Easiest Ever Fried Rice

This Fried Rice recipe is as easy as mixing everything in a pan and cooking it! No need to chop a ton of veggies or marinate any meat. It’s all about fluffy, eggy rice loaded with rich, umami flavor. 

The Only Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Got some leftover rice you’re not sure what to do with? Or maybe some veggies that are about to go bad? Make some homemade fried rice!

This easy fried rice recipe tastes just like the Chinese takeout you love. It’s got just the right amount of sauce, and the rice is perfectly fluffy and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together in 30 minutes.

Make it a main dish with my Sheet Pan Teriyaki Shrimp with Vegetables for something truly special.

Ingredients

• Dry rice: Use cooked, cold rice for best results. Day-old, leftover rice also works great! I like to use jasmine rice or brown rice.
• Olive & sesame oil: For sautéing the garlic and ginger. 
• Garlic & ginger: These bring a fragrant, aromatic depth to the dish.
• Salt & black pepper: Add to your own taste.
• Green onion: For a pop of color and freshness.
• Eggs: Use large eggs to create that classic fried rice texture.
• Soy sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce as a healthy option.
• Rice vinegar: This adds a tangy, slightly acidic flavor to balance out the dish.

Best Veggies to Throw in Your Fried Rice

Fried rice is super easy to customize with whatever ingredients you like. Here are some of the best vegetables to toss in:

• Carrots
• Peas
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Bok choy
• Green beans

Cook Rice

Let’s start with the rice. Rinse the dry rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Cook the rice using your preferred method (rice cooker or stovetop), then let it cool. For best results, refrigerate the rice until chilled.

Stir Fry

Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Then add the olive oil and sesame oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Push the garlic and ginger to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the open space. Let them cook for about 1 minute, then scramble and stir to combine with the aromatics.

Now add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir well to break up any clumps and coat the rice with the oil and aromatics. Cook for about 2 minutes. 

Season with salt and pepper and stir and cook for another 2 minutes. Then add the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly and cook for 2 more minutes.

Finally, stir in the sliced green onions and cook for 2 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined.

Serve & Enjoy

Now that the fried rice is ready, plate it up and enjoy! Want to take it up a notch? Add sesame seeds or fresh herbs for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy!

Make it a Side Dish

Trying to figure out what goes best with fried rice? If you’re into seafood, give my Best Damn Asian Air Fryer Salmon or Sheet Pan Miso Salmon and Broccoli a try for a savory, umami-packed combination. 

For chicken lovers, you can’t go wrong with my Best Damn Air Fryer Honey Garlic Wings or Stovetop Honey Garlic Chicken. Both have that perfect sweet and tangy kick that pairs so well with fried rice.

Storage & Reheating

Making extra fried rice is always a smart move since it heats up so well the next day! Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. 

When it’s time to reheat, here are a couple of easy options:

• Microwave: Place a damp paper towel over the rice and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a splash of oil in a pan and add the rice, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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