• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Gracious Wife logo
  • Recipes
  • Family
    • Love & Marriage
    • Parenting
  • House & Home
    • Kitchen and Cooking Tips
    • Cleaning & Organization
    • Budget
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Easy Fried Rice

May 9, 2023 · 6 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
Collage with chopsticks picking up a bite of homemade fried rice on top, a bowl full of fried rice topped with green onions on the bottom, and the words "easy fried rice" in the middle.

Learn how to make the best easy Fried Rice right at home! It's quick, simple, healthy and irresistibly delicious with just the right amount of savory flavor.

Close up of chopsticks picking up a bite of easy fried rice topped with green onions.

Easy Fried Rice

No need to order takeout tonight! This easy fried rice is simple to make in your very own home and just as good (or even better, in my opinion!).

This easy fried rice recipe features long grain rice with warm veggies and scrambled eggs, that soak up all the flavor and make every bite even more delicious.

This homemade Fried rice is quick to make in just about 30 minutes. It's versatile and can be personalized to what your family loves, what you have on hand, or even what you're trying to use up out of your fridge!

Plus, making fried rice at home requires just a few, simple whole food ingredients, making it a healthy option too!

What Kind of Rice Should I Use for Fried Rice?

Long grain white rice is what you'll usually see used for fried rice. Long grain brown rice would also work for this recipe. In a pinch, white or brown basmati rice would work, as well.

Just make sure it's made ahead of time!

Avoid shorter grains, such as calrose or round rice. These will become too sticky.

Do I Have to Use Day Old Rice?

You don't have to use day old rice. However, the texture of the rice will be significantly stickier and softer (read that mushy) if you try to use freshly cooked rice.

A good way to always make sure you have "old" rice for a recipe like this is to cook a batch, and freeze it. Simply let cool and transfer to a freezer bag. Then thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on defrost in the microwave.

Variations on Easy Fried Rice

Fried rice is so versatile, making it an even more amazing recipe. Here are some ways to change up your rice and make it your own or use what you have on hand!

  • Veggies - Fried rice is a great way to get rid of leftover veggies. You can add anything you have on hand here! Chopped cabbage, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or anything else you have on hand. If you're using a firmer vegetable, like big pieces of carrot or squash, make sure it's pre-cooked so it will be tender.
  • Protein - Add some extra protein by adding chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. Cook ahead of time, and then stir into the mixture when you add the rice into the veggies.
  • Beans - Bean sprouts are my favorite to add to basically any rice or stir fry dish. You can also add edamame or white beans or black beans for extra fiber and protein.
  • Kimchi - Kimchi can add a big flavor and spice boost to traditional fried rice. Just chop and stir it in to make kimchi fried rice.
  • Pineapple - Pineapple will add a little a fun tang to the mix. I have also added some ham with the pineapple for a little Hawaiian-pizza-type situation, and it was delicious.
Easy Fried Rice in a cast iron skillet topped with sliced green onions. Skillet is next to a linen napkin and whole green onions

How to Freeze Fried Rice

Allow the fried rice to cool. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months.

When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then microwave to reheat.

How to Reheat Fried Rice

Leftover fried rice is just as good as fresh! The best way to reheat is either on the stovetop or in the microwave.

It's easiest to reheat a large amount on the stovetop, whereas the microwave is easiest for individual servings.

What to Serve with Easy Fried Rice

We love serving fried rice with a simple grilled, teriyaki marinated chicken or pork. We also like this quick skillet chicken teriyaki.

If you add a little extra protein or vegetables to it, it makes a pretty filling meal by itself.

More Recipes to Serve with Fried Rice that You'll Love

  • Crockpot Bourbon Chicken - a simple copycat version of a restaurant favorite. Chicken is slow simmered in a sweet bourbon sauce.
  • Bourbon Teriyaki Hawaiian Burgers - a fusion of 2 worlds. These burgers feature a bourbon teriyaki sauce and a slice of fresh pineapple.
  • Easy Chicken Teriyaki - easy to make and my all time favorite to serve with fried rice.
  • Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken - chicken is slow cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce.
  • Crab Rangoon Dip - start the meal off with this dip version of crab rangoons featuring crab (or imitation crab) in a creamy, savory dip. The easiest way to make my favorite food to order at every Chinese restaurant.

Easy Fried Rice Video

Overhead view of a black bowl full of easy homemade fried rice topped with green onions with chopsticks taking a bite out.

Easy Fried Rice

Learn how to make the best easy Fried Rice right at home! It's quick, simple, healthy and irresistibly delicious with just the right amount of savory flavor.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Easy Fried Rice, Homemade Fried Rice, Vegetarian Fried Rice
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 332kcal
Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked and chilled day old rice
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 4-5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed and patted dry
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • White pepper to taste
  • Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  • Melt butter in skillet.
  • Add onion, garlic, and peas and carrots and fry until tender.
  • Slide veggies to the side, and pour in beaten eggs into the other side of the skillet.
  • Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once cooked, toss scrambled eggs with the cooked vegetables.
  • Add rice to the veggie and egg mixture.
  • Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir and fry the rice and veggie mixture until heated through and combined. 
  • Add white pepper and adjust soy sauce to taste. Top with green onions.

Notes

  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezer Directions: Allow the fried rice to cool. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then microwave to reheat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 448mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1853IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in March 2015. It was updated with new pictures, video, and tips and republished in May 2023.

Never Miss a Thing!

Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit

More Recipes

  • Overhead view of a Philly cheesesteak sloppy joe topped with melted provolone and a toasted bun with another sandwich and two green bell peppers behind it.
    Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
  • Overhead view of Spanish paella topped with mussels, shrimp, peas, and lemon wedges in a cast iron skillet next to a fresh bunch of parsley, linen napkin, and lemon slices.
    Spanish Seafood Paella
  • A stack of lactation cookies on a pink marble background with a bottle full of milk behind. The top cookie has a bite taken out.
    Lactation Cookies
  • A silicone spoon holding a big scoop of cheesy tuna tetrazzini topped with freshly chopped parsley.
    Tuna Tetrazzini
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix

Breads & Grains, Kid-Friendly Food, Recipes, Side Dishes, Veggies Easy Fried Rice Recipe, Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer S. says

    March 03, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    My husband is excited. 🙂 He wants me to do this recipe. Thanks for sharing. I've pinned this.

    Reply
  2. Suzie@homemaker-mom says

    March 05, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    This is one of my most fav meals! Love your take on it 🙂 Glad to find you today at the Embracing Change Link Up!

    Reply
  3. dina and bruce miller says

    May 10, 2023 at 1:27 pm

    NOW! I am gonna MAKE THIS! Can not wait! Love fried rice!

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth says

    May 10, 2023 at 1:28 pm

    This is a great way to use up the leftover rice no one in my household ever wants to eat! Including the scrambled eggs is a nice way to add protein to the dish.

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    May 10, 2023 at 1:29 pm

    I love how this recipe is so adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

    Reply
  6. Angela says

    May 10, 2023 at 1:36 pm

    Love making fried rice at home! Your recipe is so simple and flavorful. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Picture of Michelle Medlin, The Gracious Wife

Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
Welcome to The Gracious Wife!
MORE ABOUT ME>>

Happy Fall!

Crockpot chicken noodle soup with wide egg noodles and fresh parsley with a spoon in it taking a bite out.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Sweet potato pecan cupcake on parchment paper and a rustic wood background topped with a caramel drizzle and chopped pecans

Sweet Potato Pecan Cupcakes

Slice of apple pie on a small plate topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Green apple and pie in a pie dish are behind.

Best Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Southern pecan pie on a white plate with a fork

Southern Pecan Pie

Thanksgiving side dishes on a wooden table with Fall decorations

70 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Will Gobble Up

Stack of four toffee pretzel cookies surrounded by pretzel twists with the baking sheet full of cookies in the background. The top cookie has a bite taken out.

Toffee Pretzel Cookies

More Fall Recipes & Ideas

Happy Halloween

DIY Spider Costume for Kids - Make this easy, fun, and creepy DIY Spider Costume for Kids for a creepy crawly frugal do it yourself Halloween costume! So cool. Made from just a few black shirts!

DIY Spider Costume

Skeleton Cupcakes - Spooky but fun Skeleton Cupcakes with chocolate skeletons on top of your favorite cupcakes are a perfect easy Halloween treat for kids! These are so cute and easy! My kids will love them!

Skeleton Cupcakes

Black Cat Cupcakes Tutorial - Black Cat Cupcakes make a fun and easy non-spooky Halloween treat for kids! They're easy enough that anyone can make them! Fun project for kids to help with! Fun, quick and easy Halloween treats for kids! 

Black Cat Cupcakes

Jumbo Spiderweb Cookies Recipe for Halloween - Jumbo Spiderweb Cookies are a fun, quick, and easy Halloween treat for kids.  They're big enough to share and made with the all-time BEST chocolate chip cookies recipe. How fun! My kids will love these! Definitely making for their Halloween party treat!

Jumbo Spiderweb Cookies

9 Uses for Mini Pumpkins - Pumpkins are everybody's favorite! They just scream Fall! Check out these 9 Uses for Mini Pumpkins to squeeze even more pumpkin into your life while the season lasts! Love decorating for Fall and mini pumpkins are so fun! Love these ideas

9 Uses for Mini Pumpkins

Sparkle Pumpkin Cupcakes Tutorial - Make these fun, easy, and festive Sparkle Pumpkin Cupcakes in just 4 simple steps for adorable Fall and Halloween treats! What a great idea for Halloween food. My kiddos will love these! Make them as Pumpkin spice too!

Sparkle Pumpkin Cupcakes

DIY Halloween Paper Plate Candy Corn Banner Tutorial - This cute and festive DIY Paper Plate Candy Corn Banner makes an adorable and cheap DIY Halloween decoration that's perfect for your home or even a Halloween party decoration.  So easy to make that even the kids could help!

Paper Plate Candy Corn Banner

36 delicious and fun Candy Corn Dessert Recipes that are made with candy corn or look like candy corn. A fun way to celebrate Fall and Halloween! Candy corn is a perfect Halloween food. These recipes would be such great ideas for kids Halloween party!

36 Candy Corn Dessert Recipes

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies take the rich creaminess of peanut butter and combine it with the vanilla and honey sweetness of classic candy corn to make a perfect and delicious Fall and Halloween treat for kids, party, and everyone!

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies

More Halloween Recipes and Ideas

Reader Favorites on The Gracious Wife

A slice of no bake s'mores cheesecake topped with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs on a small plate.

No Bake S'mores Cheesecake

Slice of crockpot breakfast casserole on a white plate with stainless steel crock pot in the background.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

A corner slice of chicken pot pie with golden crust on a small plate with a fork with a bite on it, on a rustic wood background with a striped linen

The BEST Chicken Pot Pie

Close up picture of a Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes with a bite taken out on a marble background.

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Homemade Mint White Hot Chocolate is a fast and easy homemade hot chocolate recipe made with white chocolate and mint! creamy, white chocolate with a burst of peppermint flavor to create a perfect decadent Christmas, winter, St. Patrick's Day, or holiday treat. Yum! Definitely making this ASAP!

Mint White Hot Chocolate

What's Trending Now:

  • Biscuits stacked on a black matte plate on a white rustic wood background Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
  • A corner slice of chicken pot pie with golden crust on a small plate with a fork with a bite on it, on a rustic wood background with a striped linen The BEST Chicken Pot Pie
  • Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a white bowl with a rustic wood background and breadsticks in a white and blue striped linen behind it. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Snickers Caramel Apple Salad drizzled with caramel sauce in a large bowl next to a wrapped Snickers bar and Granny Smith Apple on a rustic wood backdrop Snickers Caramel Apple Salad
  • Slice of crockpot breakfast casserole on a white plate with stainless steel crock pot in the background. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Footer

  • About The Gracious Wife
  • Contact Us
  • Copyright Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

You can find me here too!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disclosure

The Gracious Wife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. All our thoughts and opinions are our own and we are not paid for or mandated to provide a positive review.

2022© The Medlin Group
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 The Gracious Wife ·

1.9K shares
1.9K shares