Easy Fried Rice
It’s not Chinese food—or at least American Chinese food—without fried rice. Around our house, fried rice is one of those side dishes that instantly makes dinner feel complete. Pair it with sweet and tangy orange chicken, or enjoy it as a meal all on its own. No matter how you serve it, this easy homemade fried rice is packed with flavor and comes together in about 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for the perfect main dish to go with this recipe, be sure to try my Easy Orange Chicken. The sweet and tangy sauce paired with this savory fried rice creates a meal that’s better than takeout and easy enough for a busy weeknight.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple it really is. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. With a few pantry staples and either freshly cooked jasmine rice or leftover rice, you can create a delicious homemade fried rice that your whole family will love. It’s an easy, budget-friendly side dish that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor.
A Family Favorite for Busy Weeknights
I’ve been making this fried rice recipe for years, and it has become one of my go-to meals when life gets busy. Even my pickiest eaters happily clean their plates, and I won’t complain that they’re eating a few extra vegetables along the way!
As a stay-at-home mom, I appreciate recipes that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Some dinners need to be quick, and this recipe never disappoints. It uses simple ingredients, cooks quickly, and tastes like something you would order from your favorite takeout restaurant.
Best of all, dinner can be on the table in about 30 minutes, making this recipe perfect for those hectic weeknights when everyone is hungry.
The Secret to the Best Fried Rice
Many fried rice recipes recommend using leftover rice because it’s drier and less likely to become mushy. While that certainly works well, I’ll let you in on a little secret—I usually make this recipe with freshly cooked jasmine rice, and it turns out delicious every time.
Jasmine rice has a wonderful light texture and slightly fragrant flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory soy sauce and sesame oil. If I have leftover rice in the refrigerator, I’ll happily use it to save time. But if I’m making dinner from scratch, I simply cook a fresh batch of jasmine rice and get started.
If you’re using freshly cooked rice, try not to overcook it, and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking so some of the steam can escape. This helps the rice hold its shape better while stir-frying.
Whether you use leftover rice or freshly cooked jasmine rice, you’ll end up with a flavorful fried rice your family will love.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One reason I love this easy fried rice recipe is because it uses everyday ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.
What you’ll need for this recipe:
The soy sauce gives the rice its classic savory flavor, while the sesame oil adds that delicious restaurant-style taste. Eggs make the dish hearty, and the vegetables add both color and texture.
What to Serve with Fried Rice
Although fried rice is delicious by itself, I love serving it alongside my Easy Orange Chicken for a complete meal. The sweet and tangy orange sauce pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the fried rice, creating a family dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout.
It also pairs well with grilled chicken, teriyaki chicken, beef and broccoli, or your favorite stir-fried vegetables.
Easy Orange Chicken for a complete dinner, this recipe is sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.
Tips for the Best Homemade Fried Rice
To get the best results every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- I usually make this recipe with freshly cooked jasmine rice because I love its light, fluffy texture and subtle flavor. Just be careful not to overcook the rice, and let it rest for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet.
- Have leftover rice? It works great too and is an excellent way to use up extras from a previous meal.
- Cook over medium-high heat so the vegetables stay crisp-tender and the rice heats through without becoming mushy.
- Stir everything together frequently so the vegetables, eggs, and rice are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Taste before adding extra soy sauce since different brands can vary in saltiness.
- Add the sesame oil near the end of cooking to preserve its rich, nutty flavor.
This easy homemade fried rice recipe is one you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s quick, budget-friendly, family-approved, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you make it with freshly cooked jasmine rice or use leftover rice from the night before, this recipe is an easy way to get a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
Instructions
- In a medium sized sauce pan bring 3 cups of water to boil season with salt. While water is boiling. Dice the onion and the carrots into bite sized pieces. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat. Dice ham if needed (optional). Set aside
- Once water is boiling add in 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice. Cover and cook.
- Place frying pan or wok on the stove and warm. When the pan is warm add about 2 teaspoons of oil, and the onion, carrots, peas, and ham (optional). Cook until desired tenderness.
- Once vegetables are to desired tenderness. Add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in the beaten eggs. and cook until firm.
- Add in your cooked or left over rice. Mix until combined. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Easy Fried Rice
Equipment
- 1 Deep Non-Stick Fry Pan or Wok
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Oil
- 1 Small Onion
- 1 1/3 Cup Green Peas
- 3 Medium Carrots
- 1 TBSP Minced Garlic
- 1 Cup Diced Ham Optional
- 3 Eggs
- 3 Cups Cooked White Rice
- 2 TBSP Soy Sauce More to Taste
- 2 TBSP Sesame Oil More to Taste
- Salt To Taste
- Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized sauce pan bring 3 cups of water to boil season with salt. While water is boiling. Dice the onion and the carrots into bite sized pieces. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat. Dice ham if needed (optional). Set aside
- Once water is boiling add in 1 1/2 cups of rice. Cover and cook.
- Place frying pan or wok on the stove and warm. When the pan is warm add about 1 Tablespoon of oil, and let warm. Add the onion, carrots, peas, and ham. Cook until desired tenderness.
- Once vegetables are to desired tenderness. Add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in the beaten eggs. and cook until firm.
- Add in your cooked or left over rice. Mix until combined. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Pairs awesome with Orange chicken, but could be eaten on it’s own too. Very, very good!!