Few dishes are as satisfying, versatile, and easy to make as fried rice. It’s a comfort food classic that can be served as a side dish or a complete meal, depending on how you prepare it. Whether you love it plain with soy sauce or loaded with vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or eggs, this guide will show you exactly how to make the perfect fried rice recipe every single time.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of fried rice is its flexibility, but here’s a foolproof base recipe:
3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers)
2–3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
2 green onions, sliced
Protein of choice (optional: shrimp, chicken, pork, tofu)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Rice
Use day-old rice for best results. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky and may clump together.
Break up any large chunks with your fingers before cooking.
2. Cook the Eggs
Heat 1 tsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Pour in the beaten eggs, scramble until just set, then remove and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Add another tbsp of oil to the pan.
Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and slightly golden.
4. Add Veggies & Protein
Toss in your vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
If adding protein, cook until fully done.
5. Fry the Rice
Push veggies to one side and add the rice.
Spread it out and let it fry undisturbed for about 1 minute before stirring. This gives it that signature wok-charred flavor.
6. Season to Perfection
Drizzle in soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to coat the rice evenly.
Add the scrambled eggs back into the mix.
7. Finish & Garnish
Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.
Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
🔑 Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Use day-old rice: Cold rice fries better without clumping.
High heat = better flavor: Cooking quickly on high heat gives that restaurant-style smoky taste (wok hei).
Customize freely: Swap in leftover meats, add chili flakes for heat, or stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory twist.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of frying.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Fried rice is endlessly versatile:
Pair with teriyaki chicken, beef stir-fry, or dumplings.
Serve as a main dish with extra veggies and protein mixed in.
Add a fried egg on top for a quick, hearty meal.
🎉 Conclusion
And there you have it—the perfect fried rice recipe every time! With just a few key techniques—day-old rice, high heat, and balanced seasoning—you can make this delicious dish at home that rivals your favorite takeout. Once you master the basics, you’ll never run out of tasty variations to try.