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Homemade Fried Rice (Better Than Take-Out)

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close up overhead shot of better than take-out fried rice in a pan with a wooden spoon
Make this simple one-pan Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice recipe for a delicious side dish to go with a range of meals.
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Table of Contents
  1. BEST FRIED RICE INGREDIENTS
  2. FRIED RICE RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS
  3. HOW TO MAKE FRIED RICE
  4. HOW TO SERVE THIS RECIPE FOR FRIED RICE
  5. STORING HOMEMADE FRIED RICE
  6. BEST FRIED RICE RECIPE FAQ
  7. MORE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE
  9. MORE FAVORITES YOU'LL LOVE

One of the best things about a take-out is the fried rice you get with it. There’s always something so tasty about it. But with this Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice, you can make your own version that’s even more delicious and available whenever you want it.

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

close up overhead shot of a serving of better than take-out fried rice in a bowl with chopsticks

MORE RICE RECIPES:
Dirty Rice | Chicken Fried Rice


BEST FRIED RICE INGREDIENTS

better than take-out fried rice raw ingredients that are labeled

You will need:

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ large Vidalia onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Green onions

FRIED RICE RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

Rice: This recipe uses jasmine rice but you can try other types such as white rice or long grain rice. You can even test brown rice in the dish, just make sure you alter cooking times as needed by the packet as different types need slightly different preparation.

Vegetables: Select any vegetables you love or have in the house to make the dish. You can also use frozen vegetables, just let them defrost first. A few ideas include broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, red peppers and bell peppers. You can also use a vegetable mix full of colorful vegetables in this recipe.

Meat: You can also add some meat to the recipe such as leftover chicken to make it into something like takeout chicken fried rice. Shredded pork, bacon or beef also works well. You can also add shrimp if you like seafood.

HOW TO MAKE FRIED RICE

STEP ONE: Prepare your rice according to package directions. Set aside.

PRO TIP: This is a handy recipe if you happen to have rice leftover from another meal as well.

STEP TWO: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the garlic from burning. Add peas and carrots and cook until partially thawed, 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll need to adjust this time if you use fresh veggies.

PRO TIP: One of the secrets of delicious fried rice is a nice hot wok and plenty of oil so that your veggies don’t burn to the bottom.

better than take-out fried rice process shot of ingredients being cooked in a pan

STEP THREE: Turn the heat up to medium-high and add cooked rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until rice is nice and hot and starts to brown.

STEP FOUR: Reduce heat and push the rice to the sides of the pan, making a hole in the center of the pan for the eggs. Crack eggs into the bottom of the pan. 

better than take-out fried rice process shot of ingredients in a pan

STEP FIVE: Scramble the eggs in the middle of the pan. Once eggs are cooked, stir the cooked egg into the rice.

better than take-out fried rice process shot of ingredients being stirred together in a pan

STEP SIX: Mix soy sauce and sesame oil together and pour over rice. Stir until rice is evenly coated with sauce.

better than take-out fried rice process shot of ingredients being added to pan then stirred together

STEP SEVEN: To serve this fried rice, top with chopped green onions. You could even use cilantro and toasted sesame seeds as additional toppings.

HOW TO SERVE THIS RECIPE FOR FRIED RICE

Serve as a dish on its own by adding cooked chicken or other protein into the rice or make a yummy stir fry to top this homemade fried rice.

Our zucchini and mushroom chicken, sheet pan stir fry or beef and broccoli would be delicious dishes to serve alongside the rice.

Want to go further with fried rice? Then check out this cauliflower fried rice recipe. Or you could try shrimp fried rice as a delicious light meal.

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 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the pan to serve.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze fried rice in portions to make it easy to defrost and use. Once it is cooled, pop the portions in a freezer bag and use within 3 months. Defrost overnight then pop in the skillet to heat up.

close up shot of better than take-out fried rice in a bowl

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.

BEST FRIED RICE RECIPE FAQ

Can I freeze fried rice?

This easy fried rice recipe freezes well. Cool and place in an airtight container for easy reheating later.

Can I use day-old rice in this recipe?

You can use either day-old rice or fresh rice in this easy recipe.

Can I use other Asian sauces that I have on hand?

While it will alter the flavor of the fried rice, you can use whichever sauces you like to use in your cooking. Try hoisin sauce, oyster sauce or extra soy sauce.

What is the best rice to use for fried rice?

Long grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is a good choice because it is light and fluffy. This type of rice will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish without becoming too mushy.

What gives Chinese fried rice its flavor?

One key ingredient is rice and the type of rice used can make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. Another important factor is the oil that is used for frying. Chinese cooks typically use vegetable oil, which adds a light and delicate flavor to the dish. Finally, fried rice is often seasoned with soy sauce, which provides a salty flavor.

How do you make fried rice taste like a restaurant?

The key to making fried rice that tastes just like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant is to use cooked and cooled rice. This means, you have to plan to make this dish ahead of time or, if you happen to have had rice the day before, this is a great way to use your leftover rice.

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close up overhead shot of better than take-out fried rice in a pan with a wooden spoon

Fried Rice

5 from 70 votes
Make this simple one-pan Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice recipe for a delicious side dish to go with a range of meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups jasmine rice cooked
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 large Vidalia onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup peas and carrots frozen
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • green onions
  • cilantro optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or wok, preheat vegetable oil over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the garlic from burning.
  • Add peas and carrots and cook until partially thawed, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Turn the heat up to medium-high and add cooked rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until rice is nice and hot and starts to brown. Reduce heat and push rice to the sides of the pan, making a hole for the eggs.
  • Crack the eggs into the middle of the pan and scramble. Once eggs are cooked, stir them into the rice.
  • Mix soy sauce and sesame oil together and pour over rice. Stir until rice is evenly coated with sauce.
  • Top with chopped green onions and/or cilantro, optional.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 118g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3459IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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  1. Keith says

    5 stars
    I Used this recipe as a guide to compliment leftover Chinese food. I used the vegetables I had at hand such as fresh green beans and mushrooms. The leftovers had broccoli, onions, and carrots. In addition to the soy and sesame oil I used some spicy chili crisp to give it a slight kick. It turned out well and my wife was pleased which makes everything worthwhile.

  2. Kelly says

    5 stars
    So easy and yummy! I added chicken and used bachmans Japanese bbq sauce instead of soy and sesame oil. So good!!!

  3. Jack says

    5 stars
    Probably didn’t follow the steps exactly and made several substitutions, but its a flexible recipe. Rough amounts are correct and times are about right. Works well with a little cooking sense. I’m sure following word for word would be good too.

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