Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice

This Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice is a showstopper that will have you coming back for seconds! Packed with rich beef, buttery flavor, and the perfect balance of savory seasonings, this fried rice is ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping. The best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes. With the combination of juicy beef, aromatic garlic, and a kick of sesame oil, it’s no wonder why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Ready to elevate your fried rice game? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes! You’ll have a satisfying meal on the table without breaking a sweat.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering base for the beef and rice.
• Versatile: Great for meal prepping, or serving as a side or main dish for family dinner.
• Comfort Food: With rich, savory flavors, this fried rice is the perfect comfort food that’s both filling and satisfying.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything comes together in a single skillet or wok.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s get our tools ready:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet works best to give the rice that perfect stir-fry texture.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir everything together and avoid sticking.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the beef and green onions.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure out the spices and sauces.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and savory fried rice (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Beef:

• Beef (ribeye or sirloin, cubed): The beef adds a juicy, tender bite and makes the fried rice a filling meal. Ribeye or sirloin works best for this recipe.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that perfect salty, umami kick to the beef.
• Olive Oil: For searing the beef and giving it a crispy edge.

For the Fried Rice:

• Cooked Rice (chilled): Use day-old rice for the best texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.
• Butter: Adds richness and a savory flavor that will coat every grain of rice.
• Garlic (minced): Garlic is the backbone of this dish and infuses the rice with its delicious aroma.
• Soy Sauce: For that classic fried rice flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, fragrant touch to the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: Deepens the flavor of the fried rice and adds a little sweetness.
• Green Onions (chopped): For freshness and a pop of color.

For Seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for that perfect balance of seasoning.

Variations for Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice

Looking to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations you can try:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Use Ground Beef: If you prefer ground beef instead of cubed, it will work perfectly in this dish.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to spice things up.
• Swap Beef for Chicken or Shrimp: This recipe is versatile, and you can easily substitute the beef with chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter dish.
• Add Pineapple: If you like a touch of sweetness in your fried rice, try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combo.
• Use Brown Rice: For a healthier alternative, you can use brown rice instead of white rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Start by cutting your ribeye or sirloin steak into small, bite-sized cubes. These tender beef pieces will cook up beautifully in the garlic butter sauce.

In a small bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce and olive oil. Toss the beef to coat it evenly in the marinade. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. While the beef marinates, you can prep the other ingredients.

2. Cook the Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef to the pan. Cook the beef for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The beef should develop a nice brown sear on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Butter

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

4. Add the Rice

Next, add your chilled cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps using a spatula or wooden spoon. Stir the rice well to coat it in the garlic butter mixture. The rice should absorb all that rich flavor, and the grains should start to get a little crispy around the edges.

5. Add Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, and Oyster Sauce

Once your rice is well-coated in the garlic butter, it’s time to bring in the bold, savory flavors. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce to the pan. These three ingredients are the backbone of the flavor in this fried rice. Stir well to ensure that each grain of rice is evenly coated in the sauces.

Tip: If you like your fried rice a little saltier, you can add extra soy sauce. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, reduce the soy sauce slightly.

6. Combine the Beef with the Rice

Now it’s time to bring the beef back into the mix! Add the cooked beef to the rice and give everything a good stir to combine. Let the mixture cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to reheat and the flavors to meld. The beef will soak up the flavors from the rice, making every bite even more delicious.

7. Add the Green Onions

Finally, stir in the chopped green onions. Not only will these add a burst of freshness and color, but they’ll also balance out the richness of the garlic butter and beef. Cook for an additional minute to soften the green onions just a bit.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice

Now that your Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice is ready, it’s time to dish it up! This fried rice is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some great ideas for how to enjoy it:

• As a Main Dish: Serve it as a standalone meal. This fried rice is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, with the beef and rice providing a satisfying combination of protein and carbs.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with some steamed broccoli, bok choy, or other favorite veggies to balance out the richness of the dish.
• With an Egg on Top: For extra protein, top your fried rice with a fried or scrambled egg. The richness of the egg pairs perfectly with the flavors of the beef fried rice.
• As a Side Dish: This fried rice makes a fantastic side dish to other Asian-inspired meals like teriyaki chicken, crispy tofu, or even grilled shrimp.

Storing Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or if you’ve made a big batch for meal prep), here’s how to store it:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover garlic butter beef fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the fried rice for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to help bring back moisture. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	800mg

(Note: The nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food with layers of savory, buttery flavors and tender beef. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prepping, or serving as a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it on its own or pair it with other dishes, this fried rice is sure to satisfy all your cravings!

Garlic Butter Beef Fried Rice FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or skirt steak, but ribeye or sirloin provides the best flavor and tenderness for this dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

While fresh rice will work, day-old rice has a firmer texture that holds up better in fried rice and won’t become mushy. If you must use fresh rice, let it cool down and fluff it up before using.