A delicious and easy fried rice recipe that’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor. Skip the takeout and whip up this homemade version for a healthier, tastier option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Add your favorite proteins or veggies for a personalized touch.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover rice and pantry staples to save time and money.
- Better Than Takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old or leftover rice works best)
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Directions
- Heat the Oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the peas and carrots mix, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir fry until tender, about 3–5 minutes.
- Scramble the Eggs: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the other side and stir fry until scrambled.
- Add Rice and Soy Sauce: Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot as a side dish or a main course.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Protein Additions: Include diced chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or ham for a heartier meal.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or green beans for more nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for some heat.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice for a whole-grain option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish.
- Freezing: Fried rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
1. Why use day-old rice?
Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, making it perfect for fried rice as it absorbs flavors better.
2. Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to cool and dry it slightly.
3. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based egg substitute or omit the eggs entirely for a vegan version.
4. Can I use other oils besides sesame oil?
Yes, vegetable, canola, or avocado oil are great alternatives, but sesame oil adds authentic flavor.
5. How can I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use cold, day-old rice and ensure the skillet or wok is hot enough before adding ingredients.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can make the rice soggy.
7. Is soy sauce necessary?
Soy sauce provides essential umami flavor. You can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for dietary needs.
8. What other seasonings can I add?
Add a pinch of ground ginger, black pepper, or garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.
9. Can I make fried rice without a wok?
Yes, a large nonstick skillet works perfectly for making fried rice.
10. How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use brown rice, add more vegetables, and reduce the amount of oil or use low-sodium soy sauce.
Conclusion
Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is a quick, delicious, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful. Make it your own with your favorite proteins and veggies, and enjoy a fresh, homemade alternative to takeout. Try it today and elevate your rice game!
Print
Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is the ultimate homemade comfort food. Customizable, packed with flavor, and ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old or leftover rice works best)
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Optional Add-Ins:
- Diced ham
- Green onions
- Cooked chicken or shrimp
Instructions
- Heat the Oil:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. - Cook the Vegetables:
Add the peas and carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender, about 3–4 minutes. - Scramble the Eggs:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and cook, stirring gently, until scrambled. - Combine and Stir-Fry:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the soy sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and stir-fry until the rice is heated through, about 3–5 minutes. - Customize and Serve:
Optionally, stir in diced ham, green onions, or other add-ins of your choice. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use chilled day-old rice to prevent clumping.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste or add a splash of oyster sauce for extra umami flavor.
- Experiment with protein options like tofu, chicken, or shrimp for variety.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *