The Best Fried Rice Recipe for Your Family’s Dinner Joy

Whipping up a delectable fried rice dish brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Kernels of steamed white rice dance with colorful vegetables and savory proteins in this classic Asian comfort meal.

Crispy edges and rich umami flavors await you in every delightful bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with simple ingredients.

Fragrant garlic and soy sauce create an irresistible aroma that signals something extraordinary is happening on the stovetop.

Bold yet balanced seasonings make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

You’ll want to grab your wok and start cooking immediately to experience this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Fried Rice Is Always A Good Idea

• Quick Culinary Adventure: Dive into a simple yet satisfying cooking experience that transforms basic ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Customize this fried rice with whatever vegetables or protein you have on hand, making it a perfect pantry-cleaning recipe that adapts to your ingredients.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that streamlines cooking and reduces dish-washing time, perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenience.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, combining crispy rice, tender vegetables, and a savory butter-soy sauce that elevates a classic dish.

What Goes Into Fried Rice

• Rice: Long-grain white rice that provides the base for this classic stir-fried dish.
• Egg: Protein-rich ingredient that adds texture and flavor to the fried rice.
• Soy Sauce: Savory condiment that enhances the overall taste and provides a rich umami flavor.

• Carrots, Peas, Onion: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that add sweetness, texture, and depth to the dish.

• Butter, Oil, Sesame Oil: Fats that help prevent sticking and add richness and distinctive flavor to the fried rice.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How To Whip Up Fried Rice At Home

Step 1: Prepare Cold Rice

Cook rice following package directions. Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to ensure each grain separates perfectly during frying.

Step 2: Whip Butter Mixture

Soften butter at room temperature. Blend softened butter with soy sauce until loosely combined.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour whisked eggs and cook until creating soft, fluffy scrambled pieces. Transfer eggs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Carrots
• Peas
• Onions

Season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables become tender and slightly crisp. Remove from skillet.

Step 5: Toast Rice Grains

Add additional oil to skillet. Spread cold rice evenly. Toss rice frequently to prevent sticking and create golden edges. Cook for 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Infuse Flavor

Pour butter-soy sauce mixture over rice. Stir continuously to distribute seasoning evenly. Continue cooking until rice turns uniform golden color.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Reintroduce scrambled eggs and sautéed vegetables to skillet. Drizzle with sesame oil. Stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve piping hot.

Smart Tips For Making Fried Rice Right

• Chill Rice Strategically: Refrigerate rice for at least 1 hour to prevent clumping and ensure perfect texture during frying.
• Prevent Burning Brilliantly: Stir rice every 30 seconds and adjust heat to maintain even browning without scorching.
• Balance Flavor Expertly: Mix butter and soy sauce for a rich, umami-packed seasoning that coats rice evenly.
• Vegetable Versatility: Swap or add different vegetables based on preference, keeping cooking time consistent for tender results.
• Oil Management Trick: Use small splashes of oil between cooking stages to prevent sticking and maintain clean skillet surface.

Tasty Twists On Classic Fried Rice

• Protein Power Boost: Replace scrambled egg with diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed version.
• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Swap meat protein with extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or gochujang for a fiery flavor profile that elevates the classic fried rice recipe.

Good Pairings For Fried Rice Meals

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Pair Fried Rice with Complementary Tastes
• Crisp Asian Beer Pairing: Grab a light lager like Sapporo or Tsingtao to cut through the richness of the fried rice. The clean, crisp flavor balances the savory and slightly oily dish perfectly.
• Zesty Citrus Salad Companion: Whip up a quick cucumber and mandarin orange salad with rice vinegar dressing. The bright, tangy notes will refresh the palate and provide a light contrast to the hearty rice.
• Bold Wine Selection: Choose a slightly chilled Riesling with a touch of sweetness. Its subtle fruity undertones and balanced acidity will enhance the soy sauce and vegetable flavors without overwhelming the dish.

How To Store Fried Rice After Cooking

• Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled fried rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air before sealing. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil or butter.

FAQs For Homemade Fried Rice

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

Cold rice has less moisture and holds its shape better during frying, preventing mushy texture and allowing each grain to crisp up nicely.

• Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice?

No, fresh rice contains more moisture and will become sticky and clump together, resulting in a soggy fried rice that lacks the desired texture and individual grain separation.

• What type of oil works best for fried rice?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal because they can withstand high heat and won’t overpower the other flavors in the dish.

• How do I prevent my fried rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick skillet or wok, ensure the pan is hot before adding rice, and stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

Fried Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 14–15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible Chinese Fried Rice brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with its perfect blend of fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and savory proteins. Quick and easy preparation makes this classic dish a go-to meal when you crave something delicious and satisfying.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice
• 1 egg
• 2 –3 tablespoons peanut (canola, or vegetable oil)

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup white onion

Seasonings and Fats:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice ahead of time by cooking and refrigerating for at least 1 hour, ensuring grains are cold and separated for optimal frying texture.
2. Create a flavor base by mixing softened butter with soy sauce, allowing the ingredients to meld at room temperature.
3. Warm a large skillet over medium heat and quickly scramble the egg into small, fluffy curds. Transfer to a separate plate, keeping the egg light and airy.
4. In the same skillet, sauté carrots, peas, and onions until they become tender and slightly translucent, seasoning with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
5. Increase skillet heat and introduce cold rice, spreading it evenly across the surface. Toss frequently to prevent sticking and encourage light caramelization, approximately 4-5 minutes.
6. Drizzle the butter-soy sauce mixture over the rice, stirring continuously to ensure each grain absorbs the savory coating and develops a uniform golden color.
7. Reintroduce scrambled egg and sautéed vegetables to the rice, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly. Finish with a delicate splash of sesame oil for added depth and aroma.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile before serving hot and fresh.

Notes

• Chill the rice overnight to prevent clumping and ensure each grain separates perfectly during frying.
• Use day-old rice or cold refrigerated rice for the best texture and prevent mushy results.
• Maintain medium-high heat while frying to create delicious crispy edges without burning the rice.
• Add protein variations like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more substantial and versatile.
• Keep ingredients prepped and ready before cooking to ensure quick and smooth stir-frying process.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations like bell peppers, corn, or edamame for added nutrition and color.
• Use a wide, flat-bottomed wok or large skillet to distribute heat evenly and allow proper rice movement.
• Customize seasoning with ginger, garlic, or chili sauce for extra flavor depth and personal touch.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (chilling rice)
• Cook Time: 13–14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg