with different types of rice
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch
Pro tip: The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old, cold rice. Fresh rice can become mushy and stick together, while cold rice separates easily and creates that classic crispy texture.