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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.
So easy & sooooo good!! I added garlic because well, I couldn’t resist. Love this recipe!
Have you tried this using brown rice?
I’ve made this several times using day old brown rice and it’s delicious. Highly recommend. I have Type 2 Diabetes and my numbers don’t spike. Love love this recipe. I added a lb. of steamed shrimp and it was delicious.
Made this with the Huli Huli Chicken- Fantastic combination!
Are the 3 cups of rice measured after it is cooked, or is it 3 cups of rice that are then cooked to equal more rice?
The 3 cups of rice is cooked rice. Usually day old rice works best.
What kind of rice can I use
I like to use a jasmine rice but any rice that is not instant will be great!
Instant rice works great too~! I also use mixed vegetables if I don’t have peas and carrots. I also put pork in our fried rice I cut it in small pieces and take the fat off, then first fry it in the pan.
Great easy to make recipe. Didn’t have white onions to garnish so used celery from my garden. I also added ginger with the vegetable. Love the tip of doing the egg at the side of the vegetables to save on dishes.
When and how should one incorporate shrimpinto the recipe.
Here is my shrimp fried rice recipe https://therecipecritic.com/better-than-takeout-shrimp-fried-rice/.
Fantastic fried rice recipe, thank you so much for sharing! Added just a tbsp of oyster sauce for extra umami flavour
Best rice ever!
Thank you for sharing. I think it’s great to keep it simple and then you can add other ingredients to spice it up a little if you wish.
Will make it again for sure. (soon) 🙂
I’m a guy but love to cook.the only i added was the powdered ginger it gives that unique flavor.great recipe.
Yummy! First time making fried rice, it was very easy! I accidentally added wayyy too much soy sauce though…. whoops.
Don’t usually cook and this was really nice and methods idiot proof haha
Try white pepper n a dash of salt n if u dont use msg add a little ( 1/2 tsp or less) of sugar .
I made this and added left over rotisserie chicken and a bit of sliced water chestnuts. It was awesome! Vacuum packed leftovers and froze them. Reheated perfectly in the microwave. From now on I will always keep some in the freezer for quick meals. Thanks!
Essential add ins are fresh ginger & garlic ( chopped ) . I took a Cantonese cooking course & they were always added . Mushrooms too Green onions are a nice garnish as well
How much garlic would you recommend?
I love fried rice. I make it at least once a week.