Looking for the ultimate Fried Rice Recipe to elevate your mealtime? You’re in the right spot! This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness—quick, flavorful, and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner.
- Versatile Ingredients: Nearly anything goes with this dish—great for using up leftover ingredients in your fridge.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of savory and fragrant ingredients makes this a dish everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s delve into the ingredients that make this fried rice recipe a classic yet customizable delight. Each component offers a distinct taste, color, or texture, creating a harmonious dish.
- Garlic: Offers a robust aromatic base, elevating the dish’s flavor profile.
- Scallions: Bring a mild onion flavor and a vibrant green hue to your presentation.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral background for frying the ingredients to a delightful crispness.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: Add a pop of color and subtle sweetness without the prep hassle.
- Cold Cooked Rice: Preferably a day old, as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Soy Sauce: Contributes savory umami notes that unite the flavors.
- Eggs: Introduce a creamy texture and added protein, making this meal more satisfying.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: A finishing touch for a nutty aroma and flavor depth.
Variations
This fried rice recipe is so flexible, you can easily adapt it to fit what you have on hand or meet dietary needs. Here’s how you can make it uniquely yours:
- Protein-Packed: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to increase protein content.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use a variety of seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, and use gluten-free rice.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.
How to Make Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Mince the garlic cloves and thinly slice the scallions, separating the white from the green parts. This sets the stage for the aromatic base of your fried rice.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, scallion whites, peas, and carrots. Stir-fry until the veggies are thawed and lightly golden.
Step 3: Incorporate the Rice
Add cold cooked rice, breaking up any clusters with your fingers as you toss it with the veggies. Stir in soy sauce, salt, and white pepper, combining the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Push the rice to one side of the pan. On the empty side, add some oil and crack in the eggs. Cook until scrambled and slightly firm, then mix them into the rice.
Pro Tips for Making Fried Rice Recipe
- Perfect Rice Texture: Use day-old rice for a non-mushy, separated grain consistency.
- Vegetable Preparation: Thaw your peas and carrots in the pan to ensure they retain their texture.
- Egg Timing: Cook eggs last to prevent them from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
- Controlled Seasoning: Add soy sauce in moderation initially and adjust to taste.
How to Serve Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly sliced scallion greens for a burst of color and flavor, or add toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This fried rice pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired main dishes like sweet and sour chicken or a simple miso soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the fried rice in carved-out pineapple halves for a tropical presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fried rice in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to bring back moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh rice?
Yes, but fresh rice can be mushy. If you must use it, spread it out after cooking to cool down and dry a bit.
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What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium choice.
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Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of curry powder or five-spice for an extra kick.
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How do I prevent my fried rice from being bland?
Be generous with seasoning and taste as you go. Adjust soy sauce and white pepper to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I hope this fried rice recipe becomes a comforting staple in your kitchen. It’s a delightful dish that promises satisfaction every time. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Yield: about 5 cups 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic fried rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines fluffy rice with garlic, scallions, peas, carrots, and a savory soy sauce base. Perfect for using up leftover rice, it can be customized with your favorite protein or vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal in minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 medium scallions
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (do not thaw)
Rice and Seasonings
- 4 cups cold cooked brown or white rice (preferably medium grain)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more as needed
Eggs and Oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics and Vegetables: Mince the garlic cloves finely and thinly slice the scallions crosswise on a slight diagonal, keeping the white parts separate from the green parts for garnish.
- Heat Oil and Cook Vegetables: Place 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic, scallion whites, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are thawed and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Add the cold cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your fingers as you add it. Toss everything together to combine, then add the soy sauce, kosher salt, and white pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Cook Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the cleared side and crack the eggs directly into the oil. Scramble the eggs until fluffy and nearly set, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Turn off the heat, then incorporate the scrambled eggs into the fried rice, breaking up large pieces. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and toss everything to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with the green parts of scallions before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this fried rice by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
- Use day-old rice for the best texture, as freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
