How To Make The Best Homemade Fried Rice

This Chinese-inspired fried rice recipe is a family favorite. Quick, easy, customizable, and utterly delicious, it’s perfect for any meal!

Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’m revisiting a timeless recipe from the archives: my absolute favorite homemade fried rice.

Fried rice holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, Saturday lunches at our local Chinese restaurant were a cherished tradition. My order, without fail, was always the same: egg drop soup and fried rice. That restaurant set an incredibly high standard for what fried rice could be. Theirs was always perfectly cooked, with those delightful crispy edges, rich savory flavors, and generously loaded with vegetables, eggs, and whatever protein we fancied.

When that beloved restaurant sadly closed its doors over a decade ago, I embarked on a culinary quest. Years of kitchen experiments and countless batches of fried rice followed, all in pursuit of recreating that unforgettable taste. While nothing can truly replace the original in my memories, this fried rice recipe is the closest I’ve come. It’s become my go-to, and for good reason. It’s surprisingly fast to make, incredibly versatile with your favorite ingredients, and bursting with comforting flavor. Thousands of readers have made and loved it over the years, and I’m confident you will too.

So, let’s get cooking and make some incredible homemade fried rice!

Essential Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

Let’s dive right into the secrets for making truly exceptional fried rice. Over the years, I’ve learned a few crucial techniques that elevate this dish from good to great:

1. Start with Cold Rice: This is non-negotiable. Planning ahead is key for perfect fried rice. Freshly cooked, warm rice will turn mushy and clump together in the hot pan, leading to a soggy, sticky mess – definitely not what we’re aiming for. Leftover, thoroughly chilled rice from the refrigerator is ideal. If you’re short on time (or that fried rice craving hits hard!), cook a fresh batch of rice and speed-chill it. Spread the hot rice on a baking sheet or large flat dish, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or freeze for 10-15 minutes, until it’s completely cold but not frozen.

2. Embrace the Butter: Yes, butter is the secret weapon! I’ve experimented with various oils in fried rice, and I’m now convinced that Japanese steakhouses are onto something with their generous use of butter. It simply tastes so much better, adding a richness and helping everything brown beautifully. Don’t worry, we’re not using steakhouse quantities – just 3 tablespoons for a large batch in this recipe.

3. Load Up on Veggies: One of my biggest disappointments with takeout fried rice is the skimpy vegetable portions. Vegetables are not just for color; they bring essential flavor and freshness to fried rice. My childhood favorite restaurant always included both white and green onions, which I’ve incorporated into this recipe. But feel free to get creative and add other delicious stir-fried vegetables you enjoy!

4. Don’t Skimp on Sesame Oil and Oyster Sauce: If you avoid seafood, you can omit the oyster sauce, and the fried rice will still be delicious. However, oyster sauce is a game-changer for authentic fried rice flavor, and a little goes a long way. Even if you’re not an oyster fan, don’t be afraid of oyster sauce! Toasted sesame oil, on the other hand, is absolutely essential. Its aroma is one of my favorites in the kitchen, and it adds a wonderful nutty depth to fried rice. Remember, sesame oil is a finishing oil, not for high-heat cooking. Stir it in after removing the pan from the heat.

5. Crank Up the Heat: High heat is crucial for frying and browning the rice and vegetables properly. It also prevents the rice from steaming in the pan instead of getting that desirable fried texture.

6. Let the Rice Brown Slightly: If you, like me, appreciate crispy fried rice, resist the urge to stir constantly. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for short intervals to brown on the bottom. Using a non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking and encourages that beautiful browning.

7. Adjust the Soy Sauce at the End: Salt preferences vary, and soy sauce brands differ significantly in sodium content. This recipe uses low-sodium soy sauce and is intentionally a bit lighter on the soy sauce to start. Taste and add more at the end if needed. I almost always add an extra drizzle to my serving – it really enhances the flavor.

Fried Rice Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients. To make this amazing homemade fried rice, you’ll need the following (affiliate links included for your convenience):

Cooked, Chilled Rice: Any type of white or brown rice works. Ensure it’s cooked and thoroughly chilled before adding it to the hot pan. I always cook mine in a rice cooker, which makes perfect rice every time. Freshly cooked rice is a no-go for this recipe.
Eggs: Eggs add richness, texture, and protein to fried rice.
Veggies (Carrots, Onions, Green Onions, Peas): This is my classic vegetable base for fried rice. Feel free to add other stir-fry vegetables you love (ideas coming up!).
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best for flavor.
Soy Sauce: I use low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe. Reduce the amount if using regular soy sauce.
Oyster Sauce: A key flavor enhancer that doesn’t taste like oysters. Find it in the Asian foods aisle of most grocery stores or online at Amazon.
Toasted Sesame Oil: The essential finishing touch. Find it in the Asian foods aisle or on Amazon.
Butter: My preferred fat for stir-frying rice, adding unparalleled flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Fried Rice at Home

Making homemade fried rice is simpler than you might think! Here’s the easy process:

Scramble the Eggs: Melt ½ tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the whisked eggs and scramble, breaking them into small pieces as they cook. Once cooked, remove the eggs to a separate plate and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: Return the sauté pan to the heat and add another 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté the diced onions, carrots, peas, and minced garlic until the onions are softened and the carrots are slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir-Fry the Rice: Increase the heat to high. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Melt the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in the empty half of the pan. Add the chilled cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir to combine the rice with the vegetables and sauce. Continue to stir-fry for about 3 minutes, stirring every 15-20 seconds, allowing the rice and vegetables to brown slightly.
Finish and Flavor: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the sliced green onions, toasted sesame oil, and the scrambled eggs.
Taste and Season: Taste the fried rice and season with additional salt and pepper, or soy sauce and sesame oil, as needed, to reach your preferred flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious homemade fried rice hot and enjoy!

Delicious Fried Rice Variations

The beauty of fried rice lies in its versatility. Feel free to get creative and use up leftover ingredients you have on hand. Here are some popular and tasty variations:

Chicken Fried Rice: Sauté diced chicken in a separate pan while making the fried rice. Shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the rice. For a shortcut, use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken breasts.
Pork Fried Rice: Sauté diced pork chop in a separate pan. Dice the cooked pork and add it to the fried rice.
Beef Fried Rice: Sauté steak or brown ground beef in a separate pan. Crumble or dice the cooked beef and add it to the rice.
Shrimp Fried Rice: Sauté peeled, raw shrimp in a separate pan until pink and cooked through. Add the shrimp to the fried rice.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Add any stir-fry friendly vegetables you love! Broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and snap peas are all excellent additions. Sauté them along with the onions, carrots, peas, and garlic.
Kimchi Fried Rice: For a spicy and flavorful twist, add chopped kimchi to your fried rice. Stir it in during the stir-frying process.
Pineapple Fried Rice: For a touch of sweetness, add diced fresh pineapple. Pineapple fried rice is a popular dish in Chinese and Thai cuisines.

You can also experiment with different types of rice:

Fried Brown Rice: For a healthier option, use cooked brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.
Quinoa Fried Rice: For a gluten-free and protein-rich alternative, try quinoa fried rice. Here is my favorite quinoa fried rice recipe.

What to Serve with Fried Rice

Looking for meal inspiration? Fried rice is a fantastic side dish or main course. Here are some delicious dishes that pair perfectly with fried rice:

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Crispy and flavorful appetizers that complement fried rice beautifully.
Dumplings or Potstickers: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings add a delightful textural contrast.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A simple stir-fry of broccoli, bok choy, or other greens enhances the meal.
Sesame Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken: Classic Chinese-American dishes that are delicious with fried rice.
Sweet and Sour Pork or Chicken: The tangy and sweet flavors balance the savory fried rice.
Soup: Egg drop soup, wonton soup, or hot and sour soup are all excellent starters or accompaniments.

Enjoy creating your own perfect fried rice at home!

Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Learn how to make flavorful fried rice at home with this easy recipe. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s customizable and incredibly delicious!

Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 15 minutes Servings 4 people

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 large eggs, whisked
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 small white onion, diced
½ cup frozen peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 cups cooked and chilled rice (short-grain white rice recommended)
3 green onions, thinly sliced
3–4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, or more to taste
2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

Scramble Eggs: Heat ½ tablespoon butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until scrambled. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and heat. Add carrots, onion, peas, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir-fry Rice: Increase heat to high. Add remaining 1 ½ tablespoons butter, rice, green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 3 minutes, allowing rice to brown slightly. Stir in eggs and sesame oil.
Serve: Taste and add more soy sauce if needed. Serve immediately.

Recommended Equipment

Recipe Notes

Sauté Pan: Nonstick or cast-iron pans are ideal, but any pan will work. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

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Published: July 10, 2017 by Ali Freezer-Friendly, Main Dishes, Vegetarian