Name: Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn); 3 green onions, sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Fried Rice is an absolute kitchen hero for busy weeknights and leftover transformations! It’s the kind of dish that checks all the right boxes: comforting, deliciously savory, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re working with veggies you already have on hand or looking for a quick way to turn yesterday’s rice into tonight’s flavor-packed dinner, this recipe brings color, texture, and taste together in a single wok. Get ready—your next favorite meal is about to unfold!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can deliver something seriously crave-worthy. Each component in Fried Rice adds its own special spark, from the hearty grains to pops of color and umami richness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each is essential:

Cooked and chilled white rice (3 cups): Day-old rice is the secret to perfect Fried Rice, ensuring plump grains that don’t clump together.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral and high-heat friendly, it helps everything stir-fry beautifully and absorb flavor.
Large eggs, lightly beaten (2): Scrambled eggs bring tender texture and that signature richness.
Small onion, finely chopped (1): Aromatic onion adds a soft sweetness and depth to every bite.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): A quick sauté brings out the savory aroma and elevates the entire dish.
Mixed vegetables (1 cup; peas, carrots, corn): For bursts of color, sweetness, and added nutrition.
Green onions, sliced (3): These fresh, zesty garnishes make each serving pop.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The classic boost of salty, umami depth that ties all the flavors together.
Oyster sauce, optional (1 tablespoon): If you have it, adds an extra layer of savory-sweet dimension.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle infuses the Fried Rice with nutty, toasty warmth.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: For seasoning everything to harmonious perfection.

How to Make Fried Rice

Step 1: Scramble the Eggs

Heat your wok or a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in the vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and watch as they fluff up instantly—give them a gentle scramble until just set, then slide them out of the pan and keep them handy for later. This step makes sure your eggs are soft and distinct, not lost in the mix.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

With that same shimmering oil, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir constantly as their aromas fill your kitchen—after about 2–3 minutes, they’ll be fragrant and translucent, setting up a flavorful base for your Fried Rice. Don’t skimp on this step; it’s what makes the dish incredibly savory.

Step 3: Add the Mixed Vegetables

Next up, pour in your mixed veggies—peas, carrots, corn, or whatever you have on hand. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until everything is just tender and vibrantly colored. The quick cook keeps them slightly crisp and bright, creating those beautiful flecks of color throughout your Fried Rice.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice

Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spoon. Keep things moving as you stir-fry for about 5 minutes. The grains should heat through, absorbing every bit of goodness from the pan. This is where day-old rice truly shines, with firm, chewy grains that soak up all the flavor.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Now, bring back the scrambled eggs and add them to the rice and veggies. Pour in your soy sauce, oyster sauce if desired, and drizzle on the sesame oil. Give everything a good toss so each mouthful is seasoned, savory, and just the right amount of moist. Final touch: Season to taste with salt and pepper.

How to Serve Fried Rice

Garnishes

A scattering of fresh sliced green onions over your Fried Rice adds a wonderful hit of color and a gentle zip of sharpness on top. If you love heat, toss on a few sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a visual and flavor boost. It’s a little extra that makes a world of difference.

Side Dishes

Pair your Fried Rice with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or even some sweet chili tofu for a complete meal. The beauty is, this dish holds its own but also complements a wide variety of flavors and textures on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun, try packing the Fried Rice into small bowls, pressing gently, and then inverting onto plates for cute rice domes. Or pile it high in a serving platter with extra garnishes for a family-style feast. Kids will love it with an extra swirl of sriracha or a sunny-side up egg on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fried Rice keeps beautifully for a busy day lunch or a mid-week snack. Let it cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s easy to grab and delicious cold or hot—no waste, just great food on demand.

Freezing

You can freeze Fried Rice for up to two months, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, flatten for quicker thawing, and label with the date. When you’re ready, just heat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a tiny splash of water over the rice to boost moisture, then microwave covered or re-stir fry in a hot skillet until steaming and revived. The skillet method restores its signature sizzle and even brings back a little crispy edge!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and even more fiber to your Fried Rice. Just make sure it’s cooked and chilled for the best texture.

What protein can I add to Fried Rice?

This recipe is endlessly versatile—try diced cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu for a protein boost. Simply stir in alongside the veggies to heat through.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and double-check your oyster sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Do I have to use day-old rice?

If you’re in a hurry, spread fresh rice on a tray and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes. The goal is to dry it out a bit for that ideal Fried Rice texture.

Can I cook Fried Rice without a wok?

Definitely! A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works just as well. The real secret is giving everything room to fry, not steam, in the pan.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made a big pan of Fried Rice lately, trust me—it’s about time. This recipe is my go-to for using up leftovers and dazzling hungry friends or family. Give it a try, make it your own with extra veggies or proteins, and get ready to fall in love with just how easy and flavorful homemade Fried Rice can be!

Fried Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This flavorful Fried Rice recipe is a classic Chinese dish made with cooked white rice, mixed vegetables, eggs, and a savory blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked and chilled white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Additional Ingredients:

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
3 green onions, sliced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Eggs: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, scramble eggs until just set, then set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Cook onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add Vegetables: Stir in mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
Stir-fry Rice: Add chilled rice to the pan and stir-fry until heated through.
Combine Ingredients: Return eggs to the skillet, pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing everything together.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.