Easy restaurant style fried rice that you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect way to use up leftover rice sitting in the fridge.
One of my favorite ways to use up leftover rice is to make Chinese fried rice. It’s super easy, flavorful and comes together in just 20 minutes. Plus my entire family loves it and can’t get enough! My kids always go back for seconds.
This easy fried recipe is super versatile. Feel free to throw in more vegetables if you’d like. Mushrooms, chopped broccoli and/or bell peppers make a great addition. Or make it a main dish by adding in cooked protein like diced chicken, pork, steak or shrimp.
We love to serve along side of sweet and sour chicken. It seriously tastes like takeout, but is better for you, less expensive and can be made in the comfort of your own home. So easy and delicious!
Do you cook the rice before you fry it?
Yes, the rice should be cooked prior to frying. However, using cold rice is key. It helps it get crispier in the skillet and prevent any mushiness. I love to make a big batch for a meal a couple of days before and save half for later. Use 1 1/4 cups uncooked rice to make 4 cups of cooked rice for this recipe.
How to make fried rice
Scroll down for the printable recipe.
- Chill the rice. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Cook the veggies. Add butter to a large skillet or wok. Add onion and carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in garlic and peas. Push veggies to one side and add the eggs to the skillet. Scramble and then stir together.
- Stir together. Gently stir and then add soy sauce and toss to coat. S&P to taste. If desired, add a dash or two of sesame oil.
Cooking tips
- Use cold rice. As mentioned above, be sure to use cold rice. It prevents it from getting mushy and lumping together in the pan.
- Veggies. Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, chopped broccoli and/or bell peppers.
- Protein. You can add in cooked protein like diced chicken, pork, steak or shrimp to make it a meal.
- Pineapple. Diced pineapple adds a wonderful sweet flavor. Just mix it in right before serving.
- Spice. For some heat, you can mix some sriracha into the fried rice.
- Sesame oil. Although it’s optional, I love the added flavor that sesame oil gives the dish. It gives it more of that restaurant quality taste.
Storing
Any leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container with a lid. It will also keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Favorite dishes to serve with:
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Orange chicken
- General Tso’s chicken
- Chicken and vegetable stir fry
- Cashew chicken
Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice , long or short grain
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 large eggs , whisked
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3-4 Tablespoons lite soy sauce
Optional: S&P and sesame oil, to taste
Instructions
- Place the rice in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
- Place butter in a large skillet or wok. Add onion and carrots. Cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in garlic and peas. Push to one side and add the eggs to the skillet. Scramble and then stir together.
- Gently stir in cooked rice. Add soy sauce and toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. Add a dash or two of sesame oil if desired.
Notes
- 1 1/4 cups of uncooked rice makes 4 cups of cooked rice.
- Can add more veggies like mushrooms, chopped broccoli and/or bell peppers.
- To make a meal, add in cooked protein like diced chicken, pork, steak or shrimp.
- Store in an airtight container and keep in fridge for up to 3 days or in freezer for up to 1 month.
Easy as
Made it twice and my family liked the fried rice recipe. We had it with spare ribs. Very good
Sounds delicious! I’m so glad it was a hit with your family :)
It tastie!!!!!
Our new go-to. It’s so tasty! Thanks for sharing.