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Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice - Rich, Comforting, and Ready Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked day-old rice (3 to 4 cups; jasmine preferred)
  • Beef (8–12 oz; flank, sirloin, or leftover steak), thinly sliced
  • Butter (3–4 tablespoons)
  • Neutral oil (1–2 tablespoons; canola, vegetable, or avocado)
  • Garlic (4–6 cloves), minced
  • Eggs (2), lightly beaten
  • Soy sauce (2–3 tablespoons)
  • Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, optional but great for depth)
  • Rice vinegar (1–2 teaspoons) or fresh lime juice
  • Sesame oil (1 teaspoon)
  • Green onions (3–4), sliced
  • Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup), thawed
  • Black pepper and salt, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional, for heat)

Method
 

  1. Prep the rice: If using fresh rice, spread it on a sheet pan and chill for 30–60 minutes. Cold rice fries best.
  2. Slice the beef: Cut thinly across the grain. Pat dry and toss with a pinch of salt and black pepper. For extra tenderness, marinate in 1 teaspoon soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) for 10 minutes.
  3. Beat the eggs: Lightly season with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  4. Heat the pan: Use a large skillet or wok. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Cook the beef: Add beef in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove to a plate. Do not overcook.
  6. Scramble the eggs: Add a small pat of butter. Pour in eggs and gently scramble until just set. Slide eggs to the plate with the beef.
  7. Sauté the aromatics: Add 1 tablespoon oil and 2 tablespoons butter. When foamy, add garlic. Stir 20–30 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  8. Fry the rice: Add the cold rice. Break up clumps. Let it sit 30–45 seconds to crisp, then toss. Repeat for 2–3 minutes to get some toasty bits.
  9. Season: Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Toss to coat evenly. Adjust to taste.
  10. Add veggies: Stir in peas and carrots. Cook 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
  11. Finish with beef and eggs: Return beef and eggs. Add green onions. Splash in rice vinegar and sesame oil. Toss and taste. Add more butter (1 tablespoon) if you want a richer finish.
  12. Serve: Top with extra green onions, black pepper, and chili oil or red pepper flakes if you like heat.