Let’s talk about something we ALL love—quick, delicious meals that don’t require a zillion dishes or hours in the kitchen. Enter my STEAK FRIED RICE recipe. It’s the ultimate combo of hearty steak, fluffy rice, and veggies tossed in a flavorful sauce. BONUS: This all comes together in just 30 minutes (or less if you’re SUPER organized, unlike me, ha!).

This recipe is amazing for a busy weeknight dinner, a meal prep hero, or even a “What’s in the fridge?” kind of situation. And can we agree that it’s hard to go wrong with fried rice? Adding steak just makes it feel extra fancy.
Try this easy Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe for another delicious way to use tender beef in your meals!
Want to know how to make it? Let’s get into it.
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What You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of fried rice: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients, and you can customize it based on what you already have. For steak fried rice, here’s my go-to list:

Main Ingredients
- Steak (about 8 oz): I usually grab sirloin or flank steak, but ANY leftover steak works.
- Rice (3 cups): DAY-OLD is best, or freshly cooked and cooled. This is the secret to that perfect fried rice texture!
- Eggs (2 large): They add protein and make the dish rich.
- Veggies: Classic combo: peas, carrots, and green onions. You can also toss in broccoli, corn, or zucchini.
- Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): Go with low-sodium so you can adjust the salt levels.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because EVERYTHING is better with garlic, right?
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): For that authentic fried rice aroma.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Trust me, it’s a game-changer for steak fried rice.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.

Optional Add-Ons
- Chili Garlic Sauce (for heat)
- Hoisin Sauce (for sweetness)
- Sriracha Drizzle (for spice lovers)
If you have leftover steak from your last night’s BBQ, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT to repurpose it like a pro.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how I whip up this dish in a snap (and yes, my husband calls me a fried rice genius).
Prep Your Ingredients
- Slice your steak into bite-sized strips. Make sure they’re thin so they cook quickly.
- Chop your veggies and set them aside. If you’re using frozen ones, no need to thaw—straight from the freezer is fine!
- Break out your day-old rice. If it’s clumpy, fluff it up with a fork.
Cook the Steak
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter in your LARGE skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add your steak strips and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You want them browned but still tender.
- Season steak with salt and pepper, then remove the steak and set aside.
Scramble the Eggs
- Add another tbsp of butter to your pan.
- Crack in your eggs and scramble them quickly. Remove from the pan and set aside with the steak.
Stir-Fry the Veggies
- Toss your veggies into the same pan with a little sesame oil. Stir-fry until tender but still crisp also (about 3 minutes).
Add the Rice
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add your rice.
- Pour in the soy sauce then mix it all together. Fry the rice for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Everything
- Add the steak and eggs back into the pan. Toss everything together until it’s heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as you want (add more soy sauce, salt, or even a dash of chili sauce if you’re feeling fancy).

Serve and Devour Steak Fried Rice
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lime. BAM. Dinner is SERVED.

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Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe
- One-Pan Cleanup: I mean, who likes doing dishes?
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Customizable: Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for reheating.
- Budget-Friendly: Use whatever you have on hand.
Fun fact: My sister-in-law actually made this for a potluck once, and it was the first dish to disappear!
Pro Tips for the BEST Steak Fried Rice
- Always Use Cold Rice: It’s less sticky and fries up perfectly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your ingredients space to fry, not steam.
- High Heat is Key: It gives you that restaurant-style char.
- Butter for Steak: A little butter adds flavor to the steak and rice.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning at every step
Why Steak Fried Rice is Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who’s always on the go, steak fried rice might just become your new best friend. It’s one of those dishes that gets even better the next day. The flavors have time to mingle in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully without losing its texture.
Make a big batch at the start of the week, portion it into containers, and BAM—you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted. You can even jazz it up when reheating with an extra of soy sauce or a fried egg on top. It’s versatile, convenient, and a total lifesaver when you’re too busy to cook every day.
Wondering if rice belongs on your plate? Check out this guide on whether rice is good for you here to get the facts!
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The Secret Sauce for the Best Steak Fried Rice
One of the things that takes steak fried rice from good to AMAZING is the sauce. While soy sauce is the classic base, you can play around with other ingredients to create your own signature flavor.
- Oyster Sauce: It adds a hint of sweetness and a silky texture.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Perfect for a deeper, richer color.
- Fish Sauce: Just a dash adds a subtle umami punch.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and great for a balanced flavor.
Mix and match these with your soy sauce until you find your perfect combo. And don’t forget to adjust based on your taste buds—some people love it salty, while others prefer it a little sweeter.
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Leftovers: How to Transform Steak Fried Rice into a New Dish
The beauty of steak fried rice is that it can be reinvented. If you’ve got leftovers, here are some fun ways to use them:
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with fried rice, you sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until bubbly.
- Rice Burritos: Wrap it in a tortilla with some salsa and avocado for an easy handheld meal.
- Fried Rice Omelette: Spoon some into an omelet for a quick and hearty breakfast.
- Asian-Style Rice Bowls: Add fresh veggies, a drizzle of spicy mayo, and a fried egg for a trendy rice bowl vibe.
With a little creativity, this dish becomes a foundation for so much more!
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Steak Fried Rice: Better Than Takeout
Let’s be honest—fried rice is one of those dishes we often order from our favorite Chinese or Japanese takeout spot. But making it at home has so many advantages. For starters, you’re in control of the ingredients. Want to go heavy on the steak? Do it! Prefer more veggies? Add them! Watching your sodium intake? You can adjust the sauces accordingly.
And don’t forget: homemade steak fried rice is often fresher, healthier, and more affordable than takeout. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about nailing that restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Yes, but cool it completely before using. Spread it on a tray and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to dry it out.
What can I substitute for steak?
Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even pork work great.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cool the fried rice completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat fried rice?
Heat it in a pan with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the texture.
What veggies go well in fried rice?
Carrots, peas, broccoli, zucchini, corn—basically anything you love!
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Steak Fried Rice is that magical dish that’s quick to make, ridiculously tasty, and uses up whatever leftovers you’ve got. It’s a crowd-pleaser, meal-prep champion, and a “WOW, I cooked this?” kind of recipe.
So, grab your skillet and get ready to toss together a dish that’s better than takeout. Your family will LOVE it, and you’ll love how EASY it is.
Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, or share your tips for the perfect fried rice. Let’s keep this delicious convo going! 🥢