If you’re looking for a delightfully satisfying meal that comes together in no time, this Easy Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a fantastic blend of buttery rice, sweet peas and carrots, aromatic garlic, and perfectly scrambled eggs that create a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking from scratch, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and packed with comforting savory notes that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that authentic, flavorful fried rice we all crave. Each item here is simple but essential, bringing a unique taste, color, or texture to elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary in just a few steps.
- Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps to give that golden, slightly crispy texture to the rice and eggs.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup): No need to thaw; they add bursts of sweetness and vibrant color straight from the freezer.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant, savory depth that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Cooked white rice (3 cups, cold): The star ingredient; using cold rice prevents clumping and ensures a perfect fried rice consistency.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon, plus more for serving): Essential for that salty, umami boost that ties the dish together beautifully.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity beyond plain soy sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the rice with a signature nutty aroma and flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Scrambled into the rice for added protein and silky texture.
- Chopped scallions (1/3 cup): Freshness and a mild onion kick to finish off the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): To balance and enhance every bite.
How to Make Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Eggs
Start by cracking your eggs into a medium bowl and whisking them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are completely combined. This step ensures fluffy, evenly scrambled eggs that will blend beautifully with the rice later.
Step 2: Cook the Peas and Carrots
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Toss in your frozen peas and carrots straight from the freezer—no thawing needed—and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally, and make sure all the water from the veggies evaporates to avoid sogginess.
Step 3: Add Rice and Sauces
Now stir in the cold cooked rice along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for around 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the rice gets coated evenly with those delicious sauces and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of your skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty side and let it melt. Pour your whisked eggs in, then scramble gently with a spatula until cooked through but still soft—about a minute. This technique keeps the eggs separate before combining, giving great texture contrast in each bite.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Finally, sprinkle the chopped scallions into the pan and stir to combine the scrambled eggs and rice evenly. Remove the skillet from heat, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to drizzle extra soy sauce on top when serving for an added flavor punch.
How to Serve Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped scallions or even some toasted sesame seeds on top for that final flourish. A wedge of lime on the side can add a refreshing citrus note that brightens the whole dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Fried rice shines on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad drizzled with a tangy dressing. These additions can turn your meal into a delightful Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Fried Rice Recipe in individual bowls topped with a fried egg or a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat. You can also mold the rice using a small bowl or cup before plating to give it a neat, restaurant-quality look that will impress any dinner guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover fried rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried rice by portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve its texture and flavor. When frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to revive moisture and flavor. Stir frequently until heated through. Microwaving works too, but the skillet method helps maintain that delightful fried texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Absolutely! Fresh peas and diced carrots work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook them a bit longer to soften before adding the rice since frozen veggies thaw quickly.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Day-old cooked white rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps prevent clumps and keeps the fried rice light and fluffy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can omit the eggs and use plant-based alternatives or tofu for protein. Also, swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian-friendly mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce to keep the umami flavor.
How can I add more protein to this fried rice?
For extra protein, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or diced ham. Just cook these separately or in the pan before cooking the vegetables and rice, then combine everything at the end.
Is oyster sauce necessary in this Easy Fried Rice Recipe?
While oyster sauce adds a unique depth and subtle sweetness, you can use extra soy sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce as alternatives if you don’t have oyster sauce on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Fried Rice Recipe is one of those magical dishes that’s both comforting and versatile, making it a fantastic go-to meal whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but packed with enough flavor and texture to be a real crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want something quick, delicious, and truly satisfying.
