Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice (Printable Format)
A flavorful fried rice featuring caramelized onions and ground beef - ready in under 40 minutes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
# What You'll Gather:
→ Protein
01 -
1 lb lean ground beef
02 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
→ Vegetables
05 -
2 medium yellow onions, diced
06 -
4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
07 -
1/2 cup carrots, diced (optional)
08 -
1/2 cup peas (optional)
→ Rice
09 -
4 cups day-old cooked rice (preferably refrigerated overnight)
→ Seasonings
10 -
2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
11 -
1 tablespoon sesame oil
12 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 -
Red chili flakes, to taste (optional)
14 -
Salt, to taste
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Cook and cool the rice ahead of time (preferably a day in advance). Dice the onions, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions for garnish.
02 -
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through.
03 -
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onions until they turn golden brown and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
04 -
Push the beef and onions to one side of the skillet. Add the cooked rice to the empty side and drizzle with sesame oil. Stir-fry the rice for 2-3 minutes, then mix everything together. Add carrots, peas, and any additional vegetables. Cook until heated through.
05 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional soy sauce if needed. Sprinkle with green onions and red chili flakes before serving.
# Important Tips:
01 -
Use cold rice for best results - warm or freshly cooked rice tends to clump together.
02 -
Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
03 -
For unique flavor variations, try adding oyster sauce, fish sauce, or curry powder.
04 -
Make it healthier by substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef, and using brown rice instead of white rice.