Onion Beef Fried Rice
Description
Onion Beef Fried Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish made with tender slices of beef, fragrant sautéed onions, fluffy rice, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s a quick stir-fry that combines the comforting taste of fried rice with the rich umami of beef, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch. The caramelized onions add sweetness, balancing the savory beef and soy sauce for a well-rounded flavor.
Ingredients FOR Onion Beef Fried Rice
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3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, cold)
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250 g (9 oz) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
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2 medium onions, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the Beef:
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Slice beef thinly against the grain. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Cook the Beef:
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.
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Cook Onions & Aromatics:
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Add remaining oil to the wok.
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Stir-fry sliced onions until softened and slightly caramelized (about 4 minutes).
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add Eggs:
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Push onions to one side, pour beaten eggs into the empty side, and scramble lightly.
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Add Rice & Sauces:
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Add cold cooked rice. Break up clumps with a spatula.
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Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well.
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Combine:
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Return beef to the pan. Mix everything until heated through and well coated in sauce.
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Finish & Serve:
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Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.
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Notes
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Day-old rice prevents sogginess and gives better texture.
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Cut onions evenly for consistent cooking and sweetness.
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Flank steak or sirloin works best, but you can use leftover roast beef.
Tips
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Freeze cooked rice for 20 minutes before stir-frying if it’s fresh.
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Use high heat for a “wok hei” smoky flavor.
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Marinate beef with 1 tsp soy sauce & 1 tsp cornstarch for extra tenderness.
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Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
Servings
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Serves: 4 people
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Serving Size: About 1½ cups
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 390 kcal
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Protein: 18 g
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Carbohydrates: 48 g
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Fat: 13 g
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Fiber: 2 g
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Sodium: 850 mg
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Sugars: 4 g
Health Benefits
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Beef provides protein, iron, and B vitamins for energy and muscle health.
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Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health.
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Eggs offer high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline.
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Rice gives sustained energy from complex carbs.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh works great with the same method.
Q2: Can I make it without eggs?
A: Yes, you can skip eggs or replace them with tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein boost.
Q3: Which onions are best?
A: Yellow onions give a sweet, mellow flavor, but red onions add a sharper taste and more color.
Q4: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add chili flakes, sliced fresh chilies, or a spoonful of chili paste while stir-frying.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan for best texture.