🍛 Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice – 20-Minute High-Protein Dinner

Garlic butter steak fried rice is a bold, satisfying dish that combines tender steak, fragrant garlic butter, fluffy rice, and savory seasonings into one irresistible bowl. It brings together the richness of a steakhouse-style meal with the comfort and convenience of fried rice, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

This recipe transforms simple leftovers into something special. Cold, day-old rice becomes beautifully crisp in a hot pan, while juicy steak and aromatic garlic butter infuse every grain with deep, savory flavor. The result is a well-balanced dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.

If you enjoy meals that highlight the magic of garlic butter and tender beef, you’ll also love Garlic Butter Steak Cubes, a popular favorite that delivers big flavor in a fast and approachable way.

Garlic butter steak fried rice is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again because it’s versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize.

Final plate of Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice topped with steak cubes, peas, carrots, and a pat of melting butter with green onions.

Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice – 20-Minute High-Protein Dinner

This garlic butter steak fried rice is a fast, protein-packed dinner made with tender steak cubes, buttery garlic rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. A flavorful one-pan dish ready in just 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • For the Steak:
  • 250 g sirloin or ribeye, cut into small cubes
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • For the Fried Rice:
  • 2 cups cooked rice preferably cold
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • ½ cup mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • For Serving:
  • Green onions chopped
  • Extra butter optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1 – Prep the Steak: Cut steak into small cubes and season with soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    Diced raw steak cubes seasoned with soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on a cutting board — Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice prep.
  2. Step 2 – Sear the Steak: Heat butter in a skillet and sear the steak cubes for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
    Steak cubes searing in melted butter inside a hot skillet until golden brown — Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice step.
  3. Step 3 – Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Step 4 – Add the Rice & Veggies: Stir in the cooked rice and vegetables. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well.
    Cooked rice mixed with peas, carrots, and corn inside a skillet, seasoned with soy sauce — Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice base.
  5. Step 5 – Add Eggs & Steak: Push rice to the side, scramble the eggs, then mix everything together and add the seared steak back in.
  6. Step 6 – Serve: Top with green onions and extra butter if desired. Serve hot.
    Final plate of Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice topped with steak cubes, peas, carrots, and a pat of melting butter with green onions.

Notes

  • Cold rice works best and prevents clumping.
  • Use high heat for a real fried rice texture.
  • Ribeye gives maximum flavor but sirloin works great too.
  • Add chili flakes if you want it spicy.

Why this garlic butter steak fried rice works

Great fried rice starts with the right technique. Using cold, leftover rice prevents mushiness and helps each grain stay separate. Cooking the steak first builds flavor and creates browned bits in the pan that later season the rice.

Garlic butter forms the heart of this recipe. As it melts and sizzles, it coats the rice and steak, creating a rich, savory base. Soy sauce and optional oyster sauce add depth and umami, while eggs bring softness and balance.

This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can add vegetables you have on hand, adjust the seasoning to taste, and easily scale it up or down. The end result is a dish that tastes better than takeout and comes together in under 30 minutes.

If you enjoy quick beef stir-fries with bold flavor, Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is another excellent option that delivers similar satisfaction.

Ingredient notes (what truly matters)

Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card, but these notes help ensure great results.

Steak
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work well. Slice thinly against the grain.

Rice
Day-old jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal.

Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential for strong flavor.

Butter
Adds richness and helps coat the rice.

Eggs
Provide softness and protein.

Soy sauce
Adds salt and umami.

Vegetables
Peas, carrots, green onions, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables all work well.

Tips for the best results

  • Use cold rice
  • Cook steak quickly over high heat
  • Do not overcrowd the pan
  • Taste and adjust seasoning
  • Finish with green onions or sesame oil

Variations you can try

  • Add shrimp or chicken
  • Make it spicy with chili paste
  • Use brown rice
  • Add pineapple for sweetness
  • Use garlic chili oil

Serving ideas

Garlic butter steak fried rice is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides like cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or egg rolls.

If you’re in the mood for another creamy, comforting rice-based meal, Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo makes a great cross-cluster choice.

Storage and reheating

Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh rice?
Yes, but texture is better with cold rice.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes.

What steak cut is best?
Sirloin or ribeye.

Final thoughts

Garlic butter steak fried rice is a perfect fusion of comfort food and bold flavor. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

For general background on fried rice, you can consult Wikipedia – Fried rice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Creamy Sesame Chicken Ramen – Cozy 30-Minute Bowl Creamy Sesame Chicken Ramen – Cozy 30-Minute Bowl Honey Garlic Salmon Bites – Sticky 20-Minute Dinner Honey Garlic Salmon Bites – Sticky 20-Minute Dinner Miso Chicken Ramen – Cozy 30-Minute Bowl Miso Chicken Ramen – Cozy 30-Minute Bowl Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap – Easy 15-Minute Lunch Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap – Easy 15-Minute Lunch Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets – Golden 20-Minute Dinner Crispy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets – Golden 20-Minute Dinner Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup – Cozy Asian Comfort Bowl Creamy Coconut Chicken Soup – Cozy Asian Comfort Bowl Creamy Spicy Chicken Ramen – Bold 30-Minute Comfort Bowl Creamy Spicy Chicken Ramen – Bold 30-Minute Comfort Bowl Watermelon Agua Fresca – Fresh 5-Minute Summer Drink Watermelon Agua Fresca – Fresh 5-Minute Summer Drink Pasta e Fagioli – Hearty 30-Minute Italian Comfort Soup Pasta e Fagioli – Hearty 30-Minute Italian Comfort Soup Italian Minestrone Soup – Hearty Italian Comfort Bowl Italian Minestrone Soup – Hearty Italian Comfort Bowl Steak Diane – Classic French Pan Sauce Steak Diane – Classic French Pan Sauce Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice – 20-Minute High-Protein Dinner Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice – 20-Minute High-Protein Dinner Cajun Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter Rice – 20-Minute Dinner Cajun Salmon Bites with Garlic Butter Rice – 20-Minute Dinner Garlic Butter Steak Cubes – 10-Minute High Protein Garlic Butter Steak Cubes – 10-Minute High Protein