Easy Fried Rice is the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something fast, comforting, and wildly satisfying—all in one pan! Whether you’re using up leftovers or just craving takeout flavors at home, this Chinese restaurant classic is a guaranteed winner that the whole family will crave week after week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Quick: You can have a hot, homemade dinner on the table in just 20 minutes, making it weeknight perfection.
- Customizable Comfort: Mix in your favorite proteins or veggies—Easy Fried Rice is endlessly adaptable for picky eaters and veggie lovers alike.
- Just-Like-Takeout Flavor: With a few clever tricks, you get all the irresistible savory taste of your favorite takeout, but fresher and lighter.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together in a single skillet or wok, so you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
If you peek inside your fridge or pantry, you’re likely to find every ingredient needed for Easy Fried Rice right now! Each one is essential—not just for flavor but also for that signature mix of textures and colors you expect from a great fried rice.
- Cooked Rice (4 cups): Day-old rice is best for perfect, chewy grains that don’t clump or get mushy in the pan. Both long and short-grain work like a charm.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps everything sizzle—swap with oil for a slightly lighter option.
- Large Eggs (2, whisked): These create soft little curds throughout the rice and boost the protein to make this a true meal.
- Chopped Onion (½ cup): Sweet and savory, onion gives depth and classic fried rice aroma.
- Chopped Carrots (½ cup): For pops of color and subtle earthiness; dice them small for fast, even cooking.
- Frozen Peas (½ cup): No need to thaw—just toss them in for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Minced Garlic (1-2 teaspoons): For that savory, irresistible flavor that makes fried rice sing.
- Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons, lite): Adds that salty, savory backbone—taste and add more if desired.
- Sesame Oil or Oyster Sauce (½ teaspoon): Optional but highly recommended for the signature, nutty aroma and an extra layer of umami.
- Salt and Pepper: To round out and sharpen all the flavors—season to your liking just before serving.
Variations
The beauty of Easy Fried Rice? You can honestly make it your own every single time. Don’t hesitate to swap in what you love, need to use up, or fits your dietary goals—fried rice is your delicious blank canvas!
- Veggie Packed: Add in diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or even baby spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein Power: Toss in leftover cooked chicken, pork, shrimp, or even diced steak for a heartier, more filling meal.
- Plant-Based Swap: Skip the eggs or substitute with scrambled tofu and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a tasty vegan version.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of sriracha, chili sauce, or freshly minced ginger to bring a gentle heat to your fried rice.
How to Make Easy Fried Rice
Step 1: Chill the Rice
This is the trick to the very best fried rice—use cold, previously cooked rice! Spread your freshly cooked rice on a plate or baking sheet and quickly chill it in the refrigerator. This ensures each grain stays separate and gets those yummy, golden bits when stir-fried.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies in Butter
In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and carrots, and stir for a couple of minutes until they start to soften and the onions turn just translucent—this base is what gives your Easy Fried Rice that signature color and mellow sweetness.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Peas
Stir in the minced garlic and frozen peas; keep things moving around the pan for about a minute to wake up the garlic’s aroma and let the peas brighten up the skillet. It’s a tiny step that makes a world of difference!
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour your whisked eggs into the empty side. Quickly scramble them, then combine everything together—eggs, veggies, and all. You’ll get perfectly fluffy, golden bites in every forkful.
Step 5: Add Rice and Sauces
Gently fold in your cold, cooked rice, breaking up any large clumps as you go. Pour over the soy sauce and sesame oil (or oyster sauce if you’re feeling fancy). Toss to coat every grain and let it all sizzle for a few minutes so those flavors infuse and the rice picks up that mouthwatering color.
Step 6: Season and Serve
A final taste test is key—add salt, pepper, or a splash more soy sauce until the flavors sparkle. Serve your Easy Fried Rice while it’s piping hot, either as a main dish or an unbeatable side.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Fried Rice
- Rice Prep Magic: Use refrigerated, fully cooled cooked rice—the drier, the better—to get truly separated, chewy fried rice without any clumping.
- High Heat Advantage: Cook over medium-high to high heat; this allows everything to sear quickly and gives you those coveted golden, slightly crispy bits throughout.
- Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Start with the recommended amount of soy sauce and add more only as needed, so you get flavor without soggy rice.
- Stir-Fry Fast: Keep ingredients moving in the pan—stir constantly to ensure even cooking and avoid anything sticking or browning too much in one spot.
How to Serve Easy Fried Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions instantly lifts the dish, while a scatter of toasted sesame seeds adds delightful nutty crunch. For a finishing touch, a light drizzle of extra sesame oil or chili crisp gives your Easy Fried Rice both shine and flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This versatile fried rice pairs perfectly with everything from simple stir-fried veggies and steamed dumplings to crispy spring rolls or a tangy Asian slaw. It also makes a wonderful base for grilled chicken, marinated tofu, or any of your favorite takeout-inspired mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful dinner, serve Easy Fried Rice in individual bowls topped with a poached or fried egg. Want to get fancy? Pile it in a pineapple half for a tropical night-in or use small ramekins to press and unmold for perfect rice domes at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Easy Fried Rice into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge—it stays delicious for up to 3 days without losing its texture or flavor. It actually makes for a stellar next-day lunch straight from the fridge (trust me, I’ve done it more times than I can count!).
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze fried rice! Pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers, lay them flat, and freeze for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best results—this way, every bite reheats evenly and tastes wonderfully fresh.
Reheating
Warm leftover Easy Fried Rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems a little dry. You can also use the microwave—just keep it loosely covered and stir every 30 seconds so it heats through without drying out.
FAQs
-
Can I make Easy Fried Rice with freshly cooked rice?
While you technically can, using hot, just-cooked rice tends to make fried rice mushy and sticky. For truly perfect Easy Fried Rice, chill your rice first—the grains will stay separate and give you the best texture.
-
What other vegetables can I add to Easy Fried Rice?
You can toss in almost any veggie you love or need to use up—think bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, broccoli, snap peas, or even leafy greens like spinach. The key is to dice everything small for even, speedy cooking.
-
How do I make Easy Fried Rice gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that any add-ins like oyster or hoisin sauce are certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
-
Is Easy Fried Rice good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days. Portion it into containers, and you’ve got a quick grab-and-go lunch or a super fast dinner ready for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Fried Rice—it’s pure weeknight magic, and just as tasty for lunch the next day. Whether you keep it classic or get a little creative, you’re just 20 minutes away from cozy, customizable comfort in a bowl. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Easy Fried Rice that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with cooked rice, eggs, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this homemade fried rice is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked rice, long or short grain
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs, whisked
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce, more if desired
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, or oyster sauce
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chill the Cooked Rice: Place the cooked rice in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
- Cook Vegetables and Eggs: In a large skillet or wok, melt butter and sauté onion and carrots. Add garlic and peas. Push the vegetables to one side and scramble the eggs in the skillet. Stir everything together.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Gently stir in the chilled cooked rice. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice while warm.
Notes
- Add more veggies like mushrooms, chopped broccoli, and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make it a complete meal, mix in cooked protein such as diced chicken, pork, steak, or shrimp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
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