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

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

Jamielyn Nye
Published

  • View Recipe
  • 131

    ratings
  • 91 comments

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)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

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

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!

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

Load More

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

FAQs

Which vinegar is used for fried rice? ›

Season With Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, and Sesame Oil

Soy sauce is the salt element, rice vinegar gives the dish a touch of brightness, and sesame oil lends an utterly delicious, toasty note.

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.

What is the best rice to use to make fried rice? ›

The fine, long grains of jasmine rice with its delicate flavour are perfect for fried rice.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for fried rice? ›

Can you put vinegar in rice? Add a teaspoon of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar both work) to the cooking liquid of your pot of rice.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar for cooking? ›

Now, don't confuse distilled with basic white vinegar, which is stronger and has up to 25% acetic acid. That vinegar is sold exclusively for cleaning purposes and is not a good idea to ingest. However, beyond cooking, distilled white vinegar can be used for many of the same household chores.

What is the secret ingredient in Chinese fried rice? ›

Here's what goes in Fried Rice Sauce: Chinese cooking wine or Mirin (secret ingredient!) – this is the secret to a really great fried rice that truly stacks up to your favourite Chinese restaurant.

Why does Chinese restaurant fried rice taste better? ›

The answer: high heat, expert tosses, and something known as 'wok hei. ' As J. Kenji López-Alt writes for Serious Eats, expert cooking with a wok (and the gas range it requires) is one of the main reasons that fried rice from a Chinese restaurant tastes so much better than what you can make at home.

How do you make fried rice taste like restaurant? ›

To get restaurant-quality fried rice at home, it's essential to use aromatics, a group of vegetables and herbs that are so named because they lend your dish a distinct aroma. Common aromatics that are used to flavor fried rice are onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and red peppers.

Why do you put sugar in fried rice? ›

This is because the sugar caramelizes the rice, which gives it that light hue you often find on fried rice made in restaurants. Sugar will also offer a nice contrast to the saltiness in your homemade fried rice, which helps replicate the flavor of takeout.

What is the difference between fried rice and Chinese fried rice? ›

In Fried Rice, most quick-service restaurants (QSRs) use long-grain white rice like Basmati, whereas Jasmine Rice is used in Chinese Rice. If you love rice unconditionally, you should definitely try out Fried Rice varieties (available in veg & no-veg) from Hong's Kitchen.

Which spice is good for fried rice? ›

The Perfect Nigerian Fried Rice
  • 2 bay leaves.
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 2 Tasty Cubes.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper (substitute other ground pepper)
  • 2 teaspoon curry powder (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme.

What oil should I use for fried rice? ›

It is key to the authentic flavor of this dish. Peanut oil. this is another ingredient that adds authentic flavor to this recipe, but if you have a peanut allergy in your household you can substitute canola oil or additional sesame oil for the peanut oil. Minced Garlic.

What can you add to fried rice? ›

3. Choose Your Mix-Ins
  1. Baby bok choy, chopped.
  2. Kale, spinach or watercress, chopped.
  3. Bell pepper, chopped.
  4. Broccoli or cauliflower, chopped.
  5. Pineapple, chopped.
  6. Mushrooms, sliced.
  7. Red onion, chopped.
  8. Snow peas, thinly sliced.

Which vinegar is best for Chinese cooking? ›

Grain-based black vinegar (醋, cù) is a fixture of Chinese pantries that adds a rich, slightly sweet, tangy flavor to raw salads and cooked dishes. The same Maillard reaction that turns your onions into sweet, concentrated slivers of caramelized flavor is responsible for black vinegar's deep umami.

Which vinegar for Chinese cooking? ›

A deep dark vinegar with a malty, woody, often even smoky flavor, black vinegar is most popular in Chinese cuisine—where it often reigns as a punchy condiment or an inky component of braises and glazes particularly in southern China where it's referred to as Chinkiang (or Zhenjiang) vinegar.

Which vinegar for Chinese food? ›

Rice Vinegar (米醋, mǐcù)

It can range from clear to golden in color. You may find seasoned versions, with added sugar and salt. Most brands are either Japanese, Chinese, or Taiwanese, and you can use any of these types. Rice vinegar is widely available, even in regular supermarkets.

What kind of vinegar is rice vinegar? ›

Rice vinegar is a vinegar made from fermented rice in East Asia (China, Japan and Korea), as well as in Vietnam in Southeast Asia. It is used as a seasoning, dressing, and dipping in many dishes, including sushi, jiaozi, and banchans. Some of its variants are also a drink by themselves.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6477

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.