Name: Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating beef); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for rice); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, comforting meal packed with savory flavors and irresistible aroma, look no further than this Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe. Tender marinated beef, sweet caramelized onions, fluffy rice, and pops of green onions all mingle together in this dish, elevated with a punchy mix of sauces. It’s the kind of weeknight staple you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just looking for a speedy solo dinner. In under 30 minutes, you can bring the fusion of hearty, home-cooked flavors right to your kitchen with this crowd-pleasing classic.

Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe comes together with simple fridge and pantry staples, but each ingredient truly brings its magic—bold flavor from the beef, sweetness from the onion, a golden hue from the eggs, and plenty of texture and color from the green onions. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this dish shine.

Cooked White Rice (2 cups, preferably day-old): Cold, leftover rice delivers the best texture and keeps the fried rice from turning mushy in the pan.
Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral oil is perfect for high-heat stir-frying, helping everything cook evenly without overpowering the flavors.
Thinly Sliced Beef (½ pound, such as flank steak or sirloin): Quick-cooking cuts stay juicy and tender—slice against the grain for best results.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon for marinating beef + 2 tablespoons for rice): Provides deep, signature savoriness both in the marinated beef and throughout the entire dish.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Coats the beef to lock in juiciness and helps achieve a soft, velvety texture during stir-frying.
Yellow Onion (1 medium, thinly sliced): The true star—sautéed to a slight caramel, it infuses sweetness and depth into every bite.
Green Onions (2, chopped): Bring a fresh, mild bite and vibrant garnish to finish everything off beautifully.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds fragrant undertones that mingle perfectly with the sauce mix and vegetables.
Eggs (2, beaten): Classic fried rice ingredient—eggs add richness and a satisfying, fluffy bite throughout the dish.
Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens umami flavors with just a hint of sweetness and complexity.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle boosts fragrance and gives a subtle, nutty love note at the end.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy when taste-testing at the finish.

How to Make Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start off by tossing your thinly sliced beef with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch in a small bowl. This short marinade gives the beef a head start on tenderness and flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and full of that classic stir-fry character. Let it soak up the flavors while you prep the rest—10 to 15 minutes is all it takes.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated beef and spread it out so it can brown nicely. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through and starting to caramelize on the edges. Don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if needed for the best browning. Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same pan (no need to clean—those tasty beef bits are gold!), add your sliced yellow onions. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to turn golden and sweet. Add the minced garlic, letting it cook another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the onions and garlic over to one side of the pan. Pour in your beaten eggs on the empty side, letting them set for a few seconds before gently scrambling. Once just set but still moist, stir the eggs in with the onions and garlic—it’s all coming together quickly now!

Step 5: Fry the Rice and Combine Everything

Add your cooked white rice to the pan, using a spatula to break up any clumps and help everything combine. Drizzle in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of sesame oil, stirring well to coat every grain. Keep stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is hot, vegetables are well mixed, and it all smells fantastic.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the browned beef to the pan and toss everything together so the flavors mingle. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then sprinkle in the chopped green onions for brightness and crunch. Serve the Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe immediately, steaming and full of mouthwatering aromas!

How to Serve Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish makes all the difference! A sprinkling of extra chopped green onions adds freshness and eye-popping color, while a handful of toasted sesame seeds brings a gentle crunch. If you love a bit of heat, add a dash of chili oil or sliced fresh chilies for a punchy kick—this is your moment to get creative.

Side Dishes

This Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe is a satisfying stand-alone meal, but pairs beautifully with light sides like crisp cucumber salad, stir-fried Asian greens, or a simple bowl of miso soup. If you’re hosting, offer some steamed dumplings or spring rolls to round out the menu for a festive table everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

To give this dish a memorable twist, try serving it in individual bowls topped with a fried egg for extra richness or spoon it into halved bell peppers for a fun, colorful platter. For parties, dish out mini servings in lettuce cups as a vibrant, handheld appetizer that will disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making it ideal for lunchboxes or a speedy dinner the next day.

Freezing

This recipe can also be frozen for up to two months! Cool the fried rice completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To help avoid freezer burn and clumping, portion the rice into smaller amounts so it thaws evenly.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, reheat your Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe straight from the fridge using a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently and adding a tablespoon of water or broth if needed to keep everything moist. For microwave reheating, cover the rice loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?

Day-old rice is best for this Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe since it’s drier and less likely to turn mushy. If you only have freshly made rice, try spreading it out on a tray to cool and dry out for at least 30 minutes before using—it’ll still work in a pinch!

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu adapt beautifully to this recipe. Just slice or chop your protein thinly and adjust cooking times so everything stays juicy and tender.

What’s the secret to the best fried rice texture?

Cold, day-old rice is the magic ingredient for that signature chewy, separated grain texture. Don’t skip this tip—the results will be worth it! Plus, using high heat and quick movements ensures nothing sticks or steams in the pan.

Is this dish spicy?

By default, the Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe isn’t spicy, making it family-friendly for all ages. For a little heat, simply serve with chili oil or fresh chilies on the side so everyone can adjust to their taste.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the quantities—just be sure to use a very large wok or pan or cook in batches to maintain that signature stir-fry texture and avoid crowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Final Thoughts

Few things beat the comfort and flavor of a homemade Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe. With a handful of simple ingredients and a quick stir-fry, you can treat yourself to a warming, satisfying meal any night of the week. Roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is to make, and it just might become your new favorite go-to!

Onion Beef Fried Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Onion Beef Fried Rice recipe is a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender slices of beef, aromatic onions, and fluffy rice come together with soy sauce and oyster sauce to create a delicious stir-fried meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

1/2 pound thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating beef)
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Additional Ingredients:

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for rice)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Beef: Toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok. Cook the marinated beef, then set aside. Cook the onions and garlic. Scramble the eggs, add rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything, add beef, and season with salt and pepper. Serve with chopped green onions.