Easy Fried Rice
A quick and delicious 20-minute meal that transforms leftover rice and simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish. This versatile Easy Fried Rice recipe works beautifully as a main course or satisfying side.
Easy Easy Fried Rice Recipe
There’s something truly magical about a well-made fried rice dish. This Easy Fried Rice recipe captures all the authentic flavors of your favorite takeout spot but comes together in minutes using simple pantry staples. As a staple in Asian cuisine, fried rice originated as a clever way to use leftover rice, transforming yesterday’s basics into today’s crave-worthy meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or trying to recreate your favorite restaurant experience at home, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. It’s especially perfect during busy seasons when time is limited but you still want something satisfying and homemade.
THIS RECIPE:
- Uses cold leftover rice for the perfect texture
- Comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Easily customizable with whatever proteins and vegetables you have on hand
- Creates restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Yield | About 4 cups |
This Easy Fried Rice recipe is the ultimate kitchen chameleon – it works as a complete meal on its own, a satisfying side dish, or the perfect vehicle for using up leftover vegetables and proteins. The beauty lies in its simplicity and forgiving nature. Even beginners can create a delicious result, while experienced cooks can appreciate how this humble dish showcases the importance of proper technique and timing.
Ingredients for Easy Fried Rice
The secret to truly outstanding fried rice lies in the quality and preparation of your ingredients. While this dish forgives many substitutions, starting with fresh components will elevate the final result. Cold leftover rice is actually preferred here – freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can create a soggy finished dish.
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old jasmine or long-grain white rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup diced cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu)
- 1/2 cup additional vegetables (bell peppers, bean sprouts, corn, etc.)
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | 3 cups cooked | Use day-old refrigerated rice; jasmine or long-grain white rice works best |
| Aromatics | 1/2 cup onion + 2-3 cloves garlic + 2 green onions | Fresh garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced |
| Vegetables | 1 cup frozen peas & carrots | Fresh vegetables work too but require additional cooking time |
| Protein | 1 cup (optional) | Pre-cook proteins separately for food safety |
| Sauce Components | 4 tablespoons total | Low-sodium soy sauce allows better flavor control |
For the best Easy Fried Rice, use cold rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. This produces distinct grains that won’t clump together during cooking. If you’re short on time, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours to cool it quickly.
How to Make Easy Fried Rice
Creating perfect Easy Fried Rice is all about high heat and quick cooking. The process moves rapidly once you begin, so having all ingredients prepped and ready before heating your pan is essential. A well-seasoned wok is traditional, but any large non-stick skillet or frying pan with high sides will work beautifully.
Prepare your work area:
- Gather and measure all ingredients before starting
- Separate the white and green parts of your green onions
- Mix your sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside
- Ensure your rice is cold and the grains are separated
Cook the eggs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat
- Pour in beaten eggs and cook for 30-45 seconds until just set
- Fold the eggs onto themselves to create large soft curds
- Transfer eggs to a plate and set aside
Sauté the aromatics and vegetables:
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan
- Add diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent
- Add garlic, ginger (if using), and white parts of green onions
- Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add peas and carrots (and any other vegetables) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes
Add rice and protein:
- Add cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until rice is heated through
- If adding pre-cooked protein, add it now and mix well
Season and finish:
- Pour sauce mixture evenly over rice
- Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until sauce is evenly distributed
- Add cooked eggs back to the pan and gently fold in
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with green parts of green onions
Allow the finished Easy Fried Rice to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the flavors meld together more harmoniously.
Tips for Making Easy Fried Rice
Pro tip: The key to restaurant-quality fried rice is cooking in small batches with high heat. If doubling the recipe, cook in two separate batches rather than overcrowding your pan.
- Always use cold rice – warm rice will create a gummy texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, which leads to steaming rather than frying
- Keep ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning
- Have everything prepped before beginning – this recipe moves quickly
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Preparation | Use day-old rice | Fresh rice contains too much moisture |
| Heat Level | Medium-high to high | Creates proper searing and prevents sogginess |
| Pan Selection | Wok or large non-stick skillet | Allows ingredients to move freely when tossing |
| Cooking Method | Continuous movement | Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking |
For truly authentic Easy Fried Rice, a properly seasoned carbon steel wok provides the best “wok hei” – that distinctive charred aroma that makes restaurant fried rice so irresistible. However, don’t worry if you don’t have one; a good quality non-stick skillet will still produce excellent results.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Easy Fried Rice is incredibly convenient for meal prep and can be prepared in stages to make weeknight cooking even faster.
For the ultimate convenience, you can prepare all components separately up to 3 days in advance:
- Cook rice 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container
- Chop all vegetables and store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Mix the sauce ingredients and refrigerate in a small jar for up to 1 week
- Pre-cook any proteins and refrigerate separately for up to 2 days
On cooking day, simply bring all ingredients to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating. The actual stir-fry process will take less than 10 minutes when everything is prepped in advance.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored Easy Fried Rice makes excellent leftovers that maintain their flavor and texture for several days. For food safety, cool the fried rice completely before transferring to storage containers.
Store leftover Easy Fried Rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best quality, use shallow containers that allow the rice to cool quickly, minimizing the risk of bacterial growth.
When reheating, add a small sprinkle of water (about 1 teaspoon per cup of rice) to help rejuvenate the grains. Microwave covered with a damp paper towel, or reheat in a skillet with a small amount of oil until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Freezing Easy Fried Rice
Easy Fried Rice freezes surprisingly well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick future dinners.
To freeze properly:
- Cool the fried rice completely
- Portion into meal-sized servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing
- Label with the date and contents
- Freeze flat if using bags to allow for quicker thawing
Frozen Easy Fried Rice maintains quality for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat from frozen, use the microwave with a damp paper towel cover, adding an extra minute to your usual reheating time. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet with a tablespoon of oil, stirring frequently until thoroughly heated.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Fried Rice works beautifully both as a main dish and as a complementary side. Here are some perfect pairings and presentation ideas:
As a main course, consider serving with:
- Fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
- Steamed or roasted broccoli with a drizzle of sesame oil
- Quick pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
- Crispy wonton strips or toasted sesame seeds as a garnish
As a side dish, Easy Fried Rice pairs wonderfully with:
- Teriyaki chicken or beef
- Sweet and sour pork
- Kung pao tofu
- Chinese-style garlic green beans
- Honey-glazed salmon
For beverages, consider:
- Jasmine tea (hot or iced)
- Light lagers or pilsners
- Dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer
- Plum wine
- Lychee-based cocktails
Serve the Easy Fried Rice hot, in wide shallow bowls for casual dining, or on a large platter family-style for gatherings. A final sprinkle of sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or crispy fried garlic adds both visual appeal and a fresh flavor boost.
FAQ
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While day-old rice produces the best texture, you can use fresh rice in a pinch. After cooking, spread the rice on a baking sheet in a thin layer and place in the refrigerator uncovered for 1-2 hours to cool and dry slightly. This removes excess moisture that would otherwise make your fried rice soggy.
What’s the best substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or need a vegetarian option, you can substitute with an additional 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce mixed with 1/2 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vegetable bouillon. Hoisin sauce also works as a substitute, though it will add a sweeter flavor profile.
Why does my fried rice get mushy?
Mushy fried rice typically results from three common issues: using warm rice, overcrowding the pan, or cooking at too low a temperature. Always use cold rice, cook in batches if needed, and maintain a medium-high to high heat throughout the cooking process.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit animal proteins and use more vegetables. For a vegan version, also skip the eggs and substitute oyster sauce with a vegan alternative like mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce. Consider adding crispy tofu or tempeh for protein.
How can I add more flavor to my fried rice?
For enhanced flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of five-spice powder, a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce, or a teaspoon of rice wine. You can also finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality sesame oil just before serving or incorporate umami-rich ingredients like shiitake mushrooms or a splash of fish sauce during cooking.
