Steak Fried Rice

Steak fried rice is one of those dinners that feels like a takeout treat but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender strips of steak, fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce all come together in one hot skillet. The best part is that leftover cold rice works especially well, so this is a great recipe to keep in mind when you have cooked rice sitting in the refrigerator.

The key to good fried rice is keeping the pan hot and avoiding overcrowding it. That gives the steak a nice sear and lets the rice develop those slightly crisp edges that make fried rice so good.

What You Can Do Better

For the best texture, use rice that has been cooked ahead of time and chilled thoroughly. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and can make the finished dish soft or sticky. Day-old rice is firmer and separates more easily in the skillet.

Slice the steak thinly against the grain so it stays tender, and cook it in batches rather than piling everything into the pan at once. A crowded skillet will steam the beef instead of browning it. Finally, have all of your ingredients ready before you start cooking because fried rice comes together quickly once the pan is hot.

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Ingredients

For the Steak

• 12 ounces sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Fried Rice

• 3 1/2 cups cold cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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How to Make Steak Fried Rice

1. Marinate the Steak

Place the sliced steak in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, and the cornstarch. Toss well until every piece is lightly coated. Let the steak rest for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Give it a good stir and set it aside. Having the sauce ready before cooking makes the final steps much easier.

3. Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and place half of the steak in the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until browned. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak.

4. Cook the Vegetables

Add another small splash of oil if the pan looks dry. Add the peas, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, just until the vegetables are hot and the garlic and ginger become fragrant.

5. Add the Rice

Add the butter and cold cooked rice to the pan along with half of the sliced green onions. Break up any clumps with your spatula and toss everything together. Spread the rice across the pan and let it cook for a minute or two without constantly stirring. This gives some of the rice a chance to brown slightly.

6. Scramble the Eggs

Push the rice and vegetables toward one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them until nearly cooked. Once they are set, stir them into the rice and break them into small pieces.

7. Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked steak and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and toss well so the rice, steak, vegetables, and eggs are evenly coated. Cook for another minute or so, then remove from the heat.

8. Serve

Scatter the remaining green onions over the top and serve the steak fried rice hot. Taste before adding extra soy sauce because the steak marinade and sauce already provide plenty of seasoning.

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Tips for the Best Steak Fried Rice

• Use cold rice: Chilled leftover rice is firmer and less likely to turn mushy.
• Slice steak against the grain: This makes the beef noticeably more tender.
• Do not overcrowd the pan: Cook the steak in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
• Keep the heat fairly high: Fried rice needs enough heat to cook quickly and develop good texture.
• Prepare everything first: Once you start stir-frying, there is little time to stop and measure ingredients.
• Adjust the vegetables: Bell peppers, cabbage, snap peas, or finely chopped broccoli can be added depending on what you have available.

Easy Variations

Make It Spicy

Add a spoonful of chili crisp, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the finished rice for a spicy kick.

Use Different Vegetables

Frozen peas and carrots are convenient, but you can easily swap them for diced bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, cabbage, or snap peas.

Try Another Cut of Beef

Sirloin is a practical choice because it cooks quickly, but thinly sliced strip steak or ribeye can also work. Trim excess fat and slice the meat thinly for the best result.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure the oyster sauce you choose is also certified gluten-free.

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What to Serve With Steak Fried Rice

This fried rice is filling enough to serve as a complete meal on its own. If you want to make dinner feel more like a full takeout spread, serve it with steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, spring rolls, or a simple Asian-inspired slaw.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftover fried rice cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it promptly and use it within 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.

For longer storage, cooled fried rice can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an estimate for one serving when the recipe is divided into four portions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

You can, but cold cooked rice gives better results. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool and dry as much as possible before frying.

What is the best steak for fried rice?

Sirloin is a good all-around option because it is flavorful, relatively lean, and cooks quickly. Strip steak or ribeye can also be used if you prefer a richer result.

Can I make steak fried rice without eggs?

Yes. Simply leave out the eggs. You can add extra vegetables or another small amount of steak if you want to keep the dish substantial.

Why is my fried rice mushy?

The most common reason is using rice that contains too much moisture. Freshly cooked rice can clump together and become soft when stir-fried. Cold, properly chilled rice works much better.