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Fried Rice

4 servings

Dinner

Fried Rice

This flavorful Fried Rice Recipe comes together in 20 minutes or less. It’s straightforward to make, filled with veggies, loaded with tender eggs, and coated in a satisfying sauce.

author’s note

Leftover Rice Sitting in Your Fridge? Make This!

I’m not big into meal prepping, but there is always a big Tupperware of cooked rice (and roasted sweet potatoes) in my fridge. It’s my oldest son’s favorite thing to eat, and it saves the day several times a week when I have an idea for a quick dinner and need a base that works with anything.

But when that rice starts to sit and no one is touching it, it always ends up in this fried rice. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s one of the most common dinners in my house, so I truly can’t believe I’m just now sharing it. And you might think all fried rices taste similar, but this one really stands out. It’s the best fried rice I’ve ever had. Tested, tried, and absolutely true.

Ingredients In This Fried Rice Recipe

IngredientSwaps or Tips
Butter & Olive OilYou can use all of one in a pinch.
EggsAdd an extra egg if you like it very egg-forward.
Onion, Garlic & GingerUse garlic paste or ginger paste for quicker prep.
Frozen Peas, Carrots & CornSwap with broccoli, edamame, snap peas, celery, cabbage, or a frozen stir-fry blend.
Day-Old RiceFresh rice works if you cool it fast on a sheet pan. I like medium to long grain or Jasmine rice.
Oyster Sauce & Soy SauceUse vegetarian oyster sauce for a veg version.
Bouillon Powder & White PepperSwap bouillon for a vegetable version. Black pepper works in place of white pepper.
Rice Vinegar & Sesame OilApple cider vinegar works as a backup. Toasted sesame oil gives deeper flavor.

How To Make This Fried Rice Recipe

  1. Scramble the eggs: Cook until just set, then remove from the pan.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger: Aromatic and flavorful.
  3. Add frozen veggies: Cook until the water evaporates.
  4. mix in the cold rice: Break up any clumps.
  5. Pour in the sauce: Coat everything evenly.
  6. Add eggs back in with green onions: Stir and enjoy!

Quick Tip

Can You Make Fried Rice With Fresh Rice? Yes, while leftover is preferred, if using fresh rice, spread it on a sheet pan, let it cool for a few minutes, then chill in the fridge or freezer until ready to use.

Featured Comment

“I’ve made this several times now. It’s the BEST! I’ve been on the lookout for a good fried rice recipe for a long time and this is it. It is worth your followers try it.”

– Maggie

Storage

Let this fried rice recipe cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to bring back the texture. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the veggies soften slightly. It is satisfying to using it as a side for these hibachi steak recipe.

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Variations

  • For more heat: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha.
  • For crunch: Sprinkle cashews on top.
  • Add meat: mix in cooked ham or pork, bacon (cook with the veggies), diced rotisserie or leftover chicken.
  • Change up the veggies: Cook until thawed and the moisture evaporates. Broccoli, edamame, sugar peas, snap peas, celery, and cabbage all work great.
  • Make it vegetarian: Use vegetarian oyster sauce and skip the chicken bouillon powder.

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