This easy homemade fried rice is a quick and tasty meal that’s even better than what you get from takeout! It’s full of fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and your choice of protein.
Who knew making fried rice could be so simple? I love tossing in leftover veggies and chicken. It’s like giving them a party in your pan! 🎉
What’s great is that you can whip it up in no time, perfect for a busy night. And I always make extra, because leftovers taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice because it’s less sticky. If you don’t have day-old rice, just cook fresh rice, spread it out on a tray, and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. It helps to dry a bit.
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for its high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil. If you want a healthier option, try avocado oil!
Eggs: Eggs give your fried rice that classic texture and flavor. If you’re vegan, tofu or chickpea scramble can work well as a substitute. Just make sure to season them for flavor!
Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach can make a great mix! Frozen mixed veggies are a handy substitute too.
Oyster Sauce: This is optional, but it adds depth. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can swap it for a bit of soy sauce or hoisin sauce for sweetness.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Fried Rice?
Getting great flavor in fried rice comes from how you prepare the ingredients. Here are a few tips:
- Use high heat: This helps everything fry quickly, giving nice texture and flavor.
- Cook ingredients in batches: Scramble the eggs first and then remove them. This prevents overcooking and keeps their flavor intact.
- Add sauces at the end: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice at the end to avoid burning and to evenly coat everything.
- Don’t rush: Take your time when cooking each ingredient to develop their fresh flavors!
With these simple tricks, your homemade fried rice will be just as delicious as any takeout! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Homemade Fried Rice Better Than Takeout
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, diced carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to have a tasty dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until just cooked, then remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, add your mixed vegetables to the pan. Cook them until they’re tender, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure everything cooks evenly.
4. Heat the Rice:
Now, stir in your chilled, cooked rice. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up any clumps. Sauté the rice with the veggies, stirring frequently until everything is heated through.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix them in well. Then, drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and every grain is coated in flavor.
6. Final Seasoning:
Give it a taste! If needed, season with salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also add more soy sauce if you like it saltier.
7. Add the Finishing Touch:
Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove the pan from heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh kick.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade fried rice hot and enjoy! It’s better than takeout and perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Fried Rice
Can I Use Leftover Rice?
Absolutely! Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumping in your fried rice. If you only have fresh rice, cook it, spread it out on a tray, and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help it dry out.
What if I Don’t Have All the Ingredients? Can I Substitute?
Yes, you can! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, or even leftover protein like chicken or shrimp work great. For the sauce, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or skip the oyster sauce if you want a vegetarian option.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, it is easy to make vegan! Replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water and spices for a similar texture. Use soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce to keep it plant-based.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it or warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to help rehydrate the rice.
