Homemade Fried Rice (Easy!)

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the fried rice from your local takeout so irresistibly good, wonder no more — I’m about to let you in on the secrets. This recipe delivers golden, flavor-packed fried rice with those deliciously caramelized edges. Fluffy scrambled eggs add a boost of protein, while peas and carrots provide pops of color and sweetness. A sprinkle of green onions finishes it off with a touch of freshness. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for that takeout classic!

Check out the fried rice recipe that has been pinned over a million times on Pinterest!

Ingredients Overview

These ingredients are all you need for a quick and satisfying fried rice — let’s get started.

Variations

Fried rice has roots in Chinese cuisine but has many variations worldwide. Here are some of our favorites:

• Pineapple Fried Rice
• Chicken Fried Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Pork Fried Rice
• Ham Fried Rice

Picking the Right Rice for Fried Rice

1. Choose Medium-Grain or Long-Grain Rice

Medium-grain varieties, such as jasmine rice, are ideal for fried rice. They have the perfect balance of stickiness and fluffiness, allowing the grains to remain separate yet cohesive. Jasmine rice, in particular, has a subtle fragrance that complements the flavors of fried rice.

Long-grain rice varieties like basmati or standard long-grain white rice are also excellent choices. They are less sticky and produce a lighter, fluffier fried rice where the grains remain distinct. This helps avoid clumping and creates a drier texture.

AVOID Short-Grain Rice
Short-grain rice, such as sushi rice or sticky rice, tends to be too starchy and sticky for fried rice. The grains clump together, which can result in a mushy texture rather than the desired fluffiness.

2. Use Day-Old or Chilled Rice

Why Day-Old Rice Works Best
Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which can lead to a soggy, mushy dish when fried. Day-old rice, which has been refrigerated overnight, allows the grains to firm up and dry out, preventing excess moisture during cooking.

Tips for Using Fresh Rice
If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help dry it out quickly.

3. Use the Right Oil

When making fried rice, opt for oils with a high smoke point that can withstand the high heat required for frying. Good choices include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil, as these remain stable at high temperatures and have a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the dish.

Avoid oils with low smoke points, such as olive oil or butter, as they can burn quickly and impart an undesirable taste.

How to Make

Rice Preparation Tips

• Rinsing your rice before cooking removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent clumping. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• Use the right amount of water to cook your rice properly.
• Slightly undercook your rice so the grains remain firm and don’t break down when frying.
• After cooking, let the rice cool down completely before refrigerating it. Spread it out on a tray to ensure even cooling and to prevent clumps from forming.

Four Easy Steps to Perfect Fried Rice

With these four simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, better-than-takeout dish ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add peas and carrots; cook until thawed.
2. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir in cooked rice and fry until lightly browned.
3. Push rice aside, crack eggs into the center, scramble until cooked, then mix into the rice.
   
   
   
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil; stir to coat. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
   
   

How to Serve

Enhance your homemade fried rice with these complementary dishes:

Chicken Dishes – Serve with saucy, flavorful chicken dishes like honey chicken, sesame chicken, or orange chicken. They’re the perfect complement to the savory rice and are sure to satisfy your craving for classic Chinese-American flavors.

Egg Rolls – Pair with a favorite like homemade egg rolls for a fun takeout-style meal at home. These crispy, savory bites are always a hit with the whole family.

Fresh Salad – Add balance with a light and refreshing side like a cucumber salad. The crisp veggies and tangy dressing add a fresh twist.

The following recipes are also wonderful accompaniments:

• Korean BBQ Pork
• Ground Beef Stir Fry
• Beef and Broccoli

Storing Homemade Fried Rice

IN THE FRIDGE: You can store leftover rice in an airtight container once cooled and put them in the fridge for three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: For extended storage, place the fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out excess air before sealing. Frozen fried rice can last for up to three months.

REHEATING:

• Microwave: Sprinkle a little water on the rice, cover loosely, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil or water, stirring until the rice is heated through.

This classic takeout fried rice recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, which is perfect for busy weeknights and can be upgraded in lots of different ways. It works perfectly with Chinese food dishes as well as being an easy and filling light meal on its own.

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