This homemade fried rice is quick, tasty, and way better than takeout! With yummy veggies, rice, and your choice of protein, it’s a winner for any meal.
I love whipping this up with leftover rice—it’s so easy and I can add whatever I have on hand! Plus, there’s no waiting for delivery! 🍚🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best! It’s drier and helps prevent mushiness when you fry it. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool before using.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works, but I like using canola or grapeseed for their high smoke points. You can also use sesame oil for a bit more flavor, but not for frying since it has a lower smoke point.
Eggs: Eggs add great texture. For a vegan option, substitute with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water for a similar effect.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to use fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just remember to chop them small so they cook through quickly.
Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. You can replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Fried Rice Texture?
Getting that great fried rice texture requires a bit of technique. Make sure your rice is dry and cold—this helps it fry instead of steam! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a large skillet or wok; this allows the rice to spread out and fry evenly.
- High heat is key! This helps to get a nice bit of crispiness.
- Break up clumps of rice with your spatula as you stir-fry to ensure even cooking.
- Add soy sauce in small amounts as you go, stirring well to avoid sogginess.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade fried rice!
Easy Homemade Fried Rice Better Than Takeout
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Seasoning:
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful homemade fried rice will take you about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 20 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Scramble the Eggs:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Once done, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped onion along with the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This step really elevates the flavor of your fried rice.
4. Mix in the Vegetables:
Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through and nicely mixed with the onions and garlic.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Now it’s time for the rice! Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps using a spatula. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated and starting to get a bit crispy. This is where the magic happens!
6. Bring Back the Eggs:
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing well with the other ingredients to combine everything evenly.
7. Season It Up:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil. Toss everything together to coat all ingredients evenly. Taste your rice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
8. Final Touch:
Lastly, stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions for an extra burst of freshness and color!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade fried rice hot, either as a wonderful main dish or as a delicious side. It’s so satisfying and much better than takeout!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy homemade fried rice!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Fried Rice
Can I Use Day-Old Rice?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is perfect because it’s drier and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don’t have any, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry it out a bit before using.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you want to keep this dish vegan, you can replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or mix 1/4 cup of chickpea flour with water to achieve a similar texture. Just cook it in the skillet until firm before adding it to the rice.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Proteins to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for extra protein. Just toss it in when you add the scrambled eggs, so everything combines well and heats through.
