Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried Rice is an easy, one-pan dish that’s both satisfying and customizable. It’s the perfect way to transform leftover rice into a quick and delicious meal. The combination of crispy rice, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasonings makes for a dish that’s comforting yet light. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge, and you can use whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, fried rice is a simple and delicious option.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old rice for the best texture)

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)

  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)

  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

  • Protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp,  tofu, or just more veggies)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Rice:

    • Use day-old rice for the best fried rice, as it’s drier and less likely to get mushy when frying. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice and let it cool completely before using it.

  2. Cook the Eggs:

    • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

  4. Add the Rice:

    • Add the cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 5-7 minutes, letting it get slightly crispy and golden.

  5. Season the Rice:

    • Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and white pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed.

  6. Add the Eggs and Protein:

    • Return the cooked eggs to the pan and mix them into the rice. If you’re using any cooked protein, add it now and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

  7. Serve:

    • Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional sesame oil if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Add More Protein: Try adding chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to make the fried rice more filling. Simply cook the protein first, then add it back into the rice at the end.

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Skip the eggs and add tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.

  • Spicy Fried Rice: Add a few dashes of sriracha or chili paste for some heat.

  • Add Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, stir in some diced pineapple for a tropical flavor.

  • Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat fried rice in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to help rehydrate the rice if it becomes too dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less likely to turn mushy when fried. If you use fresh rice, make sure it’s cooled completely before using.

2. Can I make fried rice without a wok?

Yes, you can use a large skillet if you don’t have a wok. Just make sure it’s large enough to fit all the ingredients comfortably.

3. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the rice, and use a bit of oil to coat the pan. Stir the rice frequently to prevent it from sticking.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like. Common additions include peas, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let the rice cool completely before storing it.

6. Can I freeze fried rice?

Yes, fried rice freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil.

7. How can I make the fried rice less greasy?

Use a non-stick pan and be mindful of the oil amount. You can reduce the oil or use a cooking spray for less fat.

8. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it may take a little longer to fry since it has a firmer texture. Be sure to use well-cooked and cooled brown rice for the best results.

9. Can I make fried rice without soy sauce?

Yes, you can use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free version, or make your own homemade soy sauce substitute using ingredients like vegetable broth and seasoning.

10. What’s the best way to serve fried rice?

Fried rice can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, stir-fries, or as a standalone vegetarian meal.

Conclusion

Fried Rice is a versatile, easy, and quick dish that can be customized to your liking with any combination of vegetables, protein, and seasonings. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and create a delicious, satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you keep it simple with just vegetables or add your favorite protein, this dish will always be a hit!

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Fried Rice

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: undefined
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables. With a savory blend of soy sauce, vegetables, and protein of your choice, this dish is simple to make yet packed with delicious flavors. You can customize it to your liking, whether you prefer chicken, shrimp, tofu, or just vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old rice for the best texture)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, pork, tofu, or just more veggies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Use day-old rice for the best fried rice, as it’s drier and less likely to get mushy when frying. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice and let it cool completely before using it.
  2. Cook the Eggs: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the mixed vegetables and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Add the Rice: Add the cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 5-7 minutes, letting it get slightly crispy and golden.
  5. Season the Rice: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and white pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed.
  6. Add the Eggs and Protein: Return the cooked eggs to the pan and mix them into the rice. If you’re using any cooked protein, add it now and stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
  7. Serve: Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions and additional sesame oil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Add More Protein: Try adding chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to make the fried rice more filling. Simply cook the protein first, then add it back into the rice at the end.Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Skip the eggs and add tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.Spicy Fried Rice: Add a few dashes of sriracha or chili paste for some heat.Add Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, stir in some diced pineapple for a tropical flavor.Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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