There's something irresistible about the combination of juicy, seared steak and buttery garlic-infused fried rice. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Pure comfort food perfection. This one-pan dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first made this recipe on a whim, using leftover steak from the night before. The result was so delicious that it quickly became a go-to in our household. Every bite is packed with flavor, from the tender steak to the garlicky rice, making this a dish you'll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that's equal parts indulgent and practical. This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and one skillet, you can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes. That means less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening.

It's also a great way to use up leftover rice and steak. If you’ve got extra cooked rice sitting in your fridge, this is the perfect way to turn it into something spectacular.

The flavors are out of this world. The combination of rich butter, savory garlic, and umami-packed soy sauce creates a perfect harmony of tastes. The steak adds heartiness, while the green onions and sesame seeds provide fresh and nutty accents.

Plus, it’s completely customizable. Want to add veggies? Toss in some peas, carrots, or even bell peppers. Prefer a little spice? A drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish is that it requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each contributing to its incredible flavor and texture.

The steak is the star of the show. Ribeye, sirloin, or even filet mignon all work well, delivering a tender, juicy bite with a rich beefy flavor. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and quick cooking.

Cold, cooked rice is essential for achieving that classic fried rice texture. Day-old rice is best, as it’s drier and won’t turn mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Garlic and butter are what make this dish shine. Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with a deep, aromatic flavor that coats every grain of rice and every piece of steak.

Soy sauce and oyster sauce provide the umami depth that makes fried rice so addictive. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.

A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds a finishing touch, giving the dish freshness and a mild crunch. Feel free to garnish with extra for even more flavor.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice

Making this dish is as simple as cooking the steak, stir-frying the rice, and bringing everything together with that irresistible garlic butter flavor.

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and let it get nice and hot. Then, add the bite-sized steak pieces in a single layer. Let them sear for about 2-3 minutes without moving them so they develop a golden crust, then stir and cook for another minute or two. Once the steak is perfectly browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add butter along with minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry the rice for a couple of minutes, allowing it to absorb all the garlicky butter goodness. Then, drizzle in soy sauce and oyster sauce, tossing everything together until well-coated.

Return the cooked steak to the pan, stirring it into the rice. Let everything cook together for another minute or two, ensuring the flavors meld perfectly. If desired, toss in chopped green onions and sesame seeds at this stage.

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately. The result? A plate of rich, buttery, garlicky steak fried rice that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in the fridge. Transfer the cooled fried rice to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or butter to restore its fresh-cooked taste. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to distribute the heat evenly.

This dish is also freezer-friendly. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

For a lighter version, swap out the butter for olive oil and reduce the amount used. You’ll still get delicious flavor without as much richness.

If you prefer chicken or shrimp, go ahead and substitute the steak. Cook them the same way, making sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

To make it vegetarian, replace the steak with tofu or mushrooms. Both soak up flavors beautifully and provide a hearty bite.

Want to add more veggies? Stir in some diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

For a spicy kick, drizzle in some sriracha, add red pepper flakes, or even toss in a little chili oil. A touch of heat takes this dish to the next level.

This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing is certain—it’s going to be absolutely delicious.