Steak Fried Rice

This Steak Fried Rice is savory, satisfying, and easy to make right at home—so good it might rival your favorite takeout! Tender strips of marinated sirloin, fluffy rice, crisp-tender vegetables, and an umami-rich sauce come together in one skillet for a fast, protein-packed dinner.

 spins on the basic fried rice equation!)

But first, let’s talk about why this one’s a keeper:

• High-Protein and Satisfying. Steak and eggs add serious staying power, making this fried rice more than just a side, but an actual complete meal.
• Weeknight Fast. Once you start, everything moves quickly. Dinner’s done in minutes!
• Uses Leftover Rice. Cold rice is not a problem—it’s the secret. I love using this fact to plan our meals for the week; I’ll make Green Curry or a Korean Beef Bowl with white rice, then cook extra to set aside for fried rice later in the week.
• At Home Takeout. This recipe might rival your favorite takeout order! You control the salt, the oil, and the steak quantity.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.

• Top Sirloin Steak. Slice thinly across the grain for tenderness. Sirloin cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• Soy Sauce. Reduced sodium keeps the dish balanced. Use tamari for gluten-free steak fried rice.
• Cornstarch. This gives the steak that restaurant-style texture.
• Oyster Sauce. Adds deep, savory richness.
• Sesame Oil. Just a drizzle gives that unmistakable fried rice flavor.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots. Thawed and ready to go—no chopping required.
• Garlic and Fresh Ginger. Non-negotiable for bold flavor.
• Butter. Adds richness and helps crisp the rice. Don’t skip it!
• Cold Cooked Rice. Day-old rice is ideal. Fresh rice is too moist and can turn mushy.
• Green Onions. You’ll use both white and green parts.
• Eggs. Scrambled directly in the pan.

How to Make Steak Fried Rice

Marinate. Whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oil, and cornstarch. Toss with the beef and let sit at least 15 minutes (30 is even better).

Mix the Sauce. In a small bowl, stir together oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and the remaining soy sauce.

Sear the Steak. Heat ½ tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high. Add half the beef and cook about 1 minute per side until browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.

Cook the Vegetables. Add the remaining oil. Stir in peas, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Cook about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Crisp the Rice. Add the butter, rice, and half of the green onions. Stir to coat and break up clumps. Spread the rice into a layer and let it sit briefly so it can lightly crisp.

Scramble the Eggs. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the open space. Scramble, then let cook undisturbed briefly before stirring into the rice.

Finish. Return the steak (and any juices) to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with remaining green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve and ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

• Make It Spicy. Add chili crisp, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for some heat.
• Try Different Veggies. Diced bell peppers, snow peas, snap peas, or chopped cabbage all work well in fried rice.

More Ways to Do Fried Rice

Once you master that basic fried rice formula, you can apply it to all different variations. Here are some of my faves!

• Try Other Proteins. I’ve shared recipes for Pork Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Rice, and Shrimp Fried Rice here on Well Plated.
• Use an Alt Grain. You can also make Quinoa Fried “Rice”. Or skip the grains altogether and make Healthy Cauliflower Fried Rice.
• Give It a Thai Spin. This Thai Fried Rice pairs well with curries and other Thai favorites!
• Make It a Side. This Easy Egg Fried Rice skips the meat, making it perfect to serve as a side with stir fries.