This easy fried rice is a quick meal that rivals your favorite takeout! With fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and tasty soy sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Making it is a breeze—all you need is leftover rice and a handful of veggies. I love adding a fried egg on top for extra yum! Trust me, it’s better than takeout! 🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Rice: Day-old rice is perfect for fried rice because it’s drier and won’t become mushy. If you don’t have leftovers, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it quickly.
Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for frying due to its high smoke point, but sesame oil gives a nice nutty flavor. You could use olive oil in a pinch, though it’s less traditional for this dish.
Vegetables: Peas and carrots are classic, but feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or even broccoli. Just chop them small for even cooking.
Eggs: These add protein and richness to your fried rice. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can skip the eggs or use tofu instead.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Fried Rice?
The key to delicious fried rice lies in the cooking technique! Prepping each ingredient and following these steps makes a big difference.
- Use a hot skillet—this helps to fry, not steam the rice.
- Cook the eggs first. This prevents them from overcooking when added back into the dish.
- Don’t rush! Let the onion and garlic cook to bring out their flavors; a couple of minutes makes a difference.
- Keep stirring! It ensures even cooking and helps prevent sticking.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have fried rice that tastes just as good as—if not better than—takeout! Enjoy your meal!
Best Easy Fried Rice Recipe Better Than Takeout
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots (thawed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at a quick 20-25 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot, as this helps fry the rice evenly.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked, which should take about a minute. Once done, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside. This keeps them from overcooking.
3. Cook the Onions:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
4. Add Garlic:
Now stir in the minced garlic and cook for only 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Mix in Veggies:
Add the thawed peas and carrots to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring them in until they’re heated through and combined with the onion and garlic.
6. Stir in the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the cooked rice. Break up any clumps with the back of a spoon or spatula as you stir, ensuring it’s all mixed well with the veggies.
7. Add Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring constantly to evenly coat the rice. This is where the flavor comes together!
8. Return the Eggs:
Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet along with chopped green onions. Stir everything together so it’s all nicely combined.
9. Final Touches:
If you’re using toasted sesame oil, drizzle it over the top now. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
10. Heat it Up:
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Keep stirring to ensure that it’s evenly heated and mixed.
11. Serve:
Serve your delicious fried rice hot! You can garnish with more chopped green onions or even add a fried egg on top for extra flair.
Enjoy this classic, flavorful fried rice that’s easy to make and better than takeout!
FAQ for Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will give your fried rice a nuttier flavor and a bit more texture. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and chilled before using, as freshly cooked brown rice tends to be more moist.
What Can I Substitute for the Vegetables?
You can customize your fried rice with any veggies you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, corn, or snap peas work great. Just be sure to chop them small and adjust the cooking times to ensure they’re tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring frequently until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this fried rice vegan! Simply omit the eggs and consider adding tofu for extra protein. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste for extra flavor!
