Fried Rice That Hits Different

Garlic Steak Fried Rice is one of those meals that feels like takeout but comes together in your own kitchen in under 20 minutes. It’s loaded with tender cubes of marinated steak, day-old rice that soaks up every drop of sauce, and the kind of garlic flavor that doesn’t hold back. Best part? It’s all finished with a crispy fried garlic garnish that makes every bite pop.

Why Garlic Makes This Dish

This isn’t just fried rice with a little garlic tossed in, the garlic is the backbone. Cooking it in oil infuses the entire dish with that rich, nutty aroma, and saving half for garnish means you get crispy, golden bits in every bite. It’s bold, flavorful, and a dream for anyone who believes there’s no such thing as too much garlic.

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Garlic Steak Fried Rice Recipe

Main Ingredients

• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 oz steak, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon shaoxing wine
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cups day-old rice
• Neutral oil

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• Pinch of MSG, optional

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How to Make Garlic Steak Fried Rice

Marinate steak with soy sauce, shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.

Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

In a pan over medium-high heat, fry garlic in oil for 3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.

In the garlic oil, sear beef for 2 minutes, then remove.

Add onions to the pan and cook for 1 minute, then stir in rice and sauce.

Return steak and half the fried garlic to the pan; toss everything together.

Serve in a bowl topped with remaining fried garlic and scallions if desired.

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Tips and Variations

• Use any cut of beef, even leftover steak works perfectly.

• Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

• Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.

• Make it spicy by adding chili oil or crushed red pepper.

• For best texture, always use cold day-old rice.

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Built for Leftovers, But Tastes Like Takeout

This recipe is tailor-made for those random fridge cleanouts. Day-old rice? Perfect. That small cut of beef you didn’t know what to do with? Now it’s dinner. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent without requiring much effort, and because you control the sauce and seasoning, it’s even better than your local takeout.

A Quick Meal That Feels Like a Treat

I love this for weeknights when I want something bold, filling, and fast. It’s a one-pan wonder, and the garlic-steak combo just works every single time. I’ve even made it ahead of time and reheated it for lunch, and somehow it tastes even better the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

You can, but the texture won’t be as good. Fresh rice tends to get mushy, so if possible, use day-old rice from the fridge.

What’s the best steak to use?

Flank, sirloin, or ribeye all work well, even thinly sliced leftover steak from another meal.

Can I make this without a wok?

Absolutely. A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works just as well.

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More Recipes to Try

If you love garlic, try my Soy Garlic Glazed Chicken.

For another beef favorite, check out my Asian Steak Frites recipe.

For a quick, satisfying meal, try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta.