Description
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
250g sirloin steak, cubed
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add steak cubes, season with black pepper, and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Return steak to the pan, mix everything, and cook for another minute. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Cube 250g of sirloin steak, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and chop 2 green onions. Ensure your 2 cups of rice is cooked and preferably chilled (day-old rice fries better).
2. Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes, season with ½ tsp black pepper, and sear for 2-3 minutes without moving to get a good brown crust. Remove steak and set aside on a plate.
3. Build Flavor Base: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
4. Fry the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan. Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the seared steak and any accumulated juices to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for an additional minute to reheat the steak. Turn off the heat and fold in most of the chopped green onions.
6. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty fried rice is a complete meal on its own. For a restaurant-style presentation, serve it in a bowl topped with a sunny-side-up egg. A side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple green salad with a ginger-sesame dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. For extra heat, offer chili crisp or sriracha on the side.
How-to Summary
Quickly sear seasoned steak cubes and set aside. Sauté garlic in butter, then add day-old rice and sauces (soy, oyster, sesame oil) to fry. Return steak to the pan, mix, and garnish with green onions for a flavorful, one-pan meal in under 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely. Ribeye, flank, or skirt steak are excellent choices. Just be mindful of cooking time—tender cuts like filet mignon cook very quickly.
What if I only have fresh, warm rice?
Spread the fresh rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for 15-20 minutes, or pop it in the fridge uncovered for a bit. This helps dry the surface, preventing mushy fried rice.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
Yes. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom stir-fry sauce. Alternatively, mix 1 tbsp of soy sauce with ½ tsp of brown sugar for a quick, though less complex, substitute.
How can I add more vegetables?
Add ½ cup of frozen peas and carrots or diced bell peppers with the garlic. For leafy greens like spinach, stir them in at the very end just until wilted.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a tiny splash of water to refresh the texture. Microwaving can make the rice rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using hot, freshly cooked rice as it will become gummy and clump together. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the steak; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, not steaming. Resist the urge to stir the rice constantly—let it sit for brief periods in the hot pan to develop a slight crispness. Finally, do not add the green onions too early, or they will lose their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice transforms simple leftovers into a luxurious and satisfying dish. The combination of seared, juicy steak with the savory, buttery rice is both comforting and impressive. By following the detailed steps and tips above, you can easily master this restaurant-quality meal at home, making it a perfect go-to for a quick yet special weeknight dinner.