Delicious Fried Rice Recipe for Every Occasion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fried rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s savory, flavorful, and customizable to your taste. With ingredients like scrambled eggs, fresh vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil, each bite is a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The crispy edges of the rice add a special touch, making it feel like an indulgent treat. It’s quick to make, filling, and perfect for both meal prep or a quick dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can easily add your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
2 large eggs, beaten
½ medium white onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
4 scallions, chopped (dark green tops reserved for garnish)
4 cups cooked and chilled white rice
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Directions

Scramble the Eggs: Heat ½ teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring often, for about 1 minute until scrambled. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: Wipe out the pan and return it to medium heat. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil, then add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and frozen peas. Cook, stirring often, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
Add Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, along with the chopped garlic, ginger, and the white and light green parts of the scallions. Stir to combine.
Fry the Rice: Add the cooked and chilled rice to the pan along with the soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Stir to coat the rice evenly, then press it into an even layer at the bottom of the pan. Cook, stirring only occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the rice to become lightly crisp and browned.
Combine and Serve: Stir in the remaining ½ tablespoon sesame oil, the rice vinegar, and the scrambled eggs. Season to taste. Garnish with the reserved dark green scallion tops before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit any animal proteins and load up the dish with extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Protein-Packed Fried Rice: Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty protein boost.
Spicy Fried Rice: For a spicy twist, add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili along with the garlic and ginger.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the rice.
Quinoa Fried Rice: Swap out the rice for cooked quinoa for a gluten-free, protein-rich alternative.
Curry Fried Rice: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the oil before cooking the vegetables for a fragrant, spiced version.
Egg Fried Rice with Veggies: Keep it simple by adding just eggs and your choice of veggies like peas, carrots, and corn.
Herbed Fried Rice: Top the fried rice with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic lift.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, place the fried rice in a skillet with a splash of water and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not get crispy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover rice is actually perfect for fried rice. Make sure it’s chilled, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when frying.

What type of oil is best for frying rice?

Neutral oils like vegetable oil, avocado oil, or canola oil work well for frying rice, as they won’t overpower the other flavors. Toasted sesame oil adds a unique depth of flavor and is used for seasoning.

Can I add other proteins to the fried rice?

Yes, absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, for extra protein. Simply cook the protein before adding it to the fried rice.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use extra vegetable oil or any neutral oil. However, sesame oil adds a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate. You could try a dash of peanut butter for a similar nutty undertone.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, omit the eggs and use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can also load up the dish with extra vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This delicious fried rice recipe is a perfect dish for every occasion—quick, customizable, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a side dish to accompany your main course, this fried rice is sure to satisfy. With its mix of fresh vegetables, savory soy sauce, and crispy rice, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. You can easily make it your own with different proteins, vegetables, or seasonings. So, next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious, give this fried rice recipe a try!

Delicious Fried Rice Recipe for Every Occasion