There’s something so satisfying about a warm bowl of fried rice. My go-to recipe for easy fried rice uses leftover rice and just a few simple ingredients, making it a fantastic way to whip up a quick meal. It’s not only delightful in flavor but also incredibly versatile; you can toss in whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a personal comfort meal, this recipe delivers.
What makes this dish special is its delightful texture and the way the flavors meld together beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish to your favorite Asian-inspired entrée, this easy fried rice is loved by both adults and kids alike.
Why you’ll love easy fried rice
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Uses simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly and economical
- Great for meal prep or leftover nights
- Versatile with endless variations
What ingredients do I need for easy fried rice?
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Ingredients notes & swaps
- Leftover rice works best as it’s drier than freshly cooked rice.
- Feel free to use any mixed vegetables you have on hand, like corn or bell peppers.
- For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari in place of soy sauce.
How do I make easy fried rice step-by-step?
To make easy fried rice, heat sesame oil in a skillet, sauté mixed vegetables until tender, scramble the eggs, and then combine everything with the rice and soy sauce. It’s deliciously quick and perfect for any night of the week.
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until they are tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Add the leftover rice to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir until well combined.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Pro Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture; it keeps the grains separated and prevents mushiness.
How should I serve it?
Easy fried rice is best served hot, straight from the skillet. You can garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or as a side for Asian-style dishes like stir-fry or teriyaki.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Yes, you can prepare easy fried rice ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or broth to revive the moisture.
How do I fix common issues?
If your fried rice turns out dry, try adding a little more soy sauce or sesame oil while reheating. For blandness, enhance with an extra splash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt. If it’s soggy, ensure your leftover rice is sufficiently dried out or let it stir-fry longer to evaporate excess moisture.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to switch up the ingredients in your easy fried rice! Add proteins like shrimp or chicken, use different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor. You can even turn it into a veggie-packed dish with mushrooms, bell peppers, or sprouts.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice?
While day-old rice is preferred for its texture, you can use fresh rice if you cool it completely and let it dry out a bit to prevent stickiness.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
You can use regular soy sauce for a deeper flavor, or low-sodium soy sauce to keep it healthier. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Can I add meat to this fried rice?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp can be delicious additions; just heat them through while cooking the vegetables.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s not spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for a kick if you prefer some heat.
Can I freeze easy fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the mixed vegetables and sauté until they are tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Add the leftover rice to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir until well combined.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.