Garlic butter steak fried rice has completely changed my weeknight dinners. I used to dread that moment when I’d look in the fridge and see leftover rice and a lonely steak, unsure of what to do. Then, I discovered this incredible garlic butter steak recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The sizzle of the steak, the fragrant garlic, and the savory butter sauce create an aroma that fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water. It’s truly an easy garlic butter steak that even beginners can master. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
This dish is a true winner for so many reasons:
- The incredible flavor explosion of savory steak, aromatic garlic, and rich butter.
- It’s a lightning-fast garlic butter steak dinner, ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
- Packed with protein from the steak and eggs, making it a satisfying meal.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, making it super budget-friendly.
- Even picky eaters love this flavorful combination, making it a great family-friendly garlic butter steak dinner option.
- The crispy rice bits add a delightful texture that I just can’t get enough of.
- It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup for you!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need for this fantastic garlic butter steak recipe. Proper garlic butter steak preparation starts with having all your ingredients ready to go. The combination of tender steak, aromatic garlic, and rich butter is what makes this dish so special.
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes – I prefer sirloin for its balance of flavor and tenderness.
- 2 tsp soy sauce – for marinating the steak.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – adds a subtle garlic note to the steak.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground is best!
- 1/2 tsp salt – seasons the steak perfectly.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – for searing the steak.
- 4 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old and refrigerated – cold, day-old rice is key for crispy fried rice.
- 3 large eggs, beaten – for that classic fried rice texture.
- 3 tbsp butter, divided – the star of our garlic butter sauce!
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy with the garlic!
- 1 medium onion, diced – adds a sweet base flavor.
- 2 carrots, diced small – for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 1 cup frozen peas – easy and adds a pop of green.
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated) – the whites add flavor to the stir-fry, the greens for garnish.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce – for the fried rice base.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce – adds a deep, savory umami flavor.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – for that signature nutty aroma.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced – a little zing that complements the garlic.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat.
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped – for a fresh finish.
- Lime wedges for serving – a squeeze of lime brightens everything up.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
This is where the magic happens! Turning simple ingredients into an amazing garlic butter steak dinner is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a perfect fry.
- Step 1: Prep Your Steak. Cut your steak into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Let this marinate for at least 10 minutes. Before cooking, it’s crucial to pat the steak dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a better sear.
- Step 2: Get That Rice Ready. If you’re using rice that’s just been cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This cools and dries it out, which is essential for good fried rice. If you’re using day-old rice, just break up any clumps with your fingers.
- Step 3: Steak Time. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your seasoned steak in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of sear! Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden brown. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside. This is a key part of the garlic butter steak pan sear.
- Step 4: Scramble Those Eggs. Lower the heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp of butter to the same pan, letting it melt. Pour in your beaten eggs and scramble them gently until they are just set. Remove the scrambled eggs and set them aside with the steak.
- Step 5: Build the Base. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter to the pan. Toss in your minced garlic and stir-fry for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Add the diced onion and carrots, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender-crisp. Now, add the white parts of your green onions and the minced ginger. Cook for another minute until everything is nicely combined and fragrant. This is a crucial step in learning how to cook garlic butter steak fried rice.
- Step 6: Rice Gets Its Moment. Add the cold rice to the pan. Use your spatula to break up any remaining clumps. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, letting some of the rice crisp up and get a little golden. This step really elevates the texture and flavor of your garlic butter steak cooking method.
- Step 7: Sauce and Finish. Push the rice and veggies to one side of the pan. Add the 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil to the empty side. Let the sauces bubble for about 10 seconds, then stir everything together to coat the rice evenly. Add the frozen peas and fold in the cooked steak and scrambled eggs. If you like a little heat, toss in the red pepper flakes now. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Step 8: The Grand Finale. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the green parts of the green onions and the fresh cilantro. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your delicious garlic butter steak fried rice immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
Want to elevate your fried rice game? These simple tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time you make this garlic butter steak recipe.
- Always use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in a mushy fried rice, which is the opposite of what we want for this dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak. This is crucial for getting a good sear and achieving that delicious crust. Work in batches if necessary.
- Ensure your wok or skillet is smoking hot before adding ingredients, especially the steak and rice. High heat is key for that characteristic wok hei flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. Soy sauce and oyster sauce are salty, so add them cautiously and then taste before adding more salt.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice?
The secret lies in high heat and properly prepped ingredients. Achieving a good garlic butter steak pan sear on the steak and ensuring your rice is cold and dry are non-negotiable for great texture and flavor. For more tips on achieving the perfect sear, check out this guide on steak cooking techniques.
Can I make Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice ahead of time?
You can prepare most components ahead of time. Marinate the steak, chop your vegetables, and cook the rice a day in advance. Then, on the day you want to eat, it’s a quick assembly and stir-fry process. Learn more about meal prepping to save time during the week.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice?
For garlic butter steak for beginners, the two biggest pitfalls are using hot rice and overcrowding the pan. Using cold rice ensures crispiness, and cooking in batches prevents steaming, leading to better flavor and texture. Understanding the science behind cooking can help avoid these issues; read more about food science in the kitchen.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
This amazing garlic butter steak recipe is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few extra touches. For a truly spectacular garlic butter steak dinner, consider serving it with some simple steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving cuts through the richness and adds a bright, zesty finish. If you love extra flavor, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or even some toasted sesame seeds can elevate the dish even further, offering a delightful contrast to the savory steak and rice. Thinking about how to incorporate more fresh flavors, I often find that a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes offers a refreshing counterpoint to the robust flavors of the steak, truly highlighting the essence of a good garlic butter steak with herbs.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
This delicious garlic butter steak recipe is quite hearty! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For more information on daily nutritional needs, consult with a registered dietitian.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
This garlic butter steak recipe is fantastic for leftovers, but proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness. Once your garlic butter steak fried rice has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option; wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your garlic butter steak dinner again, the best way for reheating garlic butter steak fried rice is in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil. This helps revive the texture and ensures everything is heated through evenly. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be sure to stir it halfway through for more consistent results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are great for this garlic butter steak recipe, you can also use flank steak or even skirt steak. Just make sure to cut it against the grain for tenderness, and the high heat sear will help create a wonderfully juicy garlic butter steak.
What if I don’t have day-old rice?
No worries! If you’re using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and pop it in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This helps to dry it out and achieve that essential slightly crispy texture that makes this dish so good. It’s a simple trick for a simple garlic butter steak fried rice.
Can I add more vegetables to this?
Yes, you can! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets. Just make sure to add them when you add the peas and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. It’s all part of making your own perfect version of this garlic butter steak dinner.
How can I make the steak extra tender?
For an extra tender steak, make sure not to overcook it. Searing it quickly over high heat and then removing it from the pan while you cook the rice and vegetables ensures it stays tender and juicy. Also, cutting your steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces helps it cook more evenly, contributing to that desirable juicy garlic butter steak texture.
Variations of Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice You Can Try
This garlic butter steak recipe is incredibly versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas to shake things up:
- Spicy Kick: For a bit more heat, try adding a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch more red pepper flakes to the sauce. This turns it into a zesty quick garlic butter steak recipe that’s perfect for spice lovers.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the steak for firm tofu or extra-firm tempeh. Press and cube the tofu, then pan-fry it until golden before adding it back in with the rice. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors if you’re going meatless.
- Sesame Ginger Booster: Amp up the Asian flavors by adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and an extra teaspoon of fresh ginger to the steak marinade. This really enhances the aromatic qualities of the dish.
- Broccoli & Beef: Add a cup of small broccoli florets along with the peas in Step 7. This makes it a more complete meal and adds a lovely freshness and crunch.
Garlic Butter Steak Fried: 35 Min Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform leftover rice into a delicious meal with this Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice recipe. It features tender steak, crispy rice, scrambled eggs, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This one-pan dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or using up ingredients.
Ingredients
- For the Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- For the Fried Rice Base:
- 4 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old and refrigerated
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced small
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- For the Flavor Magic:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep Your Steak: Cut steak into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss with soy sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Let it marinate. Pat the steak dry before cooking.
- Get That Rice Ready: If using fresh rice, spread it on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool and dry. Break up clumps in day-old rice.
- Steak Time: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with vegetable oil. Add seasoned steak in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove steak and set aside.
- Scramble Those Eggs: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp butter to the same pan. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove eggs and set aside.
- Build the Base: Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add diced onion and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add white parts of green onions and ginger. Cook for another minute.
- Rice Gets Its Moment: Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing some rice to get golden and crispy.
- Sauce and Finish: Push rice to one side. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the empty side. Let it bubble for 10 seconds, then stir everything together. Add frozen peas. Fold in the cooked steak, scrambled eggs, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- The Grand Finale: Remove from heat. Stir in green parts of green onions and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old refrigerated rice.
- Pat steak dry before cooking for better browning.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak; work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
