🥩 Beef & Vegetable Fried Rice

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef
• 4 cups cooked, cold white rice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice:
   Use cold, cooked rice for the best texture. Break up any large clumps with your hands or a fork.
2. Cook the beef:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables:
   Add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Scramble the eggs:
   Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble until just set, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Add the rice:
   Add the cold rice and toss everything together. Stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and lightly brown.
7. Add the beef and sauce:
   Return the cooked beef to the pan. Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour over the rice and toss thoroughly.
8. Finish:
   Stir in the green onions and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Taste and add a little extra soy sauce or black pepper if needed.
9. Serve:
   Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.

⭐ Tips for the Best Fried Rice

• Cold rice is key: Day-old refrigerated rice gives the best texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.
• You can substitute broccoli, corn, mushrooms, cabbage, or zucchini for the vegetables.
• For a spicy version, add sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes.

🍽️ Optional Add-Ins

Try adding:

• Bean sprouts
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Sweet corn
• Shredded cabbage
• Cashews or peanuts
• Extra scrambled egg