Irresistible Fried Rice Recipe That Sparks Joy Every Time

Cooking a perfect batch of homemade fried rice sends delightful aromas wafting through the kitchen.

This classic fried rice recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Crisp vegetables and tender proteins dance together in a savory symphony of tastes.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a satisfying meal that goes beyond simple sustenance.

Fragrant jasmine rice provides the ideal canvas for bold seasonings and colorful mix-ins.

Weeknight dinners transform when you master this quick and delicious method of preparing fried rice.

The best part?

You can customize this versatile dish with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Serve Fried Rice with Extras or Solo

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Pile the fried rice on a vibrant ceramic plate, creating a mountain-like mound that showcases the colorful vegetables and golden-brown rice grains.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the dish with additional protein like grilled chicken strips, crispy tofu cubes, or quickly seared shrimp to make it more filling and nutritious.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, crispy fried shallots, or chopped peanuts over the rice for an exciting crunch that contrasts with the soft rice texture.
• Freshness Finish: Garnish with fresh herb sprigs like cilantro or Thai basil to add a bright, aromatic note that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Store Fried Rice and Keep It Fresh

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain rice texture.
• Portion rice into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store up to 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Sprinkle few drops of water before microwaving to restore moisture. Use medium heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with tiny splash of oil for crispy texture.
• Prepare rice components separately and store in individual containers. Keep cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and chopped vegetables separately. Mix and reheat just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.

FAQs

• Why should I use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumping and creates a better texture. Fresh rice contains more moisture and can make your fried rice mushy and soggy.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the protein or replace it with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. The recipe is very adaptable to different dietary preferences.

• How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?

Use cold, day-old rice, cook on high heat, and avoid adding too much sauce. Spread the rice in the pan and let it crisp up without constant stirring, which helps maintain a great texture.

• What type of rice works best for fried rice?

Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works best. These varieties have less starch and remain separate when cooked, creating the ideal fried rice texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Fried Rice Ingredient List for Takeout Lovers

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness, choose low-sodium for better control of salt levels.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides rich, caramel-like depth with a savory punch, look for authentic brands from Asian markets.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty, aromatic essence, use dark toasted variety for maximum flavor impact.
• Sugar: Balances and rounds out sauce complexity, optional but recommended for authentic taste.

• Eggs: Creates soft, fluffy texture and adds protein, use fresh room temperature eggs for best scrambling.
• Protein (Optional): Chicken, Shrimp, Pork: Adds substantial nutrition and hearty character, pre-cook and season before adding.

• Rice: Preferably day-old cold rice prevents mushiness and promotes perfect crispy texture.
• Carrots, Peas: Bring vibrant color and sweet crunch, use frozen for convenience or fresh for optimal texture.
• Garlic: Infuses bold aromatic base, fresh minced provides most intense flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp finish and bright visual appeal, slice thinly for even distribution.

Tools for That Better-Than-Takeout Finish

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying and mixing ingredients quickly and evenly.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the sauce ingredients.
• Spatula: Crucial for breaking up rice clumps and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients until well combined.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Used for precise vegetable and green onion chopping.

Stir-Fry Fried Rice in Your Own Kitchen

• Whip Up the Flavor Base

Create a zippy sauce by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness in a small bowl. Set this flavor bomb aside.

• Scramble Golden Eggs

Warm up a skillet with a splash of oil. Crack eggs into the pan and softly scramble until just set. Scoop them out and keep warm.

• Sizzle Colorful Veggies

Drizzle more oil into the pan. Toss in vibrant peas, carrots, and minced garlic. Let them dance and soften for a couple of minutes.

• Transform the Rice

Crank up the heat. Dump in your chilled rice, breaking apart any stubborn clumps. Mix thoroughly with the veggie medley.

• Sauce and Coat

Pour your prepared sauce over the rice. Toss everything until each grain glistens with delicious flavor.

• Bring It All Together

Fold in the scrambled eggs and any protein you’re using. Keep stirring until everything is steaming hot.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle chopped green onions across the top. Give a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your incredible creation. Add extra green onions or sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips That Add More Crunch and Umami

• Day-old cold rice works best for authentic fried rice texture, preventing mushy results and ensuring perfect separated grains.
• Always use a scorching hot wok or skillet to achieve that signature restaurant-style wok hei flavor and prevent soggy rice.
• Gently break rice clusters with a spatula and continuously stir to create even heat distribution and crispy edges.
• Swap proteins easily by using chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef – each adds unique flavor and nutritional variety.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers, edamame, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create personal flair.

Mouthwatering Fried Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory Better Than Takeout Fried Rice delivers authentic Asian flavors with minimal effort. Quick homemade preparation lets home cooks recreate restaurant-quality dishes without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups (600 g) white rice, cooked and cooled (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu)
• ½ cup diced ham or cooked bacon
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• ½ cup (60 g) green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined, setting aside for later use.
2. Egg Transformation: Heat skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat, pour beaten eggs, and create soft scrambled curds. Remove eggs and reserve momentarily.
3. Vegetable Sauté: Reintroduce skillet with oil, add peas, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
4. Rice Integration: Increase heat to medium-high, introduce pre-cooled rice. Break down rice clusters with spatula, ensuring even mixing with vegetables and creating crispy edges.
5. Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared sauce over rice mixture, tossing thoroughly to distribute seasonings and develop complex flavor profile.
6. Final Composition: Fold scrambled eggs and protein back into rice, continuing to stir and heat until everything is uniformly warm and well-incorporated.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions across dish, adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to serving plate, optionally topping with additional green onions or sesame seeds for enhanced visual appeal and texture.

Notes

Maximize Rice Texture: Use day-old, cold rice to prevent soggy, clumpy fried rice and ensure each grain remains distinct and perfectly separated.

Prevent Burning: Maintain medium-high heat and continuously stir ingredients to avoid scorching and create even, golden-brown caramelization throughout the dish.

Protein Flexibility: Swap proteins effortlessly – try diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or leftover meat to customize the fried rice according to personal preference or dietary needs.

Sauce Balance: Adjust sauce proportions gradually, tasting as you mix to control saltiness and sweetness, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile that doesn’t overwhelm the rice’s natural taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg