Takeout Beef Fried Rice – thestayathomechef.com

Craving takeout, but want to stay in? Beef Fried Rice is the perfect solution! Skip the restaurant and make this savory, satisfying dish in the comfort of your own home. With tender beef, crispy veggies, and fluffy rice all tossed together in a delicious savory sauce, you’re going to love it!

Beef Fried Rice is a classic Asian-inspired dish that is often a go-to choice for takeout lovers. While ordering from a restaurant can be convenient, making this dish at home is just as easy and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors to your liking. Plus, with this recipe, you can enjoy the same savory, satisfying flavors of your favorite restaurant dish without having to leave the house. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your own homemade version of this popular takeout classic?

Takeout beef fried rice is not an authentic Chinese recipe, but rather a typical American version of Chinese-American takeout restaurants. The Stay At Home Chef uses ingredients that are easily accessible for most people in the United States and Canada so that anyone can easily celebrate world cuisines even if their opportunities for travel or access to regional ingredients are limited.

What rice is best in fried rice?

To achieve the best results, we recommend using long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati rice when making fried rice. While it’s traditional to use day-old rice, you can also use freshly cooked rice as long as you let it cool and dry out for a bit before adding it to the skillet. The reason for this is that freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, which can result in clumpy, mushy fried rice. But don’t worry, by using cold, cooked rice that has been dried out, you can achieve those perfect, separated rice grains that make fried rice so satisfying. So, whether you opt for day-old rice or freshly cooked rice, be sure to let it cool and dry out before stir-frying to get the most delicious, restaurant-quality fried rice.

Protein Options

While this recipe calls for beef steak, you can easily substitute other meats such as chicken, pork, or shrimp to make it your own. Or, if you’re looking for a meat-free version, simply omit the meat and add more veggies!

Regular vs. Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in this recipe. If you are looking to reduce your sodium intake, you can always use low sodium soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables besides peas and carrots?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in other veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, or bean sprouts to make it your own.

Do I need a wok to make fried rice?

While a wok is traditional for making fried rice, you can also use a large skillet or sauté pan.

Can I substitute something else in place of the beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute other meats such as chicken, pork, or shrimp to make it your own. Or, if you’re looking for a meat-free version, simply omit the meat and add more veggies!

How can I prevent my fried rice from becoming mushy?

Be sure to use cold, cooked rice and don’t overcrowd the pan when stir-frying. This will help the rice to cook evenly and stay fluffy. Also, be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they can release moisture and make the rice mushy.

Do I have to marinate the meat?

We love the added flavor marinating brings to the meat, but you can always skip it and simply cook with a seasoning blend of 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and ginger.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with extra chopped green onions and serve with a side of steamed broccoli or egg rolls for a complete meal.

Overhead view of beef fried rice in a wok.

Storage & Reheating Suggestions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Related Recipes

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious takeout recipes:

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Marinade 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound beef steak cubed into 1/2 inch pieces (such as sirloin, tri-tip, or round steak)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce optional
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 large eggs beaten
1/2 cup chopped green onions
4 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup soy sauce regular or low-sodium

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the cubed beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the marinated beef and season with pepper and ginger. Sauté and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, remove the beef from the pan, and set it aside. Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of oil.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Cook the eggs alongside the sautéed vegetables.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cooked beef, rice, and green onions. Stir carefully to combine.
Drizzle with soy sauce and let the dish heat thoroughly.
Serve hot and enjoy!