Garlic Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
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Frying pan
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Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Beef
- 16 oz, sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (for marinade)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Rest of Fried Rice
- 3 cups day-old rice
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
Fried Rice Sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (for sauce)
Optional Garnishes
- Crispy onions
- Scallions
Instructions
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Place the cubed sirloin in a bowl and marinate with 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch for 15 minutes.
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While the beef marinates, finely mince the garlic.
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In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine. Set the sauce aside.
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Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the marinated beef and sear until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it.
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Add 3 cups of day-old rice and break up any clumps, letting the grains fry briefly. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the rice and beef. Cook until the sauce is mostly absorbed and the rice is heated through.
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Transfer to bowls and garnish with crispy onions and sliced scallions if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Introduction
This Garlic Beef Fried Rice is a nostalgic, one-pan meal that I enjoyed growing up, updated with fresh beef and extra garlic. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying on its own, and makes a reliable weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Beef Fried Rice Recipe
It’s a quick, complete meal that uses minimal ingredients and only one pan. In under 20 minutes you get protein, carbs, and bold garlic flavor. Day-old rice and a simple marinade create the right texture: the beef browns nicely while staying tender and the garlic infuses the rice with aroma. This dish is perfect for turning leftovers into a satisfying dinner.
What Makes This Garlic Beef Fried Rice Recipe So Good
Flexibility and technique are the keys. Marinated fresh beef gives great texture, but leftover cold beef works well and resists overcooking. Day-old rice is drier and fries without becoming mushy, and frying garlic first creates an aromatic oil that coats each grain. When cooked properly, each rice grain is distinct and every beef piece stays tender.
Garlic Beef Fried Rice Recipe Ingredients
Sirloin steak + marinade: Marinate the cubed steak with Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch to tenderize and help create a nice sear.
Day-old rice: Essential for proper fried rice texture; it fries up with separate, firm grains.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic cooked in oil becomes the aromatic backbone of the dish.
Soy sauce blend (dark + light): Light soy provides saltiness; dark soy adds color and umami.
Oyster sauce + sugar: Balance and umami—helps the sauce cling to the rice.
Shaoxing wine (in sauce): Adds aromatic depth and helps build that characteristic wok flavor.
How to Make Garlic Beef Fried Rice
Place the cubed sirloin in a bowl and marinate with 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch for about 15 minutes.
While the beef marinates, finely mince 4 cloves of garlic.
Mix 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine in a small bowl.
Heat a pan over medium-high with oil. Sear the marinated beef until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add 3 cups of day-old rice and break up any clumps. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
Serve immediately and top with crispy onions and sliced scallions if desired.
What to Serve with Garlic Beef Fried Rice
This fried rice is a full meal, but these sides complement it well:
- Cucumber salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, salt, and a splash of sesame oil for brightness.
- Sautéed vegetables: Quick sautéed bok choy with a little oyster sauce pairs nicely.
- Fried egg: A fried egg on top adds richness and texture.
- Frozen dumplings: A simple, filling side that pairs well with fried rice.
How to Store Garlic Beef Fried Rice For Meal Prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot wok or pan for best texture, about 3 minutes on high, or cover and microwave for up to 3 minutes until warmed through.
Garlic Beef Fried Rice Substitutions
This recipe adapts well to substitutions:
- Ground beef: Cooks faster and still delivers good flavor.
- Chicken: Diced thighs or breasts work with the same marinade.
- Shrimp: A great garlic pairing—watch cook time to avoid overcooking.
- Cauliflower rice: For a lower-carb option, dry out frozen cauliflower rice before combining.
- Veggies: Make it vegetarian by adding frozen peas, corn, or chopped greens.
What to Make Next
Try other savory dishes from the same style of cooking for more garlic-forward meals or easy weeknight options.