Quick and tasty Beef Fried Rice Recipe made with beef mince, peppers, peas, soy sauce, and ginger. Your budget-friendly takeout swap in 30 minutes.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Confession time: I was this close to ordering Chinese the other night. I’d even pulled up the app, already debating between beef chow mein or fried rice, when my bank account gave me that silent glare—you know the one. Instead, I raided the fridge and found some beef mince, leftover peppers from taco night, and two sad-looking microwave rice packs. Honestly, it didn’t look promising. But I thought, what the heck, let’s give it a go.
And you know what? This Beef Fried Rice Recipe turned out so good that my husband actually asked me which restaurant I’d ordered from. (I let him think that for a good five minutes before fessing up.) It reminded me of Friday nights growing up, when my parents would do “fakeaway” dinners—always something a little indulgent but made at home. It’s funny how food has that way of transporting you, right? One bite and suddenly you’re back in a different time or place.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Beef Fried Rice Recipe?
The thing about fried rice is, it’s kind of like that one friend who’s good at everything—easygoing, adaptable, always a hit at the party. This recipe is fast (30 minutes tops), cheap (seriously, most of the stuff is pantry or freezer staples), and ridiculously satisfying. It’s got that perfect mix of savory beef, sweet peppers, and a little warmth from ginger and chili flakes. Not too heavy, but not light either—it hits that just right middle ground.
Plus, it’s versatile. Got extra veggies sitting around? Toss them in. Don’t like spice? Skip the chili flakes. Prefer pork, chicken, or even tofu? Go for it. Honestly, there’s no single “right” way to make fried rice. That’s part of the fun—it bends to what you’ve got, and every version feels like your own.
Ingredient Notes:
Okay, let’s talk about the cast of characters that make this Beef Fried Rice Recipe work. Nothing fancy, but each one does its job beautifully:
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Beef mince – Cheap, hearty, and cooks in no time. It’s the star here.
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Onion & garlic – Honestly, is there a dish that doesn’t start this way?
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Fresh ginger – That little zing that makes the whole thing feel brighter.
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Peppers – Red, green, yellow, whatever’s hanging around. They add crunch and color.
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Microwave rice – Total shortcut. Purists may roll their eyes, but honestly, who cares? Dinner’s done faster.
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Frozen peas – A freezer hero. Sweet little pops that balance the savory beef.
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Chinese 5 spice – The secret ingredient that makes your kitchen smell like an actual takeaway joint.
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Sauce (soy, oyster, chili flakes) – Salty, umami-rich, with just enough heat. Like the glue that pulls the whole dish together.
How To Make Beef Fried Rice?
Making this Beef Fried Rice Recipe is basically just throwing good things into a hot pan and letting them work their magic.
Step 1: Warm the oil.
A splash of sunflower oil in the wok or pan—don’t stress if it’s not “perfect.” You just don’t want things sticking.
Step 2: Brown the beef.
Get that beef mince in there and let it cook until browned. Don’t fuss too much with stirring—those little crispy bits? That’s where the flavor hides.
Step 3: Add the flavor base.
In go the onion, garlic, ginger, and peppers. Stir, breathe in, and try not to drool. Cook until the onions soften but the peppers still have bite.
Step 4: Sauce time.
Whisk soy, oyster sauce, and chili flakes together. Nothing fancy, just mix it in a bowl. This is your flavor bomb.
Step 5: Toss in the rice.
Microwave packs make this part laughably easy. Just squish the bags with your hands to break up the clumps before tossing them in.
Step 6: Finish with peas & sauce.
Peas go in, sauce goes over, and you stir like you’re on a cooking show. Give it a few minutes to get hot and glossy.
Step 7: Plate and enjoy.
Top with spring onions if you want to look like you’ve got it all together. Then dig in.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (we usually don’t), stick them in an airtight container and they’ll last in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a hot pan with a splash of soy sauce to perk it up. Freezer option? Yep—portion it out, freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day because the flavors deepen.
Variations and Substitutions:
One of my favorite things about this Beef Fried Rice Recipe is how forgiving it is. Think of it more like a template than a rulebook:
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Protein swap – Chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu all work.
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Veggie boost – Carrots, corn, broccoli—whatever’s lurking in the fridge.
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Different rice – Leftover rice from the night before works beautifully. In fact, it might be better.
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Spice level – Add fresh chili, Sriracha, or go mild. Your call.
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Gluten-free – Swap soy sauce for tamari and you’re golden.
What to Serve with Beef Fried Rice?
Now, you could totally eat this fried rice on its own (and I do, often), but if you’re going all out for “fakeaway night,” here are a few pairings:
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Spring rolls – Crispy little bites of heaven.
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Egg drop soup – Light and cozy.
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Cucumber salad – Something cool to balance the richness.
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Sweet and sour chicken – Go big and make it a feast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
You can, but honestly, it’s not ideal. Fresh rice is too sticky. If you can, chill it first—it makes a world of difference.
Why is my fried rice soggy?
Usually it’s too much liquid or not enough heat. Keep the pan hot and don’t overcrowd it. Give your rice space to fry, not steam.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yep! Chop the veggies and whisk the sauce earlier. Then when it’s dinner time, it all comes together in minutes.
And that’s it—my easy, no-fuss Beef Fried Rice Recipe. It’s quick, flexible, and tastes like comfort in a bowl. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. So tell me—what would you throw into yours?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Beef Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
- 500 g beef mince
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 peppers diced (any color of choice)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice
- 500 g microwave rice 2 packs
- 200 g frozen peas
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes
To Serve (Optional):
- Spring onions scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Heat the oil
- Place a heavy-bottomed frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sunflower oil and allow it to warm.
Cook the beef
- Add the beef mince to the pan. Increase to high heat and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned throughout.
Incorporate aromatics and vegetables
- Stir in the onion, garlic, ginger, peppers, and Chinese five-spice. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
Prepare the sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili flakes. Mix well and set aside.
Add the rice
- Remove the microwave rice from its pouches, breaking apart any clumps by hand or with a spoon. Stir the rice into the pan with the beef mixture.
Combine peas and sauce
- Add the frozen peas, pour over the prepared sauce, and mix thoroughly. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and evenly coated.
Serve
- Transfer to serving plates or bowls, and garnish with sliced spring onions if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
