If you’re looking for that one dish everyone craves on a busy weeknight—or the ultimate way to clear out your fridge—look no further than this Easy and Delicious Fried Rice. It’s endlessly adaptable, packs a punch of comforting flavors, and comes together faster than takeout ever could!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in Under 20 Minutes: You can whip up this Easy and Delicious Fried Rice from scratch even on your busiest weeknight—prep to plate in a flash!
- One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, since everything cooks up together for a beloved, quick meal.
- Make the Most of Leftovers: This recipe transforms yesterday’s rice and lingering veggies into something everyone will line up for seconds to enjoy.
- Totally Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, toss in some cooked chicken or tofu, or dial up the seasoning to match your cravings—it’s virtually foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fried rice is one of those rare meals that delivers big flavor with a surprisingly short ingredient list. Each element here plays a starring role, from buttery scrambled eggs and sweet carrots to just the right hit of savory sauce—resulting in that signature Easy and Delicious Fried Rice flavor you know and love!
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps everything sizzle and brown perfectly.
- Eggs: Give the dish a satisfying, protein-packed boost and a lovely texture.
- Carrots: Classic for color and a little pop of sweetness; dice them small for fast, even cooking.
- White onion: Brings delicate savory flavor and irresistible aroma to every bite.
- Frozen peas: Add a tender burst of green and flavor—no need to thaw in advance!
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that crave-worthy warming depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning at every stage.
- Cooked and chilled short-grain white rice: Cold rice is key for avoiding mushiness and getting those delicious crispy bits.
- Green onions: Sprinkle in a punch of freshness and bright color at the end.
- Soy sauce: Delivers that classic umami and just enough saltiness—taste and add more if you like!
- Oyster sauce (optional): Adds a layer of savory-sweet depth for extra restaurant-style flair.
- Toasted sesame oil: Just a drizzle at the finish infuses an unmistakable nutty aroma.
Variations
Another reason I keep coming back to this Easy and Delicious Fried Rice recipe? It’s such a breeze to adapt based on what’s in your fridge and the flavors you crave. Don’t be afraid to get creative—trust me, the possibilities are endless!
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal that’s still lightning-fast.
- Go veg-forward: Try chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or snap peas for even more veggie goodness.
- Extra heat: Toss in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a little sriracha for those who like things spicy.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce—it’s just as tasty!
How to Make Easy and Delicious Fried Rice
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Start by melting just a touch of butter in your biggest skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the whisked eggs and gently scramble them until just set. Once they’re fluffy and cooked through, go ahead and slide them out onto a plate to wait for their starring moment later.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add another tablespoon of butter to the same pan, letting it melt, then toss in your diced carrots, onion, peas, and garlic. Sprinkle everything generously with salt and pepper. Let those veggies cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the carrots become perfectly tender—about 5 minutes or so.
Step 3: Add Rice & Sauces
Crank the heat up to high and add the remaining butter. Once it’s melted and bubbling, dump in your chilled rice, sliced green onions, soy sauce, and (if using) a splash of oyster sauce. Give everything a solid stir to combine, then spread the rice out and let it sit for a minute or two between stirs—this helps it get those golden-brown crispy edges everyone loves!
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Gently fold the scrambled eggs back in, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the rice. Take the pan off the heat and drizzle in the toasted sesame oil—just a little goes a long way. Give it all a final toss, taste, and add more soy sauce if needed. Your Easy and Delicious Fried Rice is ready to devour!
Pro Tips for Making Easy and Delicious Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be gummy; using rice that’s been chilled overnight ensures those signature separate grains and amazing crispy bits.
- Go for High Heat: Cranking up the heat when frying the rice helps achieve that perfect restaurant-style texture and smoky flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook your rice in batches—overcrowding can make the rice soggy instead of irresistible.
- Finish with Sesame Oil Off Heat: Adding sesame oil at the end (not during cooking) keeps its aroma vibrant, balancing your Easy and Delicious Fried Rice beautifully.
How to Serve Easy and Delicious Fried Rice
Garnishes
A simple shower of sliced green onions instantly makes your fried rice look (and taste!) extra fresh. If you want a little more crunch and flavor, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds or a handful of crispy fried shallots. For those who love heat, a quick drizzle of chili oil or sriracha is never out of place.
Side Dishes
While Easy and Delicious Fried Rice totally shines as a meal on its own, it also plays well alongside classics like crispy spring rolls, refreshing cucumber salad, or a simple bowl of miso soup. If you’re feeling hungry, add a plate of teriyaki chicken or grilled tofu for an irresistibly satisfying dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, scoop the fried rice into individual bowls or even pack it into cups and flip them onto plates for restaurant-worthy domes. If you have kids (or just want a bit of fun), use a cookie cutter to shape the rice, or add a smiley face with strips of seaweed and dots of ketchup!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy and Delicious Fried Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container—this keeps the rice from turning soggy while it waits for your next craving!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze fried rice! Spoon portions into resealable freezer bags, press out the excess air, and freeze flat for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat straight from frozen for a no-fuss lunch or dinner.
Reheating
To revive leftover rice, sprinkle a teaspoon or two of water over it before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop. Cover the pan to steam it through, or uncover it to re-crisp the edges and bring those irresistible toasty bits back to life!
FAQs
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Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
For best results, use rice that’s been cooked and chilled for several hours (ideally overnight). Fresh rice tends to be too moist and may result in a mushier texture. If you’re in a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge (or freezer for 30 minutes) before cooking.
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Is oyster sauce necessary for Easy and Delicious Fried Rice?
No, oyster sauce is optional! It adds a lovely depth and touch of sweetness, but your fried rice will still be absolutely scrumptious with just soy sauce, especially if you want to keep it vegetarian.
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Can I make Easy and Delicious Fried Rice gluten-free?
Definitely—simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Also, double-check your oyster sauce or skip it, since some brands may contain wheat.
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What’s the best pan for cooking fried rice?
A nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet works wonders for stir-fried rice since it lets you use high heat without worrying about sticking. That said, any large pan will do the trick—just keep stirring and scraping up any flavorful bits!
Final Thoughts
Give this Easy and Delicious Fried Rice a try, and you’ll see just how satisfying a quick, homemade meal can be. It’s a cozy favorite that brings everyone together—so grab your pan and let’s get cooking!
Print
Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Saute, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fried Rice recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side. Packed with veggies, eggs, and savory flavors, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably short-grain white rice)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3–4 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the whisked eggs and cook until scrambled. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Sauté carrots, onion, peas, and garlic with salt and pepper until soft.
- Fry the Rice: Increase heat, add remaining butter, then stir in rice, green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Sauté to fry the rice.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked eggs, sesame oil, and additional soy sauce if needed. Stir to combine and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a nonstick or cast-iron pan for best results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
