Easy Fried Rice

When you’re craving takeout but want something quick, satisfying, and homemade, this customizable Fried Rice is the recipe to make.

It’s packed with tender steak, chicken, or juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, scrambled eggs, garlic, onion, and perfectly seasoned rice, all tossed together with sesame oil and soy sauce.

The best part? This is one of those wonderfully flexible recipes where you can use what you already have in the refrigerator. Start with leftover cooked rice, add chicken, shrimp, steak, or pork, toss in your favorite vegetables, and dinner comes together in one skillet.

There’s something especially comforting about a big bowl of homemade fried rice. The nutty sesame oil, savory soy sauce, buttery eggs, and bits of tender meat come together in every bite. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough that everyone will think you ordered takeout!

I love a little Asian American food recipe now and then, like my Slow Cooker Asian and Broccoli, and don't miss trying my Homemade Egg Roll Recipe!

Why You Will Love This Easy Fried Rice Recipe

• Quick and easy: This is a simple one-skillet meal that comes together fast.
• Perfect for leftovers: It’s a delicious way to transform leftover rice and cooked meat into a completely new meal.
• Customizable: Use chicken, shrimp, steak, or pork—or combine several.
• Family-friendly: The familiar flavors and simple ingredients make this an easy dinner everyone can enjoy.
• Budget-friendly: A few basic ingredients can turn leftovers into a hearty meal. Better than takeout: You control the ingredients, seasoning, and amount of meat and vegetables.
• Great for meal prep: Fried rice reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or planned leftovers.

Suggestions and Additions

• Frozen Peas & Carrots
• Corn
• Broccoli florets
• Mushrooms
• Green onions
• Spinach
• Bok choy
• Zucchini
• Snap peas
• Water chestnuts
• Bean sprouts
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Baby corn.
• Leftover Shrimp or any seafood 
• Leftover steak
• Leftover chicken
• Leftover pork roast 
• Leftover venison
• mixed vegetable
• cauliflower
• green beans

Tips for the Best Fried Rice

1. Cook any meat before adding the rice.
2. Scramble the eggs first, then remove them from the pan before combining everything.
3. Don't overcook Minute Rice—follow the package directions for the best texture.
4. Use medium-high heat to develop flavor without making the rice mushy.
5. Add soy sauce gradually so the rice doesn't become too salty.
6. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving for authentic flavor.
7. Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best taste.
8. Avoid overcrowding the skillet so everything cooks evenly.
9. Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry.
• Microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.
• Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.

Variations For Fried Rice

• Chicken Fried Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Bacon Fried Rice
• Ham Fried Rice
• Steak Fried Rice
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Hawaiian Fried Rice with pineapple
• Spicy Fried Rice with jalapeños
• Garlic Butter Fried Rice
• Kimchi Fried Rice
• Cajun Fried Rice
• Mexican Fried Rice with taco-seasoned beef and black beans

Pin for Later Easy Fried Rice

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Fried Rice Meals

1. Can I use leftover rice instead of Minute Rice? Absolutely! Leftover cold rice works wonderfully and creates an even firmer texture
2.  Can I make this vegetarian? Yes. Skip the meat and load it up with vegetables, tofu, or edamame for a hearty vegetarian meal.
3. What is the best oil for fried rice? Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work well. Finish with a small drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.
4. Can I make it spicy? Definitely! Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.

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Asian

Yield: 8

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Easy Fried Rice

This is a copycat of fried rice you would find in an Asian restaurant. You can add whatever meats and vegetables you want, but this is delicious, quick rice you will make time and time again, it's just so easy!

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Ingredients

• Basic Fried Rice
• 3 cups of instant rice, raw
• 2 cups leftover cooked and cubed meats, chicken, beef or add seafood like shrimp or a combination
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 or 2 eggs beaten
• Optional: any other pre-cooked vegetables, peas and carrot mix, fresh chopped zucchini, broccoli, shredded cabbage, snow peas, or other vegetables you like. Add cayenne pepper for a little heat if you prefer.
• See more options under notes

Instructions

1. In a large fry pan, melt butter and garlic, add the egg, and stir fry until soft scrambled.
2. Add the instant rice and saute until lightly toasted.
3. Add the water and bring to a boil with the rice until the rice is softened and absorbed, around 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the soy sauce.
5. Note: if too dry, add more water, but test the rice to see how you prefer it, al dente or soft.
6. Add any preheated leftover cooked meats, vegetables, or mix-ins you prefer.
7. Note: When using just frozen peas and carrots, those can be added with the water step.

Notes

Suggestions and Additions

• Frozen Peas Carrots
• Corn
• Broccoli florets
• Mushrooms
• Green onions
• Spinach
• Bok choy
• Zucchini
• Snap peas
• Water chestnuts
• Bean sprouts
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Baby corn.
• Leftover Shrimp or any seafood 
• Leftover steak
• Leftover chicken
• Leftover pork roast 
• Leftover venison
• mixed vegetable
• cauliflower
• green beans

Serve Suggestions with Fried Rice

• Grilled chicken
• Teriyaki salmon
• Honey garlic shrimp
• Egg rolls
• Potstickers
• Crab Rangoon
• Asian cucumber salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Grilled steak
• Orange chicken
• Sweet and sour pork
• Korean BBQ
• Lettuce wraps

Variations For Fried Rice

• Chicken Fried Rice
• Shrimp Fried Rice
• Bacon Fried Rice
• Ham Fried Rice
• Steak Fried Rice
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Hawaiian Fried Rice with pineapple
• Spicy Fried Rice with jalapeños
• Garlic Butter Fried Rice
• Kimchi Fried Rice
• Cajun Fried Rice
• Mexican Fried Rice with taco-seasoned beef and black beans

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry.
• Microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.
• Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

352

Fat (grams)

7 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

4 g

Carbs (grams)

63 g

Fiber (grams)

2 g

Net carbs

62 g

Sugar (grams)

0 g

Protein (grams)

8 g

Sodium (milligrams)

542 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

36 mg

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Fried Rice Pin for later

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