If you love quick, flavorful, and comforting meals, you are going to adore this Homemade Fried Rice (Easy!) Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of fluffy rice, vibrant veggies, and savory seasonings all coming together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re looking for a tasty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe is a total winner that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right depends on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a special role—from texture and flavor to color and aroma. Here’s everything you need to gather before you start cooking.
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold): Using cold rice helps prevent mushiness and keeps the grains separate for that perfect fried rice texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil that provides the ideal cooking base without overpowering flavors.
- 2 large eggs: They add a lovely richness and a subtle protein boost.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): These bring vibrant color, sweetness, and crunch that make each bite interesting.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Fresh and zesty, green onions add an aromatic punch that wakes up the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the rice with a warm, savory depth.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty umami base that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Just a drizzle imparts a toasty, nutty essence that elevates the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the dish.
How to Make Homemade Fried Rice (Easy!) Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly, then pour into the hot pan. Gently scramble the eggs as they cook until just set but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside—this adds a velvety texture to the rice later on.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the veggies are heated through and the garlic has released its incredible aroma. This step builds the foundational flavors of your homemade fried rice.
Step 3: Add the Cold Rice
Next, add the cold cooked white rice to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any clumps and spread the rice evenly across the pan. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently so the rice heats through without becoming mushy. This keeps each grain distinct and fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Eggs, Sauces, and Green Onions
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, then pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together thoroughly so the rice is beautifully coated with savory flavor. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything cook together for about one more minute to marry the flavors.
How to Serve Homemade Fried Rice (Easy!) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of sesame oil right before serving. These garnishes add a burst of freshness and a hint of sophistication that takes your homemade fried rice to the next level.
Side Dishes
Your fried rice pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or even a simple cucumber salad to keep things light and balanced. The harmony of textures and tastes makes for an unforgettable meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fried rice in a pineapple bowl or top it with grilled shrimp or chicken for protein-packed variations. You can also use lettuce leaves as cups for a delightful handheld treat that adds crunch and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover homemade fried rice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option that tastes just as good reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze fried rice if you want to keep it longer. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to one month. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to revive its texture and prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works too but stirring halfway through helps it heat evenly and stay fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will give your homemade fried rice a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just remember it may need a bit more stirring and a slightly longer cooking time to heat through.
Do I have to use frozen vegetables?
Not at all! Fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers, snap peas, or finely chopped broccoli work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you choose.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Using cold rice and sufficient oil are key. Also, preheating your pan well before adding ingredients helps create a barrier so the rice won’t cling to the surface.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This classic recipe includes eggs, so it’s vegetarian but not vegan. To make it vegan, simply omit the eggs or substitute with tofu scramble, and use a vegan soy sauce option.
Can I add meat or seafood to this recipe?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork added during the vegetable stir-fry step makes the dish heartier. Be sure to cook the protein thoroughly before combining with the rice and eggs.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel excited to try this Homemade Fried Rice (Easy!) Recipe because it truly is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Once you master this, you’ll never look at leftover rice the same way again! Dive in, experiment, and enjoy the wonderful flavors you can create from just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps.
Print
Homemade Fried Rice (Easy!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This quick and easy Homemade Fried Rice recipe uses cold cooked rice, scrambled eggs, and a medley of colorful frozen vegetables, all stir-fried with savory soy and fragrant sesame oils to create a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Scramble Eggs: Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble them gently until just cooked through. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Stir-fry the minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through and tender-crisp.
- Add Rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine and heat the rice evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil and stir thoroughly to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly coated and flavorful.
- Finish with Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat and serving immediately.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old rice helps to prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have available.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to control the saltiness according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
