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Easy One-Pot Beef Fried Rice Recipe for Quick Savory Meals

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A quick and easy one-pot beef fried rice recipe that combines tender beef, crisp veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 3 cups (600g) cooked white rice (day-old rice works best)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (can substitute canola or peanut oil)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (Kikkoman preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 3 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten (optional)
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste (keep light due to soy sauce)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (5 minutes): Mince the garlic cloves and slice the green onions thinly. Beat the eggs lightly in a small bowl if using.
  2. Heat the pan and brown the beef (7-8 minutes): Place a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the ground beef, break it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté garlic and veggies (3 minutes): Push the beef to one side of the pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the minced garlic and frozen peas and carrots. Stir frequently until the garlic is fragrant and veggies are heated through.
  4. Cook the eggs (2-3 minutes): Push everything to the side again and pour beaten eggs into the empty spot. Scramble gently until just set, then mix with the beef and veggies.
  5. Add the rice and sauces (5 minutes): Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir constantly, making sure every grain is coated and heated through. The rice should get a tiny bit crispy on the bottom.
  6. Final touches (1 minute): Stir in the sliced green onions and adjust seasonings with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Taste and tweak as desired.
  7. Serve hot immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushy clumps. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray to cool and dry before cooking. Cook ingredients in stages to build flavor and texture. Use high heat during the rice step to get a slight crisp. Adjust soy sauce gradually to control saltiness. Non-stick pans help prevent sticking. Variations include swapping beef for tofu or ground turkey, using cauliflower rice for low-carb, or adding extra veggies and spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef fried rice, one-pot meal, quick dinner, easy fried rice, weeknight recipe, savory rice dish