Fried rice is a delicious and easy meal that you can make at home using leftover rice.
It is a great way to use up cooked rice and add your favorite vegetables, eggs, and meat. You don’t need any special ingredients, just some simple items from your kitchen.
With the right method, anyone can make tasty fried rice that’s just like what you get at a restaurant.
How to Make Fried Rice?
Fried rice is a stir-fried dish made by cooking cold rice in a hot pan or wok with oil, vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat.
The rice should not be sticky or mushy. It should be dry, and each grain should stay separate.
The high heat helps give it a little crispiness and flavor.
The key to perfect fried rice is to cook each ingredient at the right time and not add everything at once.
Ingredients
Rice
- 3 to 4 cups of cooked rice (cold, at least a few hours old or from the day before)
Meat or Protein (optional)
- Chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or eggs
Vegetables
- Chopped onions
- Carrots (diced small)
- Peas
- Green onions (optional)
- Any other vegetables you like (such as bell peppers, corn, cabbage)
Other Ingredients
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil (vegetable, canola, or any neutral oil)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
- A few drops of sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Everything First
Before you start cooking, get all your ingredients ready.
- Chop the vegetables into small pieces.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Cut and cook the meat if you are using any.
- Take out the cold rice and break up any big clumps using a fork or clean hands.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- Place a large pan or wok on the stove over medium-high or high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it get hot.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
- Pour in the beaten eggs and stir them quickly until they are scrambled.
- Once cooked, take them out and keep them on a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Meat (if using)
- Add a bit more oil to the pan.
- Add your cooked or raw meat and stir until fully cooked.
- Remove the meat and keep it aside.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
- Add a little more oil if needed.
- Add onions and harder vegetables like carrots first. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add softer vegetables like peas or corn and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Rice
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan.
- Add the cold rice to the center. Spread it out and let it sit for a few seconds. This helps the rice get a little crispy.
- Stir and mix it well with the vegetables.
Step 7: Add Sauces and Mix
- Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
- Stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated.
- Add a small pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Step 8: Add Eggs and Meat
- Put the cooked eggs and meat back into the pan.
- Mix everything together and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
- Add a few drops of sesame oil if you like.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot.
Extra Tips and Tricks
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use cold, old rice | Fresh rice is too soft and sticky. Cold rice is dry and easy to fry. |
| Cut ingredients small | Small pieces cook faster and mix better with rice. |
| Don’t overcrowd the pan | Cook in batches if needed. Too much in the pan will make it soggy. |
| Use high heat | High heat helps the rice get a slightly crispy texture. |
| Stir often, but not too much | Let the rice sit for a few seconds before stirring to get that fried edge. |
| Add sauces slowly | You can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s too salty. |
| Customize your protein | Try shrimp, tofu, or no meat at all – it’s up to your taste. |
| Don’t skip the egg | Egg adds flavor and protein. You can scramble it first or mix into rice. |
Conclusion
Fried rice is a fast, fun, and flexible dish that anyone can learn to cook. With just rice, some vegetables, eggs, and a few sauces, you can make a tasty meal in less than 30 minutes.
The more you practice, the better your fried rice will become. Once you learn the basics, you can make your own version every time.