Fried rice is a staple in Asian cuisine and a favorite worldwide. Whether you’re making chicken, shrimp, pork, or vegetable fried rice, this dish is incredibly versatile, quick, and easy.
With a few simple ingredients—day-old rice, soy sauce, eggs, and veggies—you can create a restaurant-quality fried rice that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prep.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Basic Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, cold rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or pork
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can be too soft and may turn mushy when fried.
- Dice all vegetables and set aside.
- Beat eggs in a bowl and season with a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add frozen peas and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice & Sauce
- Increase the heat to high and add the cold rice. Break up any clumps with a spatula.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until well combined.
Step 5: Add Protein & Eggs
- If using chicken, shrimp, beef, or pork, add it now and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Add scrambled eggs back to the pan and stir everything together.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Add green onions and stir for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
✔ Use Day-Old Rice: Cold rice fries better and prevents sogginess.
✔ High Heat is Key: This gives fried rice its signature wok-cooked flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary.
✔ Customize It: Swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Fresh Rice?
Yes! If using fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before frying.
2. What’s the Best Rice for Fried Rice?
Long-grain rice like Jasmine or Basmati works best because it stays fluffy.
3. How Do I Store & Reheat Fried Rice?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Homemade fried rice is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re making a simple veggie version or adding chicken, shrimp, or beef, this recipe will be a favorite in your kitchen.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! 😊🍚
Would you like a specific variation like chicken fried rice, shrimp fried rice, or spicy fried rice? Let me know!
