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.
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.
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
Easy Fried Rice
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
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
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!
Jennifer S. says
My husband is excited. 🙂 He wants me to do this recipe. Thanks for sharing. I've pinned this.
Suzie@homemaker-mom says
This is one of my most fav meals! Love your take on it 🙂 Glad to find you today at the Embracing Change Link Up!
dina and bruce miller says
NOW! I am gonna MAKE THIS! Can not wait! Love fried rice!
Elizabeth says
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.
Lisa says
I love how this recipe is so adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Angela says
Love making fried rice at home! Your recipe is so simple and flavorful. Thanks for sharing!