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This Easy Fried Rice has always been one of the most-loved recipes on my site! I have made different versions, but this classic recipe is the one everyone keeps coming back to because it’s so easy and delicious!
A Reader’s Review
I’m a really picky eater so it’s really hard for me to try new recipes but I gave this one a go because it had so many good reviews. I’m so happy that I did! This fried rice recipe was so simple and easy to do, my husband wants me to make this all the time now. I highly recommend this recipe!
Literally The Best Fried Rice Ever!
- Authentic Flavor: The secret to that classic Chinese takeout taste? Sesame oil! It ties everything together for that rich, nutty flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less mess and more time to sit back and enjoy the family. Win-win!
- Better Than Takeout: This tried-and-true family favorite beats takeout every time. I even visited my son in college and taught him how to make this recipe so that he could have a decent meal to make himself!
Ingredients Needed
- Cold or Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice gets mushy, so if you can plan ahead, day-old rice will make all the difference!
- Use Jasmine or long grain rice! Short grain? Too sticky. Long grain? Perfect texture. Trust me!
- Soy Sauce! Add a little or add a lot, it’s up to you! Either way, it’s the secret sauce that brings everything together!
How To Make The Best Fried Rice
My Chinese sister-in-law shared some game-changing tips for this recipe, and they make all the difference! Follow this easy recipe to make some PF Chang’s Honey Chicken, and you’ll never go back to takeout again.
- Cook Veggies: Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Add sesame oil, chopped white onion, and frozen peas and carrots, then cook until tender.
- Cook Eggs: Slide the vegetables to the side and then pour the eggs onto the other side of the skillet. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, then you can mix the eggs with the vegetables.
- Add Rice: Add cooked white rice to the veggie and egg mixture, then pour soy sauce on top. Stir the rice and veggie mixture until warmed through and combined.
- Enjoy! Top with green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
How to Store Leftover Fried Rice
- How long does fried rice last? Stored right in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 5–7 days in the fridge.
- Can you reheat it? Yep! Stovetop or microwave works best—just don’t reheat it more than once.
- Can you freeze it? Absolutely! Seal it up in an airtight container or ziplock, throw it in the freezer, and you’re good to go!
What To Serve It With
This dish goes with everything! If you love fried rice, try these variations: Bacon Fried Rice, Shrimp Fried Rice, Ham Fried Rice, or Chicken Fried Rice. Looking for low carb? Try Quinoa and cauliflower fried rice.
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Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice *
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup chopped white onion 1 small onion
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce more or less to taste
- 2 lightly beaten eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions optional
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet or wok to medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 cup chopped white onion, and 1 cup frozen peas and carrots. Cook until tender.
- Slide the vegetables to the side and pour 2 lightly beaten eggs onto the other side of the skillet. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the vegetables.
- Add 3 cups cooked rice * to the veggie and egg mixture. Pour 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce on top. Stir the rice and veggie mixture until warmed through and combined.
- Top with 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
For a less healthy more take-out authentic fried rice experience use an oyster sauce that contains MSG. Like Lee Kum Kee brand Oyster Sauce. Just a tablespoon drizzled over then mixed will do the trick. Don’t forget to warn eaters of the MSG, no one likes migraines.
Just made this free form (no amounts) for 4 people…used 6 eggs, about 2 cups veggies, quite a bit of sesame oil and added a little oyster sauce. Still missing something, but at the same time, still very moreish! We will keep experimenting to see if we can find that elusive missing flavour. Very nice though.
Jen, you may want to try a touch of Powdered ginger. I found that really made it perfect for me! I also added a little bit of fish sauce.
It’s oyster sauce!
Soy sauce?
You might try adding a little oyster sauce.if you have not yet, equal to amount of soy sauce or a bit less, and thin the combination with a tablespoon or 2 of chicken broth. Are you scrambling those eggs into the rice before cooking them? It seems like so many to add if you cooked them and then stirred the cut up cooked scrambled eggs into the rice as is normally done. Not that there is anything wrong if you like lots of eggs, just wondered.
I made this recipe as is and I thought 2 Tbsp of sesame oil was too much. The flavor was overwhelming to me (personal taste). 2nd time around I reduced to 1 Tbsp sesame oil and added 1 Tbsp vegetable oil. I still had a nice hint of the sesame oil. Added an extra cup of veggies as well. This is a great, easy recipe.
Made this for dinner tonight and it turned out GREAT (never made fried rice until now). I did not put shrimp in it this time but next time I will…so EASY PEASY…LOL
Are the frozen carrots and peas boiled before freezing them?
No, they are not boiled before cooking them. You will add them in frozen and cook all together.
I love it . soon delicious.
Not sure if your question has been answered – did you mean are they cooked before they’re FRIED, or when you buy frozen vegetables at the store, are they cooked before they are frozen? Most veggies are blanched before freezing them, so they are “partially cooked”. Both peas and carrots may be eaten raw, so there is no harm in them not being fully cooked – they just won’t be as soft.
You use the store bought bags of frozen peas & carrots. 🙂
I have been making this fried rice since Chinese food was bought into this country of ours and theres nothing wrong with having this as a main meal especially when one is watching their weight!
Especially if you use Cauliflower “rice” – big win – veggies and lower carbs!
This was so easy AND delicious. Using the frozen carrots and peas is genius and didn’t compromise the end result (versus using fresh) at all. I found the tips to be very helpful and using just one pan was a bonus. I will definitely be making this again and again. Thanks for the great recipe.
Thank you for sharing this great recipe, I make this at least once a week, it’s easy, delicious and my go to when I need something quick to make for dinner!
I made this Fried Rice and we fell in love . It’s so easy to make and delicious too .it is a favorite go to meal
This is the best fried rice recipe that I have found and I’m very pleased with it. Thank you! It’s always nice to find a recipe that becomes a keeper!
This is so quick and easy! I make this all the time and always have cooked white rice on hand because my boyfriend eats it with everything but sometimes it gets boring! I just sautéed some minced garlic first (instead of the onion because I’m not a big fan!) and then added some sliced hot dog (the only meat I had on hand at the time). Sooo yum. Topped off with some sriracha at the end too. It’s so simple yet so tasty thank you for sharing with us!
This recipe is delicious! I made it for dinner and my husband and I both loved it. I added some Five Spice seasoning, which worked well with the dish. I sprinkled some peanuts on top of the dish right before serving and it was amazing. Thanks for this recipe! It’s a keeper!
Do you ever add pineapple?
Adding pineapple tidbits or chunks would give it an Hawaiian flare! I love the idea!
Love to add shrimp to it and that is our whole meal. I cook the shrimp first, then take it out and add it back at the end. Shrimp fried rice! No better.
Loved it. Thank you
I made this tonight and followed the recipe – it was delicious and my kids and husband loved it. Thank you so much for an uncomplicated, delicious recipe !
Alyssa thanks for this easy and delicious recipe which can be prepared without too much work, believe me it’s a life saver.