Need a fast, satisfying dinner with endless possibilities? This Fried Rice is the answer. It’s a weeknight hero dish made with day-old rice, crisp-tender veggies, scrambled eggs, and the savory combo of soy sauce and sesame oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect as a main course or a delicious side to any Asian-inspired meal. 🥡
Best part? You can toss in anything lingering in your fridge—from leftover rotisserie chicken to tofu or shrimp—and it’ll still taste amazing. Flexible, easy, and always hits the spot! 🙌
Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice 💡
✅ Fast & Easy – From skillet to plate in under 30 minutes
✅ Versatile – Use any veggies, proteins, or sauces you like
✅ Perfect for Leftovers – Great use for cold rice and stray produce
✅ Family Favorite – Mild, flavorful, and easy to adapt for kids
✅ Budget-Friendly – Pantry staples and simple ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
- 1 tablespoon canola oil – Or use avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup chopped yellow or white onion – Adds sweetness and aroma 🧅
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped – For color and crunch 🥕
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Boosts depth and savoriness 🧄
- ½ cup frozen peas – No need to thaw; they cook quickly
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – For richness and silky texture 🧈
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten – Adds protein and body 🍳
- 3 cups chilled cooked white rice – Day-old is best for texture 🍚
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Salty, umami-packed flavor
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil – Nutty finish
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 3 green onions, chopped – For color and brightness 🌱
✨ Optional Add-ins:
– Cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or pork
– Shredded cabbage or baby spinach
– Chili flakes or sriracha for heat
– Pineapple chunks for sweet-savory contrast 🍍
How to Make Fried Rice 🧑🍳
Step 1: Cook the Veggies
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Peas
Lower heat slightly. Stir in minced garlic and frozen peas. Cook another 2 minutes, letting the garlic release its aroma and peas heat through.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add butter to the empty side. Once melted, pour in beaten eggs and gently scramble until just set.
Step 4: Combine with Rice
Stir eggs into the vegetables. Add in cold rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Break up clumps and stir everything together until the rice is hot and coated in flavor.
Step 5: Season & Finish
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped green onions just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations 💡
- Use Day-Old Rice – Fresh rice is too moist; cold rice gives better texture
- Add Protein – Stir in diced cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled tofu for a vegan version
- Make It Spicy – Add a drizzle of sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes 🌶️
- Add Extra Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn work well
- Boost Flavor – A dash of oyster sauce or hoisin can add extra depth
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Main Dish: Serve solo or with a fried egg on top 🍳
- Side Dish: Pairs great with dumplings, stir-fried greens, or teriyaki chicken
- In Bowls: Top with sesame seeds, avocado, or kimchi for a trendy twist
- Leftover Lunch: Pack in containers for easy next-day meals
Storage & Reheating 🧊
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water, or warm in a pan over low heat
FAQs About Fried Rice ❓
Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
A: It’s better to use rice that’s been chilled for a few hours to prevent stickiness.
Q: What protein works best in fried rice?
A: Chicken, shrimp, tofu, pork, and even leftover steak all work beautifully!
Q: Is it okay to skip the eggs?
A: Yes—use tofu or just add more veggies for a plant-based option.
Q: How do I avoid soggy fried rice?
A: Use cold rice, high heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Final Thoughts 🍚💬
Fried Rice is the ultimate kitchen chameleon—simple, satisfying, and totally customizable to your cravings or what’s hanging out in your fridge. It’s that rare recipe that feels like takeout but is healthier, cheaper, and honestly even more delicious when homemade. 😍
Whether you’re whipping it up after work, prepping it ahead for busy days, or throwing in leftovers to clean out the fridge, fried rice just works. It’s flavorful, fast, and fun to make. Add what you love, skip what you don’t, and create your own perfect version every time.
Don’t underestimate the power of this humble dish. With just a few pantry ingredients and a hot pan, you can create a meal that feels as good as it tastes—warm, comforting, and ready in no time. 🥄✨
Short version
Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ¾ cup chopped yellow or white onion
- 2 medium carrots chopped into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup frozen peas do not thaw
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked chilled white rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 green onions chopped optional
Instructions
- Warm the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrot. Sauté the vegetables for about three minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Lower the heat slightly to medium-low, then stir in the minced garlic and frozen peas. Continue cooking for another two minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the peas to heat through.
- Move the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating space on the other side. Add the butter to the empty side and let it melt completely. Crack in the eggs and cook them gently, stirring slowly to scramble them until they are just set.
- Combine the scrambled eggs with the sautéed vegetables. Then add the cooked rice, a splash of soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir the mixture well and cook until everything is evenly combined and the rice is hot all the way through.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, fold in some freshly chopped green onions for a pop of flavor and color just before serving.
Notes
