Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef (you can substitute ground turkey or chicken)
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (day-old rice works best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh, diced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—stirring gently prevents burning but lets them get that sweet, savory flavor. This step is key for the depth this dish is known for.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you prefer a leaner dish.
- Push the beef and onions to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty side, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs gently until just set, about 1-2 minutes, then mix everything together.
- Add the minced garlic and frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant.
- Toss in the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to warm through and soak up the flavors.
- Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and toasted sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving. If you’re like me, the green onions add a fresh crunch that balances the savory richness perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Savory Onion Beef Fried Rice, recipe, cooking, food
