This quick and easy Fried Rice recipe is perfect for repurposing leftover rice from last night's dinner! With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious side dish, ready in no time, that tastes just like takeout—if not better!
Try my unique and flavorful Curry Fried Rice next for a fun twist!
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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Better Than Takeout – This homemade version is just as flavorful (and I personally think it's actually better!) than your favorite takeout fried rice, and you can customize it depending on your tastes.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, this is the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious side dish in a pinch.
- Great for Using Up Leftovers – Somehow, I always tend to make enough rice to feed an army! Luckily, this recipe is the ultimate way to use up all of that leftover rice, turning it into a tasty, restaurant-quality dish with very minimal effort!
Fried Rice has always been one of my favorite side dishes. There’s just something I love about the combination of fluffy rice, savory flavors, and tender veggies that keeps me coming back for seconds. Whenever we order takeout, I always make sure to get an extra side of fried rice—because let’s be real, it’s just as good to eat for lunch the next day too! But after realizing how easy it is to make at home, I’ve started whipping up my own version whenever the craving hits. It’s quick, simple, and tastes just like anything you'd get at the restaurant!
The best part about homemade fried rice? It's so flexible so that you can easily use what you have on hand! I love using jasmine rice because it has the perfect texture, but any kind of rice works great! Sometimes, if I have it on hand, I'll even throw in leftover diced chicken or ham. And if you have a few random veggies in the produce drawer that are on their last leg, you can throw those in too! If you're looking for an easy side, and a way to use up that Tupperware of leftover rice in the back of the fridge, this fried rice recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!
🥘 Ingredients
- Jasmine or long-grain rice – Day-old rice works best for fried rice since it’s drier and won’t get mushy. But if you only freshly cooked rice, spread it on a plate or pan for 10 minutes to help it dry out a bit.
- Cornstarch – Sprinkling cornstarch over the rice helps absorb excess moisture and creates a slightly crispier texture.
- Butter – Adds a rich, restaurant-style flavor to the rice. Substitute with vegetable for a vegetarian/vegan dish.
- Frozen peas and carrots – A classic addition that adds color and sweetness.
- White onion – Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Minced garlic – Fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder can be used.
- Eggs – Scrambled eggs add protein and richness. You can leave them out for a vegetarian/vegan dish.
- Soy sauce – Provides the signature salty, umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish, or swap it for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Oyster sauce – Adds a rich, savory, and slightly sweet umami flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce or would like a vegetarian/vegan substitute, you can use hoisin sauce.
- Sesame oil – You only need a little bit to add that classic flavor found in Asian cuisine!
- Salt, pepper, and sugar – These 3 simple ingredients enhance all the flavors.
*Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the recipe card, which includes the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Add protein like diced chicken, shrimp, or ham.
- Stir in sriracha, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
- Add pineapple chunks and cashews for a sweet and savory Thai-inspired twist.
- Mix in chopped kimchi for a tangy, slightly spicy version with loads of umami.
🔪 How to Make Easy Fried Rice
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Set a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Melt the butter, and then add the diced onion. Cook until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Veggies: Add in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for a few minutes until they are thawed. Push everything to one side of the pan.
- Scramble the Eggs: Crack the eggs into the empty space on the other side of the pan. Scramble them until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Add in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of sugar to taste.
- Serve Hot and enjoy!
🧂 Serving Ideas
- Enjoy it on its own for a quick and satisfying meal! And add extra protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it heartier.
- Pair it with crispy egg rolls, fresh spring rolls, or beef wontons for the ultimate takeout-style experience.
- Serve it with a side of vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious meal.
- Pair it with other Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken, Mongolian beef, honey garlic shrimp, or orange chicken.
🍴Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Let the fried rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat the rice on the stovetop in a skillet with a little bit of butter or oil over medium heat, then stir-fry the rice for 3-5 minutes until heated through. The rice can also be microwaved by adding a splash of water and then covering it with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky. But if you don’t have day-old rice, you can use freshly cooked rice in a pinch! Simply spread it out on a plate or tray and let it dry out for 10-15 minutes before using it in the fried rice recipe.
- A light dusting of cornstarch helps absorb excess moisture and gives the rice a slightly crispier texture.
- Cooking on medium-high to high heat helps fry the rice quickly and gives it that authentic takeout-style texture.
- Overcrowding the pan can make the rice soggy. If making a large batch, cook in smaller portions for even frying.
- When adding eggs, push the veggies to one side of the pan so the eggs can scramble separately before mixing everything together.
- A little toasted sesame oil at the end adds amazing depth and aroma—don’t cook it too long, or it can lose its flavor.
💭 Easy Fried Rice FAQs
Yes! Brown rice works well, but it has a chewier texture and takes longer to cook. Make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using.
You can mix in things like broccoli, bell peppers, corn, snap peas, mushrooms, spinach, or bean sprouts—fried rice is super customizable so get creative with what you already have on hand!
📋 Recipe
Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice day-old, or spread on a plate for 10 minutes if fresh
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup white onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the rice with the cornstarch.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots, cooking until thawed. Push everything to one side of the pan.
- Crack the eggs into the empty space in the pan. Scramble them until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
- Stir in the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of sugar to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use chilled, day-old rice. Fresh rice should be dried out on a plate or tray for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Customize: Feel free to add in your favorite proteins (chicken, ham, pork, etc.) and veggies to make the fried rice your own.
- Adjust Sauce: You can modify the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil added for your preferred flavor preference.
- High Heat: Cook on high for crispy, fried rice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat on the stovetop.
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