Easy Fried Rice Recipe: a Simple and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
fried rice recipe easy

Fried rice is one of those go-to dishes that never gets old. It comes together fast, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're cleaning out the fridge or cooking a planned meal, this easy fried rice recipe is reliable choice that the whole family will enjoy. The key is using day-old rice, which fries up perfectly without getting mushy, and keeping the heat high so everything that satisfying, slightly smoky sear.

Classic Easy Fried Rice

A plate of classic homemade easy fried rice with eggs green onions

This version of easy fried rice is a true weeknight hero. It uses simple pantry staples and comes together in under 20 minutes. The combination of fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, savory soy sauce, and fresh vegetables makes every bite satisfying. Once you try making fried rice at home, takeout will feel unnecessary. This recipe is also incredibly flexible — toss in leftover chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more complete meal.

  1. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Add the peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble until just cooked, then mix into.
  5. Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the rice get crisp on the bottomDrizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Restaurant-Style Easy Fried Rice

Restaurant-style easy fried rice in a bowl topped with soy sauce and fresh herbs

If you want fried rice that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant, this is recipe to follow. The secret is cooking over high heat and not overcrowding the pan, which gives the rice that signature golden color and slightly crispy texture. Adding oyster sauce alongoy sauce deepens the flavor considerably, giving dish a rich umami quality that is genuinely hard to resist Serve it alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own as a light comforting meal.

  1. Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly add one tablespoon of vegetable oil.Crack eggs directly into the pan and scramble them quickly them into small pieces. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the diced onion and carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and corn, cooking for another minute while stirring continuously jasmine rice and press it flat against Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute to allow the bottom to crisp up, then toss and repeat process once more.
  4. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and stir everything together.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Toss the rice vigorously until grain is evenly coated.
  6. Remove from heat, top with sliced green onions, and serve immediately while hot.