You’re just 20 minutes away from a seriously satisfying meal. Fried rice is quick, deliciously flexible, and perfect for feeding the whole family on a budget. Whether you’re aiming to clear out the fridge or upgrade your weeknight dinners, this recipe is your ideal go-to.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip it up in no time, and the best part?. The dish is endlessly customizable. No two batches of fried rice need to be the same, and that’s the beauty of it.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)
You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need, you can swap ingredients if needed!.
Fried rice ingredients
Cooked Rice (day-old is best)
Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and holds up well without turning mushy in the pan. Freshly cooked rice can clump due to its moisture content.
White cooked rice
Eggs
Adds protein, flavor, and texture to the dish.
Bowl of eggs – (egg for fried rice recipe)
Veggies
Choose from a mix of fresh (like carrots or green onions) and frozen vegetables (like peas or corn) for convenience.
Green Veggies
Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
Provides that umami flavor. For a lighter option, try low-sodium soy sauce.
Soy sauce
Sesame Oil
A small drizzle goes a long way, adding aroma and depth to the dish.
Sesame Oil
Garlic and Green Onions
These bring freshness and flavor.
Cut green onions & garlic
Optional Protein Additions
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Tofu (great for vegan versions!)
How to Make Fried Rice (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how you can nail it every time!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice your veggies, beat the eggs, and have all your ingredients within arm’s reach. Keeping everything in small pieces ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Heat Oil in a Pan or Wok
Use high heat and a large pan (or wok) to prevent overcrowding and ensure a quick, even stir fry.
Step 3: Scramble Eggs
Pour the beaten egg into the pan. Gently scramble and push them to the side of the pan, then set aside for later.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Veggies and Garlic
Cook your veggies until they’re tender. Add garlic for aroma.
Step 5: Add Rice and Stir-Fry
Toss in the rice and cook it for a few minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it heats evenly.
Step 6: Return Eggs, Add Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil
Mix the scrambled eggs back into the pan. Drizzle with soy sauce or tamari and sesame oil for flavor.
Step 7: Toss and Finish with Green Onions
Toss everything together and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for fresh, bold flavor.
Congratulations, you’ve just cooked the perfect batch of fried rice!
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice Every Time
Keep these tips in mind while cooking!
Use Cold, Dry Rice
Freshly cooked rice can turn sticky or mushy. Use day-old or chilled rice for the best texture.
High Heat is Key
High heat helps everything cook quickly and caramelize nicely, giving fried rice its distinct flavor.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
Cook in batches if needed! An overfilled pan will steam your ingredients instead of frying them.
Less is More with Sauces
A little soy sauce or tamari goes a long way. Adding too much can make the rice soggy.
Add Proteins Last
Proteins like shrimp or chicken cook quickly. Add them at the end to avoid overcooking.
Fried Rice Variations You Can Try
Here are a few popular spin-offs to try!
- Chicken Fried Rice: Juicy, diced chicken adds a hearty twist.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Toss in plump, stir-fried shrimp for a seafood take.
- Vegan Fried Rice: Use tofu and tamari for a plant-based, gluten-free version.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Add a spicy, tangy kick with a generous helping of kimchi.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Sweet, tangy pineapple chunks make for a refreshing tropical twist.
What to Serve With Fried Rice
Pair fried rice with these simple side dishes to create a balanced, flavorful meal!
- Dumplings or potstickers
- Asian-style cucumber salad
- Miso soup or egg drop soup
- Stir-fried broccoli or green beans
Storage + Reheating Tips
Store and reheat your fried rice for maximum taste the next day.
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat fried rice in a pan with a splash of oil. If using a microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep the rice moist.
Final Thoughts
Fried rice is one of those magical dishes that’s hard to mess up. Whether you stick with a classic recipe or get adventurous with your ingredients, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
Got leftover veggies? Toss those in. Want to experiment with new flavors? Go for it. This is your canvas for creativity.
Try this recipe with what you already have on hand, and don’t forget to share your results or any twist you tried in the comments below!
If you love simple, flavorful meals, you’ll also enjoy my Chicken Biscuits and Gravy, it’s hearty, creamy, and totally satisfying.
FAQs
1. What’s the secret to good fried rice?
Use cold, day-old rice and cook on high heat with aromatics.
2. What are the main ingredients in fried rice?
Rice, veggies, egg, soy sauce, garlic, and optional protein.
3. What gives Chinese fried rice its flavor?
Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and wok heat (“wok hei”).
4. How to make fried rice taste better?
Stir-fry cold rice with layers: aromatics → veggies → protein → rice → sauce → egg.