Easy Fried Rice Recipe

When you’re craving a meal that’s quick, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, look no further than this Easy Fried Rice Recipe. Imagine fluffy grains of rice tossed with colorful veggies, fragrant garlic, soft scrambled eggs, and that addictive hit of savory soy sauce — all coming together in your own kitchen in less time than it takes to order takeout. This is the kind of dish that satisfies every time, whether you’re using up leftovers or making something special for a weeknight dinner. Once you try this Easy Fried Rice Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Fried Rice Recipe is in its simplicity! Every ingredient plays a key role in delivering amazing textures, colors, and flavors. Grab these kitchen staples and let them work their delicious magic.

• Cooked and Chilled White Rice (3 cups): Day-old rice is best for preventing soggy fried rice and ensuring every bite is perfectly fluffy and slightly crisp.
• Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): This neutral oil is perfect for stir-frying, helping everything cook evenly and giving your rice a light, golden edge.
• Eggs, Beaten (2): They add richness and a touch of extra protein, making every spoonful heartier and tastier.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots, Thawed (1 cup): These add color, sweetness, and just the right amount of tender bite.
• Chopped Onion (1/2 cup): When sautéed, onion brings sweetness and a robust base flavor to the dish.
• Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): A must for that classic fried rice aroma and a boost of savory depth.
• Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): This umami-packed ingredient ties all the flavors together and gives the rice its signature salty kick.
• Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Just a touch delivers incredible nutty fragrance and authentic fried rice flavor.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle peppery warmth that complements the savory elements perfectly.
• Green Onions, Sliced (2, optional): The perfect fresh, crisp finish to every bowl — I rarely skip them!

How to Make Easy Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Scramble the Eggs

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently as they cook. In just a minute or two, you’ll have soft, fluffy scrambled eggs. Scoop them out onto a plate and set aside for later — they’ll make a grand return at the end, trust me!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the onion becomes just translucent. This step builds the rich, aromatic backbone for your Easy Fried Rice Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Stir in the thawed peas and carrots. Give them a good toss so they start to warm through and mingle with the onion and garlic flavors. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until tender and lively in color.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Now for the star of the show: add your cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clusters and spread the rice out. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes — you want the rice to get a bit toasty and soak up all the veggie goodness!

Step 5: Season Everything

Pour in the soy sauce, then add sesame oil and black pepper. Stir well to coat every grain of rice in that glossy, savory sauce. The aroma at this point is irresistible!

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Fold in your reserved scrambled eggs and sliced green onions (if using). Give it all a final stir and let everything heat through for another minute. As soon as it’s piping hot and the eggs are mixed in, take the skillet off the heat and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Easy Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds can really make your Easy Fried Rice Recipe look and taste restaurant-worthy. I also like an extra dash of black pepper or a drizzle of chili oil when I’m feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

This fried rice is a fantastic main in its own right, but if you want to round things out, pair it with simple steamed dumplings, stir-fried greens, or a crisp cucumber salad. For more protein, serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Fried Rice Recipe in bowls with chopsticks for a takeout-inspired night, or press it into a small bowl and invert onto plates for a fun dome-shaped presentation. For parties, spoon portions into lettuce cups or mini bowls for a playful, handheld appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover fried rice to an airtight container once cooled. It’ll keep happily in your fridge for up to 4 days, ready for a quick meal at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze portions of this Easy Fried Rice Recipe in freezer-safe containers or zip bags for up to 2 months. Let it cool first, and press out extra air to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

Warm up your rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often and adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it, loosely covered, in short bursts, fluffing in between. The texture is best when reheated on the stove!

FAQs

Why use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice is drier and firmer than fresh, which means it won’t get mushy when stir-fried. This gives your Easy Fried Rice Recipe that irresistible texture you love from your favorite restaurants!

Can I make this Easy Fried Rice Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the eggs or swap them for your favorite vegan egg substitute. You can also load up on extra veggies or toss in some crispy tofu for more plant-based protein.

What proteins can I add to the recipe?

This fried rice is a blank canvas! Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even diced ham alongside your veggies in Step 3 for extra heartiness and flavor.

How do I prevent my fried rice from being too salty?

Start with a little less soy sauce, taste as you go, and add more as needed. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake — it still delivers all the signature flavor!

Can I use brown rice or other grains?

Definitely! Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice all work well in this Easy Fried Rice Recipe. Just make sure whatever grain you use is cold and a little dry for the best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Easy Fried Rice Recipe part of your mealtime routine! Simple, speedy, and endlessly delicious, it’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes every time. Give it a try and taste just how satisfying homemade fried rice can be!

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