A quick fried rice is an absolute treat for lunch or dinner. It gets ready in less than 15 minutes. You can also use frozen vegetables, which brings prep time down to almost nothing. The best part is the flavors are so versatile, you can create a version that is perfect for you.
When I lived in Singapore, I had the opportunity to feast on so many different types of fried rice. In fact, I didn't know there were so many! Just to name a few there is Cantonese, Singaporean, Schecuwaan, Thai, Hawaiian, curry fried rice. That's all I remember now. But, they are all so yummy. Oh, I miss Singapore, the food there is just the best part of life.
My husband claimed he hated fried rice only to realize he thought it was fried literally in oil. Honestly, I'm not sure I would like rice literally fried in oil. Would you?
This fried rice is easy, quick and healthy
- It's so easy, quick and simple to make.
- You can use all the leftover white rice in the fridge.
- It can be prepared with whatever you have around.
- Almost all the ingredients are optional, allowing you to customize it to your own family needs.
- You can add or remove ingredients based on what you have. Don't have chicken, use sausages or make it vegetarian.
In fact, Rhea likes it so much that I all the time make extra white rice so I can make a small batch of fried rice just for her. Her's is usually quite simple - carrots, peas, egg, chicken and a very light on the sauce. It's her perfect meal.
Tip for making the BEST fried rice
The most important thing about fried rice is to ensure you cook the rice ahead of time.
Yes! the best candidate for fried rice is your leftover steamed rice from the previous day. In fact, my Chinese flatmate in Singapore would make rice almost two to three days ahead of time. I learned this recipe from her. But, my rice is usually cooked just a day ahead of time.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Rice - You can use white or brown rice. I have tried both and the brown was so delish too! Today, I'm using white rice. If you forget to prepare the rice a day in advance, just spread the hot rice in a large plate and into the fridge. The fridge will help air dry it quicker.
- Oil - I am using canola oil. You can also use peanut or sunflower oil. You need to cook this dish on medium to high heat, so use an oil that won't burn in high heat like olive oil.
- Vegetables - This choice of veggies is optional. I've also used broccoli and cauliflower. Just make sure you cook all the veggies to tender before you add the eggs or the rice.
- Asian sausages - Chinese sausages are the best for fried rice. They add a unique taste and flavor. But, I don't get it here in Israel so I can't use them.
- Herbs - Chinese parsley would be ideal, but we don't always have that around. So, parsley or cilantro would work too.
Step by step instructions
Prepare
- Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
- Use and wok and cook on a medium high heat so as to saute the ingredients not steam them.
- Mix the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- Check the rice and break any big lump it cooks evenly.
- Break and beat the eggs well set aside.
Cook the fried rice
- In a wok on medium-high heat.
- Add one tbsp Canola oil and saute the onions ginger and garlic for one minute.
- Add the green beans, carrots, and peas.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook these on medium for about 3 minutes until tender.
(if needed add a tablespoon or two of water so they do not stick to the wok) - Next, add chicken and the sauce ingredients. Stir well.
- Move the ingredients in a wok towards the outside making a big gap in the center.
- Add the second tablespoon of canola oil.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the center. Do not stir quickly. Give it some time to set then slowly move it around so it cooks like scrambled egg still keeping it contained in the center.
- When almost scrambled with no raw egg - mixed it in with the rest of the veggies in the pan.
- Lastly, add the cooked rice and herbs.
- Toss it around so it coats well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more soy sauce, chilly, salt or pepper as you need.
Here are a few progress pictures for you:
Don't forget to save this tutorial on Pinterest for later. You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
The BEST Fried Rice Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes
Print Pin Share on Facebook Save Recipe Add to Favorite Share by Email RateDescription
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice
- 4 cups (800 g) Cooked rice - white or brown rice
- 2 tbsp Canola oil
- 1 tbsp Garlic thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Ginger thinly sliced
- ½ cup Green onions
- ½ cup (60 g) Green beans chopped
- ½ cup (60 g) Carrots chopped
- ½ cup (75 g) Green peas chopped
- ½ cup (120 g) Asian sausages chopped - optional
- ½ cup (70 g) Cooked chicken meat chopped
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp Herbs - Chinese parsley or cilantro chopped
- ¼ Salt
- ¼ tsp Pepper
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tsp Sesame oil
- ½ tsp Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Ketchup optional
Instructions
Prepare
- Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
- Use and wok and cook on a medium high heat so as to saute the ingredients not steam them.
- Mix the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
- Check the rice and break any big lump it cooks evenly.
- Break and beat the eggs well set aside.
Cook the fried rice
- In a wok on medium-high heat.
- Add one tbsp Canola oil and saute the onions ginger and garlic for one minute.
- Add the green beans, carrots, and peas.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook these on medium for about 3 minutes until tender (if needed add a tablespoon or two of water so they do not stick to the wok).
- Next, add chicken and the sauce ingredients. Stir well.
- Move the ingredients in a wok towards the outside making a big gap in the center.
- Add the second tablespoon of canola oil.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the center. Do not stir quickly. Give it some time to set then slowly move it around so it cooks like scrambled egg still keeping it contained in the center.
- When almost scrambled with no raw egg - mixed it in with the rest of the veggies in the pan.
- Lastly, add the cooked rice and herbs.
- Toss it around so it coats well with the rest of the ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more soy sauce, chilly, salt or pepper as you need.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Silindile
I made this for the first time yesterday and it worked out well and it was easy. I appreciate the clear instructions you give and the extra tips; as a beginner I really need them. I really like the banana choc chip muffins and cookies, yum. It took me a while to figure out you have cooking recipes and not just baked goods so I will try more of those. I appreciate the fact that your website has measurements in familiar units (I am from South Africa) so I don't have to do conversions. Thank you for a really great website and all the work you have put into it. 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much, Silindile. I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this and my other recipes. Thank you. Yes, do have lots of cooking recipes with videos too. I hope you enjoy those too.
Mcanelly
We love fried rice in our home but always order it take away. After seeing your recipes a few weeks ago it looked so easy I had to try. Must say I really didn't know it was so easy. Not to mention so much more cheaper than that little we buy and share. Definitely making more of your recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Mcanelly!! So happy to hear that. I know what you mean. Ordering out gets expensive and limited in quantity. The best part of homemade is excess!! Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much.
Amanda Mason
Yum! I love fried rice and I've never made it! This looks like the perfect recipe to make!! I'll be making this one soon!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Amanda. So happy to hear that you going to try it soon. Nothing beats homemade fried rice.
Amelie
Fried rice with whatever leftovers I have in the fridge is my go-to home-alone-lunch. But it's always good to have some new inspiration and expert tips ;-).
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Amelie. My go to lunch is also a quick fried rice with left over rice.
Amanda
What great tips for making fried rice! I actually have some leftover rice from dinner yesterday, I think fried rice will have to be on the menu tonight!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Amanda. Happy to hear you going to cook Fried Rice today. Let me know how you like it. Enjoy !
Jillian
I love fried rice but have never tried making it at home. I am going to have to try this one since it seems so simple and tasty!
Veena Azmanov
Fried rice is really simple and easy to make at home you must try Jillian. Thanks
Leslie
Mmm, love fried rice - I need to make this at home more often, rather than relying on takeout!
Veena Azmanov
OH it's so easy, once you make it you will forget take out. You will love homemade fried rice.
prasanna hede
I have been a great fan of fried rice,so much better to make at home.you recipe sounds so yumm!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Prasanna.. Ain't nothing like homemade cooking
Helene
You lived in Singapore too? You really have been everywhere Veena, lucky you! 🙂
I would love to get hold of these sausages, they must be giving the fried rice so much flavor. Another thing, I need to try making fried rice the way you do with sesame oil. I still haven't gotten around to buy sesame oil in Anjuna, I always forget about it when I am in the supermarket. The sesame oil must be giving the fried rice an extra flavor dimension.
Veena Azmanov
HI Helene. Yes, I lived in Singapore for 10 year and travel the world during that time too.SO I've been to lots of places. Best time of my life. You must get your hands on some Sesame Oil it really does make a difference to Asian cooking. Thanks
Megan
I've been on the hunt for a good fried recipe - and I love that this is such a quick recipe!
Veena Azmanov
This one is really easy Megan. You will love this.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
thank you for this step by step process! i love fried rice from Japanese restaurant but i will give yours try soon.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Dixya. I love Japanese Fried rice too!
Analida Braeger
I love Asian style fried rice but I rarely make it at home. My Latin roots always have been tossing leftover rice with some chicken, small carrots piece and recaito for arroz con pollo. You have inspired me to try something new. Thanks for sharing!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Analida. We love fried rice and make it often. I do love arroz con pollo but have still to make it at home.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
My niece and her children simply adore fried rice and I'm always trying to find new ways to serve it to them. I can't wait to make this recipe as it looks simply scrumptious!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Elaine. My kids love fried rice very much and often it's my go to on busy cake days.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Making fried rice at home is so much better than takeout. This is the perfect side dish for so many different recipes. I love the fact you can add whatever you like...more or one veggie over another.
Veena Azmanov
Yeah I love adding veggies in fried rice Gloria get the kids to eat it all up. Thanks
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
Your fried rice certainly looks delicious and colorful!! The fried rice we've made in the past had a tendency to be less colorful than yours -- I like the touch of green as well as the orange in the carrots. Hubby was stationed in Japan so we made it like he was used to. Your recipe will be next. Oh!! By the way, there is a recipe for a fried rice in oil -- It's Italian -- arancini. They are rice balls with cheese in the center. Yummy!!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Marisa. I love your Italian version. perhaps some day I will try it too. And those balls of cheese sound tempting. Thanks