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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!

Overhead shot of easy fried rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

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!

Rebekah

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

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.
  • 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Enjoy! Top with green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Veggies cooking in a skillet.
Veggies all pushed to one side of a skillet and eggs cooking on the other side.
Day old rice added to the skillet with the cooked eggs and veggies.
Everything mixed together and garnished with green onions.

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!
Close up shot of a bowl of easy fried rice.

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

4.86 from 174 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
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!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

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

*Day old cold rice works best and prevents the rice from being mushy. 
Originally Posted on November 11, 2018
Updated on 3/31/25

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 282mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1737IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Asian American, Chinese
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer, experienced recipe-developer and American Culinary Federation certified. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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4.86 from 174 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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434 Comments

  1. Love your recipes . .Do you have a recipe for a fajita marinade ?. i have tried so many of your dishes and so far they are all a hit .You have made me actually want to cook again because i was so tired of the same old ,same old . So thank you and keep them coming

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    Hi I’m seriously ur big fan ur recipes r realy amazing nd it look nd taste as u described thnk you ur little fan fm india

    Reply

  5. 5 stars
    I made this the other day and have made it 3 times since then!! Instead of using carrot, I used corn just because I like the flavour more but still worked out great 🙂 Super fast and super easy, 10/10 would recommend!!

    Reply

  6. 5 stars
    This is Incredible Fried rice, I similar to this food, I toasted the rice with some butter and toasted sesame oil, simply mix the raw rice over warmth in the frying pan you plan on preparing the rice in.

    Reply

      2. Bret,

        Yes, that is typically what we use. It mostly just depends on how much rice each person eats. Typically around 1/2 cup per person. Thanks for the follow up!

      3. 5 stars
        I use this recipe every week. While I have made it with cooked rice and it is EXCELLENT, I have also used frozen cauliflower rice and it’s amazing ! Use same amount of cauliflower rice as reg rice. Add at same point in recipe (I dont even thaw, just dump right out of bag) and cook. I simmer just a bit longer to cook off any extra liquid from frozen rice , but it comes out really delicious !!

    1. I LOVE this fried rice!! It is so easy and you can always add or switch out any type of meat and vegetables. XOXO

      Reply

  14. 4 stars
    Tried the Fried Rice and it came out tasty (sad part is I over cooked the rice and it became mushy), kids and my wife liked it anyway along with spicy pepper chicken 🙂

    Thank you for the recipe

    Reply