Do you love fried rice but not the money it costs to order takeout or go out to eat? Then you will love this Easy Fried Rice Recipe. It is one the best side dishes for when you're short on time or trying to use up leftovers.
I love how this recipe is quick to make, packed with flavor, and easily able to be customized. Whether you're trying to get a quick lunch on the table for the family or want a satisfying dinner option, fried rice is always a winner.
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This easy recipe is made with simple ingredients that you already have at home and cooks up in one pan, so cleanup is easy, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You'll Love Easy Fried Rice
- Great for leftovers: Fried rice is a great way to use up any leftover rice and veggies you have in the fridge.
- Easy to make: Not only is this fried rice incredibly easy to prepare, but it comes together quickly with minimal effort.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The butter adds richness, while the soy sauce gives a savory flavor that will remind you of your favorite takeout meal.
- Yummy and satisfying: It’s the ideal go-to meal when you don't have a lot of time to cook up a meal but still want to serve something delicious and filling.
Rice Recipes
Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many delicious recipes, from hearty casseroles to simple side dishes. There's a reason you'll find rice in almost every pantry - it cooks quickly, is budget-friendly, and soaks up all kinds of flavors!
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- Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls
Ingredients For Easy Fried Rice Recipe
- Vegetable oil: Gives the rice a nice crisp when fried, and is used for sautéing the veggies.
- Onions and carrots: These add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Frozen peas: No need to thaw them; they go straight into the pan.
- Eggs: They add protein and that classic fried rice texture.
- Cooked white rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s slightly drier, which helps keep it from getting mushy.
- Butter: Adds a creamy richness.
- Soy Sauce: The key to that signature fried rice flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust these according to your taste.
Kitchen Tools For Egg Fried Rice
The great thing about this recipe is that you only need a few basic kitchen tools to make it. A large nonstick frying pan or wok is ideal for stir-frying the ingredients evenly. A spatula helps to scramble the eggs and mix everything together.
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How to Make Fried Rice
1. Cook the veggies
Start by heating a little vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Add chopped onions and carrots and sauté them until they’re nice and tender.
2. Add the peas
Toss in the frozen peas and give everything a good stir. They’ll cook quickly on medium-high heat and add a pop of color and sweetness.
3. Scramble the eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan. On the other side, crack in the eggs and scramble them until just set. Then stir them into the veggies so everything’s combined.
4. Stir in the rice
Add the cooked white rice to the pan and break up any clumps as you mix it in.
5. Finish with flavor
Drop in a few chunks of butter for extra richness (so good), then let the rice mixture cook for a few minutes to get that slightly crispy fried rice texture. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
You can serve this alone or as a side dish. However you serve it, it's bound to be a hit!
Tips for Making Chinese Style Rice
Tip 1: Use day-old or leftover rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and may make the dish mushy.
Tip 2: Pre-heat your pan so the vegetables cook quickly and the rice gets a fried texture.
Tip 3: Customize the veggies based on what you have in your refrigerator. I have used bell peppers, green beans, and corn, and they all work great.
FAQS For Chinese Style Rice
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but it’s better to spread the freshly cooked rice on a tray and cool it down before using it. This helps reduce excess moisture.
To store leftover rice, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it over medium heat in a nonstick pan. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the moisture and flavor.
This recipe is super flexible, so it is easy to add other veggies or protein. Feel free to toss in green onions, garlic cloves, or broccoli. For extra protein, add cooked chicken, pork, ham, shrimp, or tofu - whatever you like best!
I used white rice, but long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, works best for fried rice. These types of rice are less starchy, which helps the grains stay separate and prevents clumping during cooking.
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What To Serve With Fried Rice
This easy fried rice recipe works perfectly with various dishes to make a complete meal. Serve it alongside sweet and sour chicken, beef and broccoli, or crispy spring rolls for a takeout-inspired dinner. I like to serve it with these recipes:
Whether you’re cooking for the family or just for yourself, this easy fried rice recipe is a yummy go-to option everyone will enjoy!
Side Dishes
📖 Recipe
Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup onion diced
- ½ cup carrots diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Soy sauce to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add vegetable oil, onions, and carrots. Sauté until tender.
- Add frozen peas and stir to combine.
- Push vegetables to one side, scramble eggs on the other, and mix well.
- Add cooked rice, stir thoroughly, then add butter and let the rice fry for a few minutes.
- Add soy sauce to taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
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