If you’re craving a quick, comforting dish that never fails to satisfy, this Easy Fried Rice Recipe is the one you’ll want to keep close at hand. With simple pantry staples coming together to create a glorious blend of buttery richness, vibrant vegetables, and umami-packed sauces, this fried rice is not only a breeze to cook but also bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you need a last-minute dinner or a tasty meal to impress friends, this recipe has you covered with its perfect balance of texture, color, and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From aromatic garlic to colorful peas and carrots, each component brings something special to your Easy Fried Rice Recipe, making it deliciously irresistible.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps achieve that lovely, slightly crispy texture.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw): Provides sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch straight from the freezer convenience.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers fragrant sharpness that wakes up the entire dish.
- 3 cups cold cooked white rice: Cold rice is key to preventing mush and ensuring each grain stays delightfully separate.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (+ more for serving): Offers salty umami depth that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness to round out the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and extra dimension to your fried rice.
- 2 large eggs: Provide protein and a luscious fluffiness when scrambled into the rice.
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions: Freshness and a pop of green bring a nice contrast in texture and color.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and perfect final balance.
How to Make Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs
Start by cracking your eggs into a medium bowl and whisking them together thoroughly until smooth. This simple step ensures your eggs cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the dish, giving your fried rice that soft, satisfying texture.
Step 2: Cook the Peas and Carrots
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and sizzling. Add the frozen peas and carrots straight from the freezer. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the water to evaporate so they remain crisp rather than soggy. This step infuses the vegetables with buttery goodness and brightens the whole dish with vibrant color.
Step 3: Stir in Rice and Sauces
Now it’s time to add your cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic, then gently stir and cook for about 2 minutes. This melds all the flavors together, coating every grain of rice with savory, garlicky goodness that is simply irresistible.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs Separately
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty side and let it melt. Pour the whisked eggs into this space and stir continuously until they’re just cooked through but still tender, about 1 minute. This technique keeps the eggs airy and soft instead of overcooked, giving your dish a perfect eggy bite.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Sprinkle the chopped scallions over the eggs and rice, then gently fold everything together until combined. Remove your skillet from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with extra soy sauce on the side if you like a bit more seasoning. Your Easy Fried Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Extra green onions, freshly cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate your fried rice to the next level. Garnishes add personality and a little pop of spice or freshness, making each bite exciting and new. Plus, they give your dish that pleasant finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This fried rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve with crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a tangy cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal that balances fried rice richness with crispy, fresh, or pickled elements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your fried rice in a pineapple bowl or stuffing it into lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option. Alternatively, top it with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu to turn it into a hearty entree. Presentation can transform this humble dish into a feast that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fried rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This Easy Fried Rice Recipe holds up well because the rice grains stay separate, and the flavors often develop even more in the fridge.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze leftover fried rice in a freezer-safe container or bags. It freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to 2 months. Just portion it out for easy grab-and-go meals later on.
Reheating
When reheating, use a skillet or wok on medium heat with a splash of oil or a small piece of butter to bring back the original texture and flavor. Stir frequently to reheat evenly without drying the rice out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh carrots and peas work just as well. Just chop them finely and sauté them until tender before adding the rice. Fresh veggies might give you a slightly different texture but will taste delicious all the same.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate after cooking. Using cold, leftover rice that has been refrigerated helps prevent mushiness and clumping when frying.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian-friendly mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce. Use vegetable oil or margarine instead of butter to keep it vegan.
How important is it to use cold rice?
Very important! Cold rice keeps the grains firm and prevents the dish from turning soggy. If making rice specifically for this recipe, cook it ahead of time and let it cool completely before using.
Can I add protein to this Easy Fried Rice Recipe?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu can be added during Step 3 when you stir in the rice and sauces. This turns the dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Fried Rice Recipe is truly a winner for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers alike. Its simple ingredients come together in a quick and flavorful way that anyone can master. I encourage you to give it a try and add your own personal touches. Once you do, you might just find it becoming your go-to comfort food that everyone requests again and again.
Print
Easy Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Fried Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for using leftover rice. Featuring a medley of peas and carrots, garlic, soy and oyster sauces, and fluffy scrambled eggs, it delivers classic fried rice goodness with minimal effort. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that works well as a side or main.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups cold cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (+ more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs together thoroughly until well combined and slightly frothy to ensure fluffy scrambled eggs later.
- Cook the vegetables: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until any moisture has evaporated and vegetables are tender.
- Combine rice and sauces: Stir in the cold cooked rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute flavors and warm the rice through.
- Scramble the eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty space, and once melted, pour in the whisked eggs. Stir the eggs gently until scrambled and fully cooked, about 1 minute.
- Mix and finish: Add chopped scallions to the pan and stir everything together so the rice and eggs are well combined. Remove the skillet from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with extra soy sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use cold cooked rice for best texture to prevent sogginess; leftover rice works great.
- Frozen peas and carrots can be added directly without thawing to save time.
- Adjust soy sauce to your preferred saltiness level.
- For extra flavor, you could add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu as desired.
- A 12-inch cast iron skillet or any large sauté pan works well for even cooking.
