Homemade Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Made with day-old rice, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy sauce blend, this dish is perfect as a side or a complete meal. Whether you’re using chicken, shrimp, or keeping it vegetarian, this fried rice is better than takeout!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Customizable – Use any protein or veggies you like.
- Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients with bold flavors.
- Great for Leftovers – Perfect for using up leftover rice.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup with a delicious result!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- ½ cup carrots (diced)
- ½ cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients – Have all ingredients ready, as cooking moves fast.
- Scramble the Eggs – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add beaten eggs, scramble, and remove from the pan.
- Sauté Veggies – Add another tablespoon of oil. Cook onions, carrots, and peas until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Rice – Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Season & Stir-Fry – Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, and scrambled eggs. Toss everything together.
- Finish & Serve – Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions, and serve hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Fried Rice: Add cooked, diced chicken.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Toss in cooked shrimp at the end.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Use extra veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Mix in diced pineapple for a sweet twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Stir-fry in a pan with a little oil, or microwave with a splash of water.
FAQs
What’s the best rice for fried rice?
Day-old jasmine rice works best—it’s drier and prevents mushiness.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes! Spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for 30 minutes before using.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce or soy sauce with a little sugar.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How do I prevent rice from sticking?
Use high heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon adds extra flavor.
How do I make it restaurant-style?
Use high heat, a wok, and a bit of butter for extra richness.
Can I make it without eggs?
Yes! Just skip the eggs or use tofu as an alternative.
What can I serve with fried rice?
Pair it with dumplings, spring rolls, or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just thaw them slightly before cooking.
Conclusion
Homemade Fried Rice is an easy, delicious way to enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home. With its simple ingredients, quick prep, and endless variations, this dish is perfect for a fast, satisfying meal. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic that beats takeout every time!
PrintHomemade Fried Rice
This Homemade Fried Rice is quick, flavorful, and better than takeout! Made with leftover rice, fresh veggies, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-based sauce, this dish is perfect as a side or a complete meal with your favorite protein. 
- 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, Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice for best texture)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup carrots (diced)
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (adds authentic flavor)
- 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp white or black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu (for a protein boost)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha (for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to dry out. (Day-old rice is best!)
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (if using), and white/black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry onions, carrots, and peas for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
- Increase heat to high and add cold rice to the pan.
- Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes, breaking up clumps and evenly distributing the veggies.
Step 5: Add Sauce & Eggs
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture and mix well to coat the rice.
- Stir in the scrambled eggs and green onions, tossing everything together.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
- Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Notes
- Best Rice for Fried Rice: Use cold, day-old rice for a firmer texture. Fresh rice can turn mushy.
- Protein Additions: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a full meal.
- Soy Sauce Tip: Adjust soy sauce based on salt preference—start with 2 tbsp and add more as needed.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the eggs and use tofu or extra veggies.