This easy fried rice is better than takeout and super simple to make! With juicy veggies, tender rice, and your choice of protein, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s be real, nothing beats the satisfaction of making your favorite takeout dish at home. I love adding an extra splash of soy sauce for extra flavor—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice. It’s drier and separates better when stir-fried. If you don’t have cooked rice, you can use fresh rice but spread it on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
Vegetable or Sesame Oil: Both oils work well, but sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you need a substitute, canola or peanut oil works nicely, too.
Eggs: Eggs add creaminess and protein. If you want a vegan option, you could use scrambled tofu or skip them entirely; just ensure you add a bit more seasoning.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: This mix is easy and quick. You can substitute it with any other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even bok choy based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, look for mushroom sauce as a substitute, which is great for umami flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Fried Rice Doesn’t Clump Together?
The key to perfect fried rice is all about the rice preparation! Here are a few tips to keep your fried rice fluffy:
- Use day-old rice: Storing rice in the fridge overnight dries it out a bit, preventing clumping.
- Break up clumps: Use your spatula to gently break apart any clumps of rice when adding to the skillet.
- Cook on high heat: A hot skillet ensures quick cooking and helps the rice get crispy without steaming.
Following these tips will have you serving up delicious, non-clumpy fried rice in no time!
Better Than Takeout Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you’re craving takeout but want to whip something up at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Rice:
If you didn’t prepare your rice the day before, cook white rice and let it cool completely on a baking sheet before placing it in the fridge. Cold rice is key for making fried rice, helping to prevent any clumps once cooked.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Once done, transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes or until fragrant and translucent, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, add the frozen peas and carrots mix to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to heat everything through until the veggies are tender.
5. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the cold rice! Break up any clumps and add it to the skillet. Stir-fry the rice for several minutes until it’s heated through and starts to develop a slight golden color, mixing everything well.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Gently stir in the cooked scrambled eggs and sliced green onions, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the rice mixture.
7. Season to Taste:
Drizzle soy sauce and, if using, oyster sauce over the rice. Stir continuously to coat all the ingredients well. Taste your fried rice and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavor.
8. Final Touches:
Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade fried rice!
This fried rice is truly flavorful, super easy to make, and perfect either on its own or as a side dish to your favorite Asian cuisine!
FAQ
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but it’s best to cool it completely before using. Spread it out on a baking sheet to help it cool quickly and avoid clumping when frying.
Can I Add Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure all veggies are tender.
Is There a Vegan Version of This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the eggs and replacing the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce for that rich umami flavor. You could also add tofu for extra protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to help maintain moisture.
