This easy homemade fried rice is better than takeout, with colorful veggies and your choice of protein all mixed in with fluffy rice. It’s quick, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying!
The best part? You can toss in any leftovers you have, making it a great clean-out-the-fridge dish! I love adding a dash of soy sauce to make it pop—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is best as it’s drier and keeps the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don’t have any, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
Vegetable Oil/Sesame Oil: Vegetable oil is neutral in flavor, while sesame oil adds a nice nuttiness. If you want to keep things lighter, go with canola or peanut oil.
Eggs: Eggs add nice texture and richness, but if you’re vegan or allergic, try scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water instead.
Frozen Mixed Veggies: Peas and carrots can be swapped for any veggies you prefer. Bell peppers, corn, or broccoli work great too.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a good gluten-free option.
How Do I Get the Rice Perfectly Fried Without Clumps?
The key to great fried rice is using cold, day-old rice. It helps prevent clumping and allows it to fry more evenly. Here’s how to achieve the best texture:
- Ensure rice is fully cooled before using. Spread it out on a baking sheet if freshly made.
- Use a hot pan with enough oil to coat the rice lightly.
- Break up any clumps while adding rice to the pan using a spatula. Stir-fry quickly to heat through!
Following these tips helps achieve that delicious, non-mushy fried rice that you love from takeout!
Easy Homemade Fried Rice Better Than Takeout
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed peas and diced carrots (thawed)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
To whip up this delicious fried rice, you’ll need about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have a tasty meal that feels like takeout but is made with love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, ensure that you have all your ingredients ready. It’s best if your cooked rice is cold and ideally day-old, as this helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
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, which should take just a few minutes. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the Veggies:
Add the thawed mixed peas and diced carrots to the pan. Stir-fry them for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to become tender but still vibrant in color.
5. Incorporate the Rice:
Now it’s time to add your chilled rice! Break up any clumps using the back of a spatula and add it to the pan. Stir-fry the rice, mixing it with the veggies and making sure it’s heated through and coated with oil.
6. Bring It All Together:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and give everything a good mix. Add the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce, stirring well to ensure the rice is evenly flavored and colorful.
7. Finish with Green Onions:
Finally, toss in the sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste and give it one last stir to combine all the flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your homemade fried rice is now ready! Serve it hot on plates or in bowls, and enjoy it with chopsticks or a spoon. Dive into this quick and delightful meal that will remind you of your favorite takeout!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Fried Rice
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s drier and helps prevent a mushy texture. If you don’t have any, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit before using it.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Recipe?
You can easily swap out the peas and carrots for any veggies you like! Bell peppers, corn, broccoli, or even leafy greens such as spinach work well. Just make sure to sauté them until they’re tender before mixing in the rice.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Fried Rice Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the eggs and use a plant-based protein, like tofu. To make it vegan, skip the oyster sauce or substitute it with a bit more soy sauce or a vegan oyster sauce alternative.
