EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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Easy restaurant style fried rice that you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect way to use up leftover rice sitting in the fridge.

EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Favorite Fried Rice Recipe
  • Key Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Fried Rice
  • Recipe FAQ
  • Storing
  • Favorite Dishes to Serve with Fried Rice
  • Fried Rice Recipe Printable Recipe

Favorite Fried Rice Recipe

One of my favorite ways to use up leftover rice is to make this classic Chinese fried rice. It’s super easy, flavorful and comes together in just 20 minutes. Plus my entire family loves it and can’t get enough! My kids always go back for seconds.

This easy fried recipe is super versatile. Feel free to throw in more vegetables if you’d like. Mushrooms, chopped broccoli or bell peppers make a great addition. We love to add a sweet taste to it in this pineapple fried rice recipe. Or make it a main dish by adding in cooked protein like diced chicken, steak or shrimp. We love to use leftover pork in this ham fried rice!

We love to serve along side of Kung Pao chicken, sweet and sour chicken with homemade egg rolls. It seriously tastes like takeout from a Chinese restaurant, but is better for you, less expensive and can be made in the comfort of your own home. So easy and delicious!

Key Ingredients

EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

Find the fullprintable recipewith specific measurements below.

  • White rice: Be sure to use cold rice. I prefer a long grain rice like jasmine rice. It prevents it from getting mushy and lumping together in the pan. I typically use leftover rice.
  • Butter: Don’t forget the butter. It makes this fried rice taste so good. There’s a reason those Japanese steak houses use a big slab of butter on their hot skillets.
  • Eggs: For this fried rice I like to use 2 eggs. It’s the perfect amount.
  • Veggies:I’m using onion, peas and carrots. You can use a mixed bag to make it easier. Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, chopped broccoli and/or bell peppers. I like to add in whatever I have on hand. This recipe is versatile.
  • Soy Sauce: This is what adds the traditional flavor of fried rice and brings all the flavors together. I prefer to use a low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Sesame oil: Although it’s optional, I love the added flavor that sesame oil gives the dish. It gives it more of that restaurant quality taste.

Variations

Protein. You can add in cooked protein like diced chicken, beef, pork, steak or Kung pao shrimp to make it a meal.
Pineapple. Diced pineapple adds a wonderful sweet flavor. Just mix it in right before serving.
Spice. For some heat, you can mix some sriracha into the fried rice.
Kimchi. You can chop some and toss it in to add a major flavor boost.

How to Make Fried Rice

EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)
  1. Chill the rice. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
  2. Cook the veggies. Add butter to a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add onion and carrots and cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in garlic and peas.
  3. Scramble Eggs. Push veggies to one side and pour the eggs to the skillet. Scramble and then stir together. Then you’ll add in the rice.
  4. Stir together. Gently stir and then add soy sauce and toss to coat. S&P to taste. If desired, add a dash or two of sesame oil. You can top with green onions if you’d like.
EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Recipe FAQ

Do you Cook the Rice Before you Fry it?

Yes, the rice should be cooked prior to frying. However, using cold rice is key. It helps it get crispier in the skillet and prevent any mushiness. I love to make a big batch for a meal a couple of days before and save half for later. Use 1 1/4 cups uncooked rice to make 4 cups of cooked rice for this recipe.

What is the secret to good fried rice?

Use cold rice. I love to prep the rice the day before or early in the morning. As mentioned above, be sure to use a long grain rice. It prevents it from getting mushy and lumping together in the pan. Also, use a wok pan on medium high heat with oil for best results.

Is fried rice healthy?

It is much healthier to make at home using this recipe than buying from a restaurant. I wouldn’t consider it a health food by any means and it does have more calories than a plain rice, but most of the ingredients inside of the dish are whole foods, which I consider good food you.

What gives fried rice it’s flavor?

The flavor comes from the soy sauce and sesame oil. You could also substitute for a fish sauce. Seasoning with salt and pepper will also help bring all the flavors together. Make sure to taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the rice.

Storing

Any leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container with a lid. It will also keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.

EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (6)

Love rice? You’ll also love my Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice and coconut rice.

Favorite Dishes to Serve with Fried Rice

  • Instant Pot Orange Chicken
  • General Tso’s Chicken
  • Chicken Stir Fry
  • Kung Pao Shrimp

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EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

Fried Rice Recipe

5 from 131 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

Easy restaurant style fried rice that you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect way to use up leftover rice sitting in the fridge.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

PrintRatePin

Video

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked rice , long or short grain
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 large eggs , whisked
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce , more if desired
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil , or oyster sauce
  • Salt and Pepper , to taste

Instructions

  • Place the cooked rice in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.

  • Place butter in a large skillet or wok. Add onion and carrots. Cook for 2 minutes. Then stir in garlic and peas. Push to one side and add the eggs to the skillet. Scramble and then stir together. Gently stir in cooked rice.

  • Add soy sauce and sesame oil and toss to coat. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve while warm.

Notes

Additions:

  • Can add more veggies like mushrooms, chopped broccoli and/or bell peppers.
  • To make a meal, add in cooked protein like diced chicken, pork, steak or shrimp.

Storage:Store in an airtight container and keep in fridge for up to 3 days or in freezer for up to 1 month.

Note: 1 1/4 cups of uncooked rice makes 4 cups of cooked rice.

Adapted from All Recipes

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 159mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2012IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Chinese

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Categorized as: Asian, Freezer-Friendly, Rice, Side Dishes, Stovetop, Vegetarian

EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (12)

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

Other recipes to try

  • Baked Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
  • Easy Rice Pilaf
  • Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Easy Mexican Rice

Add a comment

91 comments

    • Virginia Rodriguez
    • EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (17)

    Delicious and so easy to make!

    • Reply
    • Zina white
    • EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (18)

    It turned out very well!
    Easy peasy!

    • Reply
    • Heather
    • EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (19)

    Delicious! Added into my recipe, as suggested, red pepper and cooked chicken. Thank you, it was superb! Will make again, and again!

    • Reply
    • Sean
    • EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (20)

    I really like how simple this is. I particularly like how you scramble the eggs into the veggies so they are easily taken up. And can customize however you want. I had some leftover rice that I turned into fried rice in about 15 minutes for my lunch – delicious AND convenient.

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime Community

      Thank you Sean! I’m so happy you enjoyed the rice :)

      • Reply
    • Dawn Cummings
    • EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (21)

    Quick & easy. Simple ingredients. This one’s a keeper!

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime Community

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the fried rice Dawn!

      • Reply
    • Barbara Milligan
    • EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (22)

    Super easy to make and delicious. I added mushrooms to make a mushroom fried rice and followed as written. Thank you for an easy meal.

    • Reply

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EASY 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

FAQs

How to make fried rice if you don't have day-old rice? ›

Just toast some freshly cooked rice on really high heat. I don't really notice a difference. This is the answer. Day old rice works fine for fried rice, but steaming rice works even better.

How to make fried rice less mushy? ›

Use cold, leftover cooked rice. Left in the fridge overnight, the rice grains will firm up, making it easier to separate and decreasing the chances of your fried rice turning out mushy. If you can't wait, air freshly cooked rice to remove moisture and refrigerate the rice for a few hours before cooking.

Is sesame oil necessary for fried rice? ›

You can also use day-old brown rice, however it will create a less-authentic taste and texture, even though it's still delicious. Sesame oil. I do not recommend omitting or substituting the sesame oil in this recipe. It is key to the authentic flavor of this dish.

How to make fried rice in 5 steps? ›

  1. Step 1: Heating Oil. Begin by adding your oil to the frying pan. ...
  2. Step 2: Add Garlic and Sesame Seeds. Add your garlic and sesame seeds to the oil. ...
  3. Step 3: Add Egg. Add the egg to your pan. ...
  4. Step 4: Add Rice and Vegetables. ...
  5. Step 5: Add Soy Sauce. ...
  6. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. ...
  7. 2 Comments.

How to make rice in 5 minutes? ›

Use equal amounts of rice and water. BOIL water. ADD rice, stir, cover & remove from heat. WAIT 5 minutes, or until the water is absorbed, then fluff.

How to make minute rice taste good? ›

Replacing the water with vegetable broth and chopped garlic is a great way to add a savory touch to your rice. And, vegetable broth will enhance the natural flavors of any added vegetables in a stir fry recipe with rice or fried rice dish.

How to make perfect minute rice? ›

Place water and rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover. Microwave on HIGH. Wait 5 minutes or until water is absorbed, then fluff with a fork.

What is fried rice syndrome? ›

Fried rice syndrome is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which is present in these types of starchy foods prior to cooking. Bacillus cereus is a heat-resistant bacteria, so even recooking foods that have not been appropriately refrigerated can result in food poisoning.

How do you make fried rice taste better? ›

To give your dish that signature fried rice taste, you'll need to drizzle in sesame oil and soy sauce, but feel free to use as much or as little as you wish. You can even mix in things like garlic powder, ginger root, or Sriracha sauce and chili pepper for a bit of a kick.

Why won't my fried rice get crispy? ›

1) Use cold rice: You've gotta plan ahead and use thoroughly-chilled cooked rice. A fresh batch of warm (or even lukewarm) rice will not fry well when it hits the hot pan, and will result in soggy and sticky clumps — no good. So leftover refrigerated rice is ideal!

What is the secret to Chinese fried rice? ›

9 Tips For Making The Perfect Fried Rice
  • Know what type of rice to use. Chang starts with long-grain jasmine. ...
  • Always use leftover rice for this recipe. ...
  • Declump your rice before cooking. ...
  • Dice your ingredients for the best flavour. ...
  • Soft-scramble the eggs. ...
  • Use Chinese sausage if you can. ...
  • A hot pan is a must. ...
  • Don't crowd the pan.
Apr 11, 2024

What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice? ›

Cooking bits of chopped vegetables, seasoning, soy sauce, and oil, seems easy enough. However, when making fried rice at home, there's one ingredient you may be overlooking: Sugar.

What oil is best for fried rice? ›

If you want an oil with a neutral flavor, go with canola oil. For a mildly nutty flavor, you'll want to pick peanut oil. If you want your oil to infuse your fried rice with a rich flavor, go with avocado oil, macadamia oil, or sesame, depending on what taste you're going for.

Can I make fried rice with same day rice? ›

1) Use cold rice: You've gotta plan ahead and use thoroughly-chilled cooked rice. A fresh batch of warm (or even lukewarm) rice will not fry well when it hits the hot pan, and will result in soggy and sticky clumps — no good. So leftover refrigerated rice is ideal!

Why do you need day old rice for fried rice? ›

- Freshly cooked rice is hot, steamy, very moist and a little sticky ? this will make your fried rice clumpy and soggy. - Day-old rice is dryer and will give your fried rice a good texture and will bring out the individual flavours of the other ingredients.

How do you store cooked rice for fried rice overnight? ›

Spread it out in a thin layer on a baking sheet or tray so it cools rapidly. Then, when cold, put into a container, cover and chill in the fridge. Keep the rice for no more than a day before reheating it – and then only reheat it once. Whichever reheating method you use, make sure the rice is piping hot before serving.

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