1-Getting started with classic beef fried rice is all about keeping things simple and fun, just like a casual chat in the kitchen. First, combine the beef with its marinade: 10 ounces flank steak cut into bite-sized pieces, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon water, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda (optional), 1 teaspoon mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon oil; stir well and set aside to let those flavors soak in.

2-Next, mix 1 tablespoon hot water, ¼ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1½ tablespoons light soy sauce, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon white pepper (optional) in a small bowl to create your savory sauce. Then, fluff the 5 cups of cooked rice to break up any clumps, which works especially well if you’re using leftover rice for that perfect texture.

3-Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of the divided 3 tablespoons canola oil; scramble the 2 beaten eggs until just cooked, then transfer them to a bowl. Reheat the wok until it’s smoking, add another tablespoon of canola oil, and sear the marinated beef in one layer for 20 seconds, stir-frying until it’s about 70% cooked, then set it aside.

4-Add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil to the wok and sauté 1 medium diced onion until it’s translucent, then toss in the fluffed rice. Flatten and break up any clumps, stir-frying for about 5 minutes to heat through; if needed, spray a bit of water to help separate the grains.

5-Pour in the prepared sauce and stir thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated and heated. Return the beef and its juices to the wok, stir-frying for 1 minute to blend everything together. Add the eggs, ¾ cup peas, and 1 chopped scallion, then stir-fry for 30 seconds more.

6-Finally, push the rice to the center, heat the wok’s edge, pour 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine around the perimeter, and stir-fry for 20 seconds. Adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce, or white pepper as desired, and serve immediately for the freshest taste. This whole process takes about 20 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking, totaling around 35 minutes, making it a speedy option for any night.