Steak Fried Rice is a delectable fusion of East Asian culinary techniques and Western flavors, presenting a hearty and flavorful dish. At its core, this dish combines tender, juicy pieces of steak with the classic elements of traditional fried rice. The steak, often a sirloin or ribeye for its rich flavor and ideal marbling, is typically marinated and then seared to perfection. This ensures a savory depth with a slightly caramelized exterior, while maintaining a succulent interior.
The rice, usually day-old for its drier texture which is optimal for frying, serves as a canvas for the flavors. It’s stir-fried in a wok or a large skillet, reaching a state where each grain is perfectly coated and infused with the combined essences of soy sauce, sesame oil, and often oyster sauce for an umami kick. The dish is vividly brought to life with the addition of vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions, which add a crunch and freshness. Scrambled eggs are often mixed in, contributing a rich and creamy texture.
Garlic and ginger are key aromatics in Steak Fried Rice, lending a pungent and spicy undertone that complements the robustness of the steak. steak fried rice recipe is frequently garnished with green onions or cilantro, adding a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. This dish represents a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice in fusion cuisine and a favorite for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Prep time
8 minutes
Cook time
12 minutes
Marinate
30 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Cuisine
Asian, Chinese
Course
Main course
Servings
4 persons
Tools Needed for Steak Fried Rice
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables, garlic, ginger, and slicing the steak.
Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients. A wok is preferred for its shape and heat distribution, but a large skillet can also work.
Spatula or Stirring Spoon: For stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure rice, sauces, oil, and seasonings.
Mixing Bowls: Useful for marinating the steak and beating the eggs.
Stove: Needed for cooking.
Refrigerator: For storing leftovers or chilling the rice if using fresh rice.
Ingredients for Steak Fried Rice
Steak (preferably sirloin or ribeye) – 1 pound, thinly sliced
Day-old cooked rice – 3 cups (preferably jasmine or long grain)
Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons (optional for added flavor)
Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons (for frying)
Garlic cloves – 3, minced
Ginger – 1 tablespoon, grated
Carrots – 2, finely chopped
Green peas – 1 cup, frozen or fresh
Onion – 1 medium, chopped
Eggs – 3, beaten
Green onions – 3, chopped for garnish
Salt and pepper – to taste
How to make Steak Fried Rice
Prepare the Steak
Slice the steak into thin strips. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the steak strips and cook until they are just browned but not fully cooked through, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped onions and carrots, cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the green peas and cook for another minute.
Fry the Rice
Add the day-old rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Break up any clumps.
Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice. Stir well to evenly coat the rice with the sauces and mix with the vegetables.
Allow the rice to fry, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until it’s heated through and starts to get a little crispy.
Cook the Eggs
Push the rice to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side.
Scramble the eggs gently, and once they’re mostly set, mix them into the rice.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to ensure the steak is fully cooked and everything is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Garnish the Steak Fried Rice with chopped green onions.
Serve hot, either as a main dish or as a hearty side.
Common Mistakes in Making Steak Fried Rice
Using Fresh Rice: One of the most common errors is using freshly cooked rice, which tends to be moist and sticky. For the best texture, day-old rice that’s had time to dry out a bit is ideal.
Overcooking the Steak: Another mistake is overcooking the steak, making it tough and chewy. It’s crucial to sear the steak quickly over high heat and not cook it all the way through initially, as it will continue to cook when added back to the rice.
Clumping of Rice: Often, people end up with clumped rice because they don’t stir and separate the grains properly. This can also happen if the rice is too wet.
Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking everything in a pan that’s too small can lead to overcrowding, resulting in uneven cooking. Ingredients need space for proper frying.
Skimping on Aromatics: Not using enough garlic, ginger, or onions can result in a lack of depth and flavor in the dish.
Tips for Perfect Steak Fried Rice
Rice Preparation: Use day-old rice for the best texture. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool and dry out for a few hours.
Marinate the Steak: For extra flavor, consider marinating the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, a touch of sesame oil, and some black pepper before cooking.
High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for cooking. This ensures a quick sear on the steak and keeps the vegetables crisp.
Cook in Batches: If necessary, cook ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures each component, especially the steak, is cooked perfectly.
Season Well: Don’t forget to season your dish well. A combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of oyster sauce can elevate the flavor significantly.
Use the Right Pan: A wok is ideal for making fried rice due to its shape and heat distribution, but a large skillet can also work well.
Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
Keep Ingredients Ready: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything at hand will make it smoother.
What to serve with Steak Fried Rice?
Asian-Inspired Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy Asian dressing can balance the richness of the fried rice. Consider a mix of lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, dressed with a vinaigrette made from rice vinegar, a touch of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables: To add a healthy and colorful component, serve with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a stir-fried vegetable medley including bell peppers, snap peas, and baby corn. Season with a hint of garlic and soy sauce for an Asian twist.
Soup: A light soup like miso soup or a clear vegetable broth can provide a soothing start to the meal. The mild flavors of these soups offer a pleasant contrast to the hearty fried rice.
Dumplings or Spring Rolls: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the fried rice with a side of vegetable or meat dumplings, or crispy spring rolls. These can be homemade or store-bought, served with dipping sauces like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Cucumber Kimchi or Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of cucumber kimchi or assorted pickled vegetables can add a spicy and tangy element that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Egg Drop or Hot and Sour Soup: These classic Chinese soups, known for their savory and slightly tangy flavors, can be a comforting addition to the meal.
Asian Coleslaw: A slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing made from rice vinegar, lime juice, and fish sauce can provide a crunchy and fresh side dish.
Fruit Platter: End the meal with a simple platter of fresh fruits like pineapple, mango, and lychee for a sweet and refreshing finish.
How to store leftover?
Cool It Down: Before storing, allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature. However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled fried rice to airtight containers. This helps to retain its moisture and flavor while preventing contamination and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Refrigeration: Place the airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the fried rice can last for 3-5 days. It’s important not to leave it at room temperature for a prolonged period, as rice can harbor bacteria that thrive at warmer temperatures.
Freezing Option: If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a good option. Put the cooled fried rice in freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen steak fried rice can last for up to 1-2 months. Remember to label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
Reheating: When reheating, ensure that the rice is steaming hot all the way through to kill any potential bacteria. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat it in the microwave, stovetop, or oven. Add a little water or broth if the rice seems dry.
Don’t Reheat Multiple Times: Reheat only the amount of fried rice you intend to consume. Repeated reheating can degrade the quality and may increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Variations
Spicy Steak Fried Rice: Add a fiery kick by including chopped chili peppers, a spoonful of Sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also stir in some Szechuan sauce for a numbing spice.
Vegetable-Loaded Steak Fried Rice: Enhance the nutritional value by adding a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. This not only adds color and texture but also boosts the dish’s vitamin and mineral content.
Low-Carb Steak “Fried Rice”: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. The cauliflower rice soaks up the flavors while providing a similar texture to traditional rice.
Teriyaki Steak Fried Rice: For a Japanese twist, marinate the steak in teriyaki sauce before cooking and use it in the dish. This will give the fried rice a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Thai-Inspired Steak Fried Rice: Incorporate flavors like lime juice, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar for a Thai-style dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for added texture and taste.
Steak and Egg Fried Rice: Make it extra hearty by adding more eggs, either scrambled into the rice or as a fried egg on top of each serving. This is great for an additional protein boost.
Seafood Steak Fried Rice: Combine the steak with shrimp, scallops, or squid for a surf-and-turf version. The seafood adds a delightful flavor and makes the dish even more luxurious.
Vegan Steak Fried Rice: For a plant-based version, use a vegan steak alternative made from tofu, seitan, or a commercial vegan steak product. Ensure the other ingredients like sauces are vegan-friendly as well.
Fusion Steak Fried Rice: Add ingredients from other cuisines, like chorizo for a Spanish twist or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean take. This fusion approach can create exciting new flavors.
Steak Fried Rice with Nuts: Add a crunchy element by topping the fried rice with toasted cashews, almonds, or peanuts. This adds not only a pleasant texture but also a boost of healthy fats.
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative to white rice for a healthier twist. It provides more fiber and has a nuttier flavor. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled in advance, as with white rice, to get the best texture for frying.
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil before cooking. Additionally, using aromatics like ginger and garlic in the rice, along with a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of rice wine, can deepen the flavors.
Steak Fried Rice freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to moisten the rice.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute steak with tofu, tempeh, or a variety of mushrooms like portobello or shiitake for a meaty texture. These alternatives absorb flavors well and offer a similar hearty addition to the fried rice.
To keep the steak tender, slice it thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat just until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. It will continue to cook slightly when you add it back into the hot rice, ensuring it doesn’t become tough.
Conclusion
Steak Fried Rice stands out as a versatile and satisfying dish, blending the heartiness of tender steak with the comforting essence of fried rice. Its adaptability to various ingredients makes it ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. Whether spicing it up, adding more veggies, or substituting with brown rice, each variation brings its unique flair.
Perfect for using leftovers and easily customizable, it’s a delicious way to explore the fusion of different culinary traditions. The key lies in balancing flavors and textures, ensuring the steak remains juicy and the rice perfectly seasoned and crisp.
