Fried Rice

Best Fried Rice Recipe – Easy, Flavorful & Quick Stir Fry

ByBella Skye
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Delicious Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is one of the most versatile and beloved dishes in kitchens around the world. At its core, it’s a clever way to transform day-old rice into a flavorful meal by stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, proteins, and savory sauces. What makes this dish special is its balance of textures and flavors—soft rice grains with a slight chew, crisp vegetables, and the umami punch of soy sauce and seasonings. People love fried rice because it’s quick, filling, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re preparing a homestyle fried rice stir fry for the family, a one pot chicken fried rice for a busy weeknight, or experimenting with a Japanese steakhouse fried rice recipe, the possibilities are almost limitless.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As a professional chef, I’ve cooked fried rice in both fine dining kitchens and fast-paced stir fry stations. Here’s why this fried rice recipe stands out for home cooks:

  • The right rice makes all the difference. Using day-old rice ensures the grains stay separate, giving you the signature texture you find in the best ever fried rice at restaurants. Fresh rice often clumps, while properly chilled rice fries beautifully.
  • Balanced seasoning. Many home cooks wonder what goes in fried rice to make it taste authentic. The answer is layering flavors: soy sauce for depth, sesame oil for aroma, and a touch of oyster or fish sauce for complexity.
  • Quick and efficient cooking. Once ingredients are prepped, actual cooking happens in minutes—true stove top fried rice magic. That makes it one of the most practical easy rice stir fry recipes for busy households.
  • Customizable proteins. From chicken minute rice for a quick fix to shrimp or tofu for variety, this recipe adapts to your pantry and preferences.
  • Restaurant techniques simplified. I’ll explain why each step matters, so you’re not just following instructions but cooking with confidence.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

  • 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice (preferably day-old, cold from the fridge)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus 1 teaspoon sesame oil for flavor)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken (optional; for chicken fried rice stir fry)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or diced bell peppers)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy preferred; adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds richness)
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 garlic cloves minced for extra aroma

Substitutions:

  • Brown rice or jasmine rice can be used for healthier fried rice chicken versions.
  • Shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu can replace chicken for combo fried rice recipe variations.
  • Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for gluten-free alternatives.
Fried Rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

fried rice

Step 1: Prepare your rice

Use day-old, chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and clumps together when stir-fried. If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a tray, let it cool, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This is the secret to restaurant-style easy fry rice recipe results.

fried rice

Step 2: Preheat your wok or pan

Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. A hot pan ensures the rice fries instead of steaming, which is essential for the best ever fried rice.

fried rice

Step 3: Scramble the eggs

Pour in beaten eggs. Stir quickly with a spatula to scramble into soft curds. Remove and set aside. Cooking eggs separately keeps them tender rather than overcooked in the rice.

fried rice

Step 4: Stir-fry aromatics and vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the hot pan. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in vegetables and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender. High heat preserves color and crunch.

fried rice

Step 5: Add chicken or protein (optional)

For one pot chicken fried rice, add diced cooked chicken at this stage. Toss for 1 minute to heat through. This step works with shrimp, pork, or even tofu if making easy stir fried rice with chicken alternatives.

fried rice

Step 6: Fry the rice

Add the cold rice. Break up clumps with your spatula, pressing gently. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, spreading rice across the pan to ensure each grain gets direct contact with heat. This is how to make easy fried rice with the right texture—lightly crisped, not mushy.

fried rice

Step 7: Season the rice

Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and pepper over the rice. Toss well until evenly coated. Add scrambled eggs and the white parts of the green onions back to the pan. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt.

fried rice

Step 8: Finish and serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with the green onion tops. Serve immediately while hot, with optional chili paste or extra soy sauce on the side.

How to Serve

  • As a main dish: Fried rice stir fry works perfectly as a complete meal, especially with protein like chicken or shrimp.
  • Side dish option: Pair with stir-fried vegetables, teriyaki chicken, or grilled beef for a balanced meal.
  • Plating tip: Serve in shallow bowls for modern presentation. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh herbs adds visual appeal.
  • Family-style: Place in a large serving bowl so everyone can help themselves—great for casual dinners.
Fried Rice

Additional Tips

  • Always use high heat; fried rice should be cooked quickly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
  • For healthy fried rice chicken variations, reduce oil and add more vegetables.
  • A splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance flavors if the dish tastes too salty.
  • For Japanese steakhouse fried rice recipe style, add butter and a touch of garlic for richness.

Recipe Variations

  • Easy Stir Fry Rice with Chicken: Add marinated diced chicken thighs for tender, flavorful meat.
  • Combo Fried Rice Recipe: Use a mix of shrimp, chicken, and pork for a takeout-style version.
  • Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip meat and add extra vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or edamame.
  • Healthy Fried Rice Chicken: Use brown rice, lean chicken breast, and plenty of fresh vegetables.

Freezing and Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store cooled fried rice in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Portion into bags, press flat, and freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: For stove top fried rice reheating, sauté with a splash of water or broth over medium-high heat. Microwave works, but can soften texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings with chicken)

  • Calories: ~390
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: ~750 mg

Final Words

This fried rice recipe is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a technique worth mastering. Once you understand how to prep rice properly, control heat, and balance flavors, you can create endless easy stir fry rice recipe variations. From homestyle fried rice stir fry to a polished Japanese steakhouse fried rice recipe, it’s a dish that adapts to your taste and your pantry. Cooking it at home means healthier choices, customizable proteins, and restaurant-quality results in minutes. Bookmark this recipe, practice it a few times, and soon fried rice will become one of your most reliable, best ever rice recipes chicken or otherwise.

FAQ’s

It’s best to use day-old rice. If using fresh, cool it quickly and refrigerate to dry it slightly before stir-frying.

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best because the grains stay separate. Short-grain rice can become sticky.

A wok is ideal for heat distribution, but a large skillet works fine as long as it’s preheated properly.

Yes, substitute tamari, coconut aminos, or just season with salt and sesame oil for a simpler flavor.

Use high heat, cold rice, and add oyster sauce or butter for richness. These small touches bring you closer to that restaurant-style flavor.

Best Fried Rice Recipe | Easy, Flavorful & Quick Stir Fry
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Best Fried Rice Recipe | Easy, Flavorful & Quick Stir Fry

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Rice Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

390

kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice (preferably day-old, cold from the fridge)

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus 1 teaspoon sesame oil for flavor)

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken (optional; for chicken fried rice stir fry)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or diced bell peppers)

  • 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy preferred; adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, adds richness)

  • ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper

  • Salt to taste

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 garlic cloves minced for extra aroma

Directions

  • Use day-old, chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and clumps together when stir-fried. If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a tray, let it cool, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This is the secret to restaurant-style easy fry rice recipe results.
  • Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. A hot pan ensures the rice fries instead of steaming, which is essential for the best ever fried rice.
  • Pour in beaten eggs. Stir quickly with a spatula to scramble into soft curds. Remove and set aside. Cooking eggs separately keeps them tender rather than overcooked in the rice.
  • Add the remaining oil to the hot pan. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in vegetables and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender. High heat preserves color and crunch.
  • For one pot chicken fried rice, add diced cooked chicken at this stage. Toss for 1 minute to heat through. This step works with shrimp, pork, or even tofu if making easy stir fried rice with chicken alternatives.
  • Add the cold rice. Break up clumps with your spatula, pressing gently. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, spreading rice across the pan to ensure each grain gets direct contact with heat. This is how to make easy fried rice with the right texture lightly crisped, not mushy.
  • Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and pepper over the rice. Toss well until evenly coated. Add scrambled eggs and the white parts of the green onions back to the pan. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt.
  • Remove from heat. Garnish with the green onion tops. Serve immediately while hot, with optional chili paste or extra soy sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Always use high heat; fried rice should be cooked quickly.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
  • For healthy fried rice chicken variations, reduce oil and add more vegetables.
  • A splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance flavors if the dish tastes too salty.
  • For Japanese steakhouse fried rice recipe style, add butter and a touch of garlic for richness.

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