Sticky Beef Fried Rice

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Sticky Beef Fried Rice with marinated seared sirloin, day old rice toasted in a wok with vegetables, and a glossy hoisin and sriracha sauce finish. One pan, 40 minutes, and better than takeout.

Beef Marinade

  • 1½ pounds beef sirloin (or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium )
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil

Stir Fry

  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (small florets)
  • 4 ounces mushrooms (I used shimeji mushrooms, but shiitake are a great option)
  • 1 cup carrots (chopped)
  • 3 green onions (sliced, whites and greens separated)
  • 4 cups cooked day old rice

Sauce Finish

  • In a large bowl, combine 1½ pounds sliced beef, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.

  • Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned and sticky. Work in batches if needed so the beef actually sears instead of steams. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

    process shots showing how to make sticky beef fried rice.
  • In the same pan, add the onion, red bell pepper, broccoli, shimeji mushrooms (or sliced shiitake mushrooms), chopped carrots, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are just tender but still have some bite.

    process shots showing how to make sticky beef fried rice.
  • Add 4 cups cooked day old rice to the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables. Let the rice sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so it can get a little toasty.

    process shots showing how to make sticky beef fried rice.
  • Return the beef to the pan. Add 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, and 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha. Toss everything together until well coated and glossy.

    process shots showing how to make sticky beef fried rice.
  • Taste and decide if it needs 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Add it only if you want that extra sticky sweet finish.

  • Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the green onions. Serve hot.

    process shots showing how to make sticky beef fried rice.
  1. Slice against the grain: This shortens the muscle fibers and gives you tender beef. Slice with the grain and you will be chewing for considerably longer than you planned.
  2. Freeze before slicing: 20 to 30 minutes in the freezer firms up the beef and makes thin slicing much easier and cleaner.
  3. Cornstarch in the marinade: This is what gives the beef those sticky caramelized edges when it hits the hot pan. Don’t skip it.
  4. Day old rice: Non negotiable. Fresh rice is too wet and gives you clumpy gluey fried rice. Plan ahead and refrigerate your rice overnight uncovered. If you’re in a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet, cool completely, and refrigerate uncovered for at least an hour.
  5. Peanut oil: High smoke point and neutral flavor, ideal for stir fry. Vegetable or canola oil work too.
  6. Cook beef in batches: Crowding the pan drops the temperature and you end up steaming instead of searing. Work in batches if needed.
  7. High heat throughout: Stir fry needs high heat to sear, caramelize, and toast properly. Don’t lower it.
  8. Let the rice sit: Once the rice goes in, leave it undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so the bottom can get toasty. That toasty layer is worth the patience.
  9. Sriracha: Start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more. The heat is adjustable.
  10. Brown sugar in the sauce: Optional. Taste the dish before adding it and only include if you want that extra sticky sweet finish.
  11. Mushrooms: Shimeji are lovely here but shiitake, cremini, or any mushroom you like works just as well. Or leave them out entirely, the recipe is solid either way.
  12. Serve immediately: Fried rice is best hot and fresh out of the wok. It sits and the texture changes. Eat it right away.

Serving: 1servingCalories: 613kcal (31%)Carbohydrates: 66g (22%)Protein: 46g (92%)Fat: 17g (26%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 94mg (31%)Sodium: 1468mg (64%)Potassium: 1120mg (32%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 11g (12%)Vitamin A: 6512IU (130%)Vitamin C: 66mg (80%)Calcium: 105mg (11%)Iron: 5mg (28%)

© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

 

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