steak fried rice recipe is a delicious dish that combines tender, flavorful steak with fried rice, vegetables, and a variety of sauces for a tasty meal. Whether you’re working with leftover steak or preparing it fresh, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Read on to discover how you can create the perfect steak fried rice at home.
Introduction to Steak Fried Rice Recipe
Steak fried rice is a versatile dish that draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Japanese cooking styles. Fried rice is often associated with quick weeknight dinners or leftover rice, but adding steak elevates it into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s suitable for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
What makes steak fried rice unique is the combination of tender beef with the rich umami flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. You can customize it to your preference by adding different vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or even trying out different cuts of beef. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this savory dish at home.
For a variation of this recipe, try this guide from Joyous Apron.
Key Ingredients for Steak Fried Rice
To make the best steak fried rice, you’ll need a few key ingredients that ensure both flavor and texture are just right. Here’s a list of the must-have ingredients:
Steak:
- Ribeye
- Sirloin
- Tenderloin
These cuts offer a good balance between tenderness and flavor, making them perfect for fried rice. For the best results, choose a well-marbled steak like ribeye or sirloin.
Rice:
- Day-old rice: Day-old rice is drier than fresh rice, which helps it achieve the perfect texture when stir-fried.
- Jasmine rice: Known for its fragrant aroma and soft texture, Jasmine rice is a popular choice.
- Basmati rice: Slightly more firm, Basmati adds a unique texture to the dish.
Seasonings and Sauces:
- Soy sauce: For that rich, umami taste.
- Oyster sauce: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: Provides a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Garlic: Essential for bringing out the flavor in fried rice.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, peppery flavor that complements the steak.
Vegetables and Toppings:
- Scallions
- Carrots
- Peas
- Scrambled egg
Feel free to customize your vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Many people also like to add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for more texture and color.
Preparing the Steak for Fried Rice Recipe
The steak is the star of this recipe, so it’s essential to prepare it correctly.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak:
As mentioned earlier, the best cuts of steak for fried rice are ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin. Ribeye provides the best marbling, meaning the steak will be juicy and flavorful when cooked. Sirloin is leaner but still tender, making it an excellent choice for this dish.
Marinating the Steak:
To enhance the flavor of the steak, marinate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade consists of:
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 clove of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ginger
Mix the ingredients and coat the steak in the marinade. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for even more flavor.
For more steak marinade tips, see RecipeTin Eats.
Cooking the Steak:
- Heat a skillet or wok over high heat.
- Sear the steak on each side for 2-3 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
The key here is to not overcook the steak. It will continue cooking when you add it back into the rice later on, so it’s better to undercook slightly.
Prepping the Rice for Stir-Frying
Day-old rice is crucial for making great fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can result in mushy fried rice. Here’s how to prepare your rice:
- Cook the rice a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Cold rice has a firmer texture, which helps each grain fry individually without clumping together.
- Break up the clumped rice before stir-frying. Use your hands or a fork to gently separate the grains before adding them to the wok.
For more steak preparation tips, check out this Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning Recipe, a perfect addition to your kitchen for seasoning your cuts.
Cooking the Perfect Steak Fried Rice: Step-by-Step
a. Preparing the Skillet or Wok:
For the best results, use a wok or a large skillet. The key is to get the wok or skillet as hot as possible before adding the ingredients. Using oils with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, is essential to prevent burning.
b. Cooking Order and Techniques:
- Vegetables: Start by stir-frying the vegetables. Heat oil in the wok, then add garlic, ginger, and your chosen vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the wok and crack an egg into the center. Scramble the egg, breaking it up as it cooks, then mix it with the vegetables.
- Rice: Add the rice to the wok, breaking up any remaining clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to heat up and crisp slightly on the edges.
- Steak: Finally, add the sliced steak back into the wok. Stir everything together, ensuring the steak is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings
Once your steak fried rice is fully cooked, it’s time to add the finishing touches. These sauces and seasonings will bring out the best in your dish:
- Soy sauce: Adds salty umami.
- Oyster sauce: Gives the dish a slightly sweet, rich flavor.
- Fish sauce: A small dash can enhance the savory depth of the dish.
- Sesame oil: Drizzle a small amount over the top just before serving for added flavor.
- Aromatics: Use finely chopped garlic, shallots, and ginger for a fragrant base.
Variations of Steak Fried Rice Recipe
While the classic steak fried rice recipe is delicious, there are several variations you can try based on your taste preferences:
a. Japanese Hibachi-Style Steak Fried Rice:
- Butter and garlic sauce give this version a unique twist. Hibachi-style fried rice is known for its rich, savory flavor, which is often enhanced with a dash of soy sauce and butter.
b. Spicy Steak Fried Rice:
- To turn up the heat, add chili paste or a generous amount of Sriracha to the fried rice. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
c. Leftover Steak Fried Rice:
- If you have leftover steak, this is the perfect recipe to repurpose it. Simply slice the steak and toss it into the rice, reducing the overall cooking time since the steak is already cooked.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Steak Fried Rice
To ensure your steak fried rice comes out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:
- Avoid soggy rice: Use day-old rice to prevent your fried rice from becoming mushy. Fresh rice retains too much moisture, making it difficult to stir-fry properly.
- High heat cooking: Cook your rice over high heat to give it that signature crispy texture.
- Season at the right time: Add soy sauce and other seasonings towards the end of the cooking process to avoid burning them.
- Do not overcrowd the pan: This prevents the rice from frying properly and can result in a mushy texture.
- Use a wok: A wok heats up faster and more evenly, ensuring your rice and ingredients are perfectly stir-fried.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
To make your steak fried rice look as good as it tastes, consider these serving suggestions:
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced scallions on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Side dishes: Pair your fried rice with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple miso soup to complete the meal.
- Family-style or individual servings: Serve it in a large bowl for sharing or in individual bowls for easy portion control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best steak for fried rice?
The best cuts for steak fried rice are ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin because they are tender and flavorful.
Can I use leftover steak?
Yes, leftover steak works wonderfully for this dish and can cut down on cooking time.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or basmati rice is ideal due to its firm texture, which prevents clumping when stir-fried.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure any other seasonings or sauces you use are gluten-free.
Can I add other proteins?
Absolutely! You can easily add chicken, shrimp, or even tofu alongside or instead of steak.
How do I store leftover fried rice?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in a hot pan to regain its crispy texture.
Conclusion
Steak fried rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and can be customized to your liking. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re using leftover steak or making it fresh, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.