There's nothing quite like the sizzling aroma of garlic butter and seared steak filling the kitchen. This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender steak, perfectly seasoned rice, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce that soaks into every bite.

I first made this dish on a whim, trying to use up some leftover steak and day-old rice. One bite in, and I knew this was a winner. Now, it's a staple in my house—quick enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat.

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice

Get ready to fall in love with this bold, flavorful dish. It’s packed with savory goodness and is so easy to throw together, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

First off, this recipe is incredibly quick and simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftovers. If you have leftover steak or rice from another meal, this dish transforms them into something entirely new and delicious.

The balance of flavors is unbeatable. The garlic butter infuses everything with rich, savory depth, while the soy sauce and sesame oil add an irresistible umami kick.

Not to mention, it's highly customizable. You can swap the steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and toss in any vegetables you have on hand for an extra nutritional boost.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering maximum flavor.

Steak is the star of the show. I prefer using ribeye or sirloin because they stay juicy and tender even when cooked at high heat. Slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Rice is best when it's a day old. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, while day-old rice has the perfect texture for frying. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool before using.

Garlic butter is what makes this dish shine. Minced garlic sautéed in melted butter creates an incredibly rich and fragrant base that coats every grain of rice.

Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth and umami. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option to keep the saltiness in check, and a drizzle of sesame oil at the end ties everything together with a nutty aroma.

A hot skillet or wok is essential to getting that perfect fried rice texture. A high heat sear helps the steak brown beautifully and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice

Creating this delicious fried rice is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to get the perfect dish every time.

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and let it get hot before adding the thinly sliced steak. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful crust, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.

Add the day-old rice and break up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, letting the rice absorb all that delicious garlic butter flavor.

Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to ensure every grain of rice is coated evenly. If you’re adding any vegetables like peas, carrots, or green onions, now is the time to toss them in.

Return the cooked steak to the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Finish with a final drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy every flavorful bite.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully for later. Let the fried rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the fried rice in portioned containers for up to two months. When ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in a hot skillet or microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture.

To reheat, warm it in a pan over medium heat with a bit of oil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 1-2 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it to fit your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Swap the steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want to change up the protein. Each one absorbs the garlic butter flavor beautifully and brings its own unique texture to the dish.

Use different vegetables to make it your own. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby spinach can add color, nutrition, and extra flavor.

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. A little heat pairs wonderfully with the savory richness of the dish.

Try using brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor, while cauliflower rice makes the dish low-carb without sacrificing taste.

No matter how you customize it, this Garlic Butter Steak Fried Rice is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of buttery garlic, tender steak, and perfectly seasoned rice is simply irresistible.