This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Lemongrass beef fried rice is a bright, aromatic twist on classic fried rice that works surprisingly well for meal prep. Fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and savory beef infuse the rice with citrusy depth without overpowering it, while the flavors continue to develop as it sits. It reheats cleanly, stays balanced, and doesn’t get greasy, making it a refreshing yet satisfying option for a few days of easy, flavorful meals.
Key Ingredients for Lemongrass Beef Fried Rice
- Ground beef – Savory, rich base that carries the aromatics and sauces well
- Lemongrass – Finely minced for a bright, citrusy aroma that defines the dish
- Day-old rice – Drier grains fry better and absorb flavor without getting mushy
- Soy sauce – Provides saltiness and umami
- Oyster sauce – Adds depth, slight sweetness, and glossy richness
- Sugar or monk fruit sweetener – Balances the savory sauces and enhances caramelization
- Fish sauce – Adds subtle funk and savory complexity
- Neutral oil – Helps everything fry evenly without overpowering flavors
- Scallions – Freshness and mild bite to finish
- Chili (optional) – Adds heat to balance the richness
Preparing Lemongrass (and Easy Store-Bought Options)
To prepare fresh lemongrass, start by trimming off the dry top and root end, then remove the tough outer layers until you reach the pale, tender core. Finely mince this inner portion as much as possible—lemongrass is fibrous, so the finer the cut, the better it will release its citrusy aroma and flavor into the beef. For convenience, many Asian grocery stores sell pre-minced or frozen lemongrass, usually in small tubs or vacuum-sealed packs, which works perfectly for fried rice and saves a lot of prep time. You can also find lemongrass in paste form, which is a great shortcut when you want consistent flavor with minimal effort.
Lemongrass Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 900 g raw extra lean ground beef
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup dark soy sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- ⅓ cup zero cal sweetner or sugar
- 1000 g cooked leftover rice, (about 3.5 cups raw)
- 1 cup chopped lemongrass
- green onion
Instructions
- Into a hot wok add in your extra lean ground beef. Let that cook about 10 minutes while stirring until it begins to get crispy.900 g raw extra lean ground beef
- Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sweetner. Mix for 2 minutes.¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup dark soy sauce, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp oyster sauce, ⅓ cup zero cal sweetner or sugar
- Add in your leftover cooked rice as well as the chopped lemongrass.1000 g cooked leftover rice, 1 cup chopped lemongrass
- Mix well and top with green onions.green onion
- Split into 8 servings macros are 484 cal, 42g protein, 16.5g fat, 37.5g carbs.
Look forward to trying this! Curious, how impactful or needed is the sugar? I dislike sugar alternatives and I’m curious if it is noticeable to cut sugar in half or omit entirely. Thoughts?
It’s all personal preference, however, sugar is a big flavor component when it comes to lemongrass proteins. You can taste and adjust to your liking.