Easy Fried Rice Recipe

Easy fried rice recipe nights are the kind of dinners that fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of sizzling garlic, toasted sesame oil, and fluffy rice crackling in a hot pan. It’s the ultimate comfort dish — fast, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. Whether you’re craving homemade fried rice that tastes better than takeout fried rice or need a reliable, quick weeknight dinner, this Chinese-style favourite delivers every time. At recipeslaides, we believe simple ingredients like day-old rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs can transform into something unforgettable.

This easy fried rice recipe with leftover rice turns simple pantry staples into a savoury, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Fluffy grains, tender vegetables, and golden eggs come together in one sizzling pan for bold flavor and irresistible texture.

What Is Easy Fried Rice Recipe?

An easy fried rice recipe is a simplified version of traditional Chinese-style fried rice, made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, eggs, protein, and seasonings in a hot skillet or wok. If you’ve ever searched how to make fried rice, this method focuses on speed, flavor layering, and using everyday fried rice ingredients you likely already have at home.

The key? High heat, cold rice, and balanced seasoning.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish brings together everything we love about homemade fried rice — bold flavor, fast prep, and customizable ingredients. It truly tastes like better than takeout fried rice, but fresher and more budget-friendly.

• Quick to make
• Healthy flavor
• Flexible ingredients
• Meal-prep friendly
• Kid-friendly
• Budget-friendly

Reader Questions You May Have

• Why is restaurant fried rice so good?
• Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
• What gives fried rice authentic flavor?
• How do I make a simple fried rice recipe for beginners?

You’ll find all the answers below.

Ingredients

• 3 cups day-old rice (the best rice for fried rice)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (what oil is best for fried rice? Avocado or vegetable works well)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten for soft scrambled eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) — great for vegetable fried rice
• 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Diced chicken (for chicken fried rice)
• Shrimp (for shrimp fried rice)
• Leftover roasted veggies

Quick Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the pan properly.
   Use a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re wondering how to make fried rice without a wok, a wide nonstick skillet works perfectly — just avoid overcrowding.
2. Cook the eggs first.
   Add a splash of oil, pour in the eggs, and gently scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
   Micro-tip: Slightly undercook them — they’ll finish later.
3. Sauté aromatics.
   Add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and the white parts of green onions until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables.
   Stir-fry mixed vegetables for 2–3 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
5. Add the rice.
   Break apart clumps with a spatula. Press rice into the pan briefly — this creates that light crisp texture that makes it taste like restaurant-style.
6. Season.
   Drizzle soy sauce around the edges of the pan so it sizzles before mixing in. Add sesame oil and pepper.
7. Return eggs & finish.
   Fold scrambled eggs back in. Toss well until evenly coated.

Quick-fix: If your rice feels soggy, increase heat and cook 1–2 minutes longer without stirring.

This easy fried rice recipe with vegetables and egg pairs beautifully with dishes like Spinach Chicken Alfredo Delight for a comforting dinner spread.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Healthy Twist

Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. According to nutrition insights from Healthline. whole grains provide added fiber and nutrients.

Add edamame or extra vegetables for a boost.

Pair it with The Delicious Plate Moroccan Chickpea Salad for a balanced plate.

Budget-Friendly Version

This recipe shines as one of the best leftover rice recipes. Use frozen vegetables and any leftover protein. The USDA recommends quickly chilling rice after cooking for food safety.

Serve alongside Easy Mini Chicken Pot Pies for a hearty family dinner.

Kid-Friendly Option

Keep flavors mild and add small diced chicken or even tiny cubes of ham. You can also mix in extra scrambled eggs for a softer texture kids love.

High-Protein Upgrade

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This answers the common PASF question: What gives fried rice authentic flavor? It’s high heat, quality soy sauce, and balanced seasoning — not just protein.

Tips

• Use cold rice only. Fresh rice contains moisture and can turn mushy.
• High heat matters. Quick stir-frying keeps grains separate.
• Season gradually. You can add soy sauce, but you can’t remove it.
• Don’t overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed to maintain wok cooking temperature.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How do you reheat fried rice without drying it out?
Add 1 tablespoon water, cover loosely, and microwave until steamy. Or reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil.

This easy fried rice recipe with leftover rice reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use freshly cooked rice?

It’s possible, but spread it out and cool completely first. Cold, dry rice prevents clumping.

2. What is the best rice for fried rice?

Medium to long-grain white rice works best because it stays separate.

3. Why is restaurant fried rice so good?

High heat, fast cooking, and proper oil distribution create that signature smoky flavor.

4. How to make fried rice taste authentic?

Use sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and cook quickly over high heat.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip meat and load up on vegetables or tofu.

6. What pairs well with fried rice?

It complements dishes like Burger Quesadillas for a fun fusion dinner.

Nutrition

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 320–380
• Protein: 10–18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g

Final Notes

Nutritional values vary depending on protein and portion size.

Easy Fried Rice Recipe

laides

This easy fried rice recipe is a quick weeknight dinner made with day-old rice, vegetables, scrambled eggs, and savory soy sauce. Better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine Asian, Chinese

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Wok Preferred for authentic flavor and high-heat cooking
• 1 Large Skillet Use if you don’t have a wok
• 1 Spatula or wooden spoon For breaking apart rice and stirring
• 1 Mixing bowl For beating eggs

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked day-old white rice cold and separated
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or avocado oil
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 green onions sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Step 1

• Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 2

• Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat the pan.

Step 3

• Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

• Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

• Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6

• Add the cold day-old rice. Break apart clumps with a spatula and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.

Step 7

• Drizzle soy sauce around the edges of the pan and toss to coat evenly.

Step 8

• Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix thoroughly.

Step 9

• Drizzle sesame oil over the rice and stir well.

Step 10

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Step 11

• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

• Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
• Freshly cooked rice can become mushy.
• Cook over high heat to achieve restaurant-style flavor.
• For extra protein, add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Keyword better than takeout fried rice, Chinese-style fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, homemade fried rice, quick weeknight dinner

There’s something magical about turning simple pantry staples into a steaming bowl of comfort. This easy fried rice recipe proves that with the right heat, seasoning, and technique, you can create bold flavor in minutes. From the nutty aroma of sesame oil to the fluffy texture of perfectly cooked rice, every bite feels satisfying and homemade.

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