If you are craving a quick, flavorful dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Easy Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. With simple ingredients like cold rice, frozen veggies, a touch of soy and oyster sauce, and fluffy scrambled eggs, this dish comes together swiftly and delivers incredible comfort with every bite. Whether you are a weeknight dinner hero or just looking for an easy way to turn leftovers into something extraordinary, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating that authentic fried rice experience. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the crisp peas and carrots bringing freshness and color, this dish relies on its vibrant and simple components to come alive.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Provides a luscious base flavor and helps everything cook beautifully without sticking.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: No need to thaw these—will add a sweet crunch and bright colors to your rice.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Packs an aromatic punch that infuses the whole dish with warmth.
- 3 cups cold cooked white rice: Using cold, day-old rice keeps the grains separate and creates the perfect texture.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (+ more for serving): Brings salty, savory depth to the dish, tying all the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a subtle umami richness that makes the flavor complex but balanced.
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way, giving a nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Creates fluffy, tender pockets of protein throughout the fried rice.
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions: Adds freshness and a slight bite, brightening every mouthful.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to adjust and personalize your dish.
How to Make Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs
Start by cracking your eggs into a bowl and whisking them vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This little step ensures the eggs cook evenly and scramble nicely once added to the pan, bringing fluffiness to your fried rice.
Step 2: Cook the Peas and Carrots
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Toss in your frozen peas and carrots right from the freezer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure the water from the veggies evaporates to keep your rice from getting soggy—this step adds a perfect sweet crunch to the dish.
Step 3: Add Rice and Sauces
Now stir in your cold rice alongside the soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Keep everything moving in the pan for about 2 minutes to ensure the rice heats through and soaks up all those delicious flavors. This is where the easy fried rice recipe really starts to shine, as the sauces coat each grain beautifully.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture over to one side of your skillet, then melt the remaining tablespoon of butter on the other side. Pour in the whisked eggs and gently stir them around until they’re cooked but still tender, about a minute. This technique gives you just the right ratio of egg to rice.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Sprinkle the chopped scallions over the pan and stir everything together gently so that the scrambled eggs blend evenly into the rice. Remove the skillet from heat, then taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you like. Serve with extra soy sauce on the side for that personalized touch. Your easy fried rice recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro if you want to elevate the presentation with hints of crunch and freshness. Thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of sriracha can also bring a subtle heat, perfect for friends who love a little spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile, so serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a balanced meal. Crispy spring rolls or a bowl of hot miso soup make great complements, too, rounding out an Asian-inspired feast effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Plate your fried rice in a neat dome using a small bowl or mold before inverting it onto the plate. Garnish with scallion curls and a wedge of lime for a pop of color and brightness. For a casual gathering, serve it family style right from the skillet so everyone can scoop out generous portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fried rice actually tastes great the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making your next meal just as satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to stretch this easy fried rice recipe further, freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month. When freezing, make sure the rice has cooled completely to avoid excess moisture, which can affect texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving without adding some liquid or the rice might turn dry and clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will work fine, but since it’s a bit firmer, you may want to cook it slightly longer and adjust seasoning to suit your taste. It’s a great healthier alternative.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with extra soy sauce or a vegetarian mushroom sauce for a similar umami kick. It might change the flavor slightly but will still be delicious.
Do I have to use cold rice?
Cold, preferably day-old rice is best because it prevents clumping and sogginess. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and moist for good fried rice texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped green beans. Just make sure to cook them until tender before adding the rice for the best texture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It’s close, but oyster sauce typically contains oyster extracts. You can use a vegetarian oyster sauce or simply swap with soy sauce to keep it fully vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a simple, tasty, and utterly satisfying Easy Fried Rice Recipe that you can whip up any day of the week. This dish proves that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to meals whenever you want something comforting, quick, and downright delicious.
Print
Easy Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This easy fried rice recipe is a quick and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for using leftover rice. Pan-fried with butter, garlic, peas, carrots, and a savory blend of soy and oyster sauces, it’s finished with fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh scallions for a delicious homemade take on classic Chinese restaurant-style fried rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups cold cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (+ more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Whisk Eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until well combined to prepare for scrambling later.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and excess water evaporates.
- Add Rice and Sauces: Stir in the cold cooked rice along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to combine flavors and heat the rice.
- Cook Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the empty side. When melted, pour in the whisked eggs and scramble them until fully cooked, about 1 minute.
- Combine and Season: Add chopped scallions to the pan and mix them into the rice and eggs. Remove from heat, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with additional soy sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice if possible as it yields the best texture for fried rice, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Frozen peas and carrots can be used directly from the freezer; no need to thaw.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or proteins based on preference.
