By Tiffany Williams –
Fried rice is one of the easiest and most versatile meals you can make at home. It’s the perfect way to turn leftover rice and a handful of ingredients into a delicious dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Whether you’re using leftover chicken, beef, shrimp, or simply sticking with vegetables, fried rice is a budget-friendly recipe that delivers restaurant-style flavor without the takeout price.
The secret to great fried rice is using cold, day-old rice. Chilled rice stays firm as it cooks, allowing each grain to absorb the flavors of the seasonings while maintaining the perfect texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, freshly cooked rice can be spread onto a baking sheet and chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice, chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 pound cooked chicken, diced (optional)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Cook the diced onion for about two minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the peas and carrots and cook for two to three minutes until heated through.
Stir in the cooked chicken, if using, and cook until warmed.
Add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir frequently so the rice heats evenly.
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently fold them into the rice. Stir in the sliced green onions just before serving.
Serve immediately while hot.
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your fried rice with your favorite ingredients, including:
- Shrimp
- Cooked steak
- Ground pork
- Ham
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Water chestnuts
- Baby corn
- Snow peas
- Bean sprouts
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat
Serving Suggestions
This fried rice pairs well with:
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Steamed dumplings
- Teriyaki chicken
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Grilled shrimp
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Asian cucumber salad
Cooking With Tiffany Tip
The key to flavorful fried rice is cooking over medium-high to high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan. Let the rice sit for a minute or two between stirs so it develops slightly crispy edges. Adding the soy sauce around the edges of the hot pan instead of directly onto the rice helps caramelize the sauce slightly, creating an even deeper, richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
Quick Fried Rice is a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings or making the most of leftovers. It’s fast, affordable, and endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
With one skillet, a few pantry staples, and less than 20 minutes, you can create a homemade meal that’s packed with flavor and rivals your favorite takeout. Keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation, and you’ll always have a delicious solution when you need dinner in a hurry.