Crispy Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Golden Home-Style Fried Rice Recipe: A Tasty Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds, and this crispy homemade fried rice recipe delivers pure comfort.

The sizzling pan creates magic with each golden-brown grain dancing beneath spattering oils.

Fragrant aromatics mingle with perfectly cooked rice, building layers of incredible flavor.

Every bite promises a crispy texture that snaps and crackles with savory goodness.

Home cooks can easily master this classic dish using simple ingredients found in most pantries.

Fresh vegetables and protein add vibrant color and substantial nutrition to the meal.

You’ll transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast that everyone will devour with pure joy.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, restaurant-worthy fried rice that beats takeout any day.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Homemade Fried Rice

For Grains:
  • Rice: Choose day-old, cold rice for perfect texture and preventing mushy results.
For Protein and Seasonings:
  • Eggs: Adds richness and protein, select fresh eggs with bright yellow yolks.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
  • Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty aroma, use toasted variety for intense flavor.
  • Oyster Sauce: Enhances savory depth, select authentic Asian brands.
  • White/Black Pepper: Offers subtle heat and complexity.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onions: Brings sweet undertones and foundational flavor.
  • Carrots: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
  • Peas: Contributes bright green color and subtle sweetness.
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic base.
  • Green Onions: Delivers fresh, sharp garnish with crisp finish.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch.
  • Sriracha: Provides optional spicy kick.

Tools To Make Homemade Fried Rice

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying rice and sautéing ingredients with high, even heat.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together sauce ingredients before cooking.
  • Whisk: Helps blend soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precisely cutting onions, carrots, and green onions.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce and oil measurements.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Crucial for stirring and tossing rice during cooking.
  • Baking Sheet: Optional tool for spreading and cooling freshly cooked rice.

Steps To Cook Homemade Fried Rice At Home

  • Prep The Rice

Grab day-old rice straight from the fridge. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and chill it quickly to remove moisture.

  • Create Flavor Blend

Whip up a quick sauce by mixing soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of pepper for an explosion of taste.

  • Scramble Eggs

Heat up your skillet and transform eggs into fluffy golden clouds. Scoop them out and set aside for later.

  • Dance With Vegetables

Toss chopped onions, carrots, and peas into the sizzling pan. Let them soften and release their vibrant flavors. Splash in minced garlic for an aromatic punch.

  • Transform The Rice

Crank up the heat and tumble cold rice into the pan. Break apart any stubborn clumps and let each grain get cozy with the veggies.

  • Bring It All Together

Drizzle your flavor blend over the rice, stirring with passion. Fold in those golden eggs and sprinkle green onions for a final burst of freshness.

  • Serve With Joy

Slide your masterpiece onto a plate. Crown it with extra green onions or a cheeky drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.

Tips To Add Flavor To Homemade Fried Rice

  • Rice Cooling Technique: Use day-old rice or spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to prevent mushy texture and achieve perfect separated grains.
  • Protein Power-Up: Easily swap or add proteins like diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to create a more substantial and protein-rich meal that suits different dietary preferences.
  • Veggie Versatility: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or edamame to add extra nutrition and create unique flavor combinations while keeping the dish colorful and exciting.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the rich umami flavor profile.
  • Spice It Up: Add a personalized kick by incorporating chili flakes, ginger, or a dash of sriracha for those who love bold, spicy flavors that transform the classic fried rice into a more adventurous dish.

Serving Suggestions For Homemade Fried Rice

  • Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for an extra crunch that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
  • Asian-Style Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken or seared shrimp to transform this fried rice into a complete, satisfying meal.
  • Texture Enhancers: Top with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy fried shallots to add delightful crunchiness and nutty undertones.
  • Spice Lovers' Twist: Add a dollop of chili garlic sauce or drizzle sriracha for those who enjoy a fiery kick with their homemade fried rice.

Storage Advice For Homemade Fried Rice Leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage Strategies: Keep leftover fried rice in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Freezing Magic: Portion individual servings in sealed freezer bags, laying flat to save space. Frozen fried rice maintains quality for up to 1 month when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Revive cold rice using a skillet with a splash of oil, stirring constantly to restore texture and prevent sogginess. Microwave works as a quick alternative, adding a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture.
  • Ingredient Preparation Tip: Prepare rice a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing starches to firm up and creating the perfect texture for crispy, restaurant-style fried rice that doesn't clump or turn mushy.
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Crispy Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Crispy Homemade Fried Rice Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Classic Chinese homemade fried rice blends savory proteins, crisp vegetables, and fragrant jasmine rice into a complete meal. Skillful home cooks can craft this simple dish with essential pantry ingredients and quick wok techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cups rice (cooked)
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) sesame oil
  • ½ cup onion
  • ½ cup carrots
  • ½ cup peas
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup green onions
  • 3 tbsps (45 mL) soy sauce
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) oyster sauce
  • ½ tsp white or black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha

Instructions

  1. Rice Preparation: Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to achieve optimal texture and prevent clumping during stir-frying.
  2. Sauce Creation: Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and white/black pepper in a small bowl, setting aside for later use.
  3. Egg Cooking: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a thin oil layer. Crack eggs, gently scramble until just set but slightly moist, then transfer to a separate plate.
  4. Vegetable Sautéing: Return skillet to medium-high heat, add oil, and sauté onions, carrots, and peas. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to permeate for 30 seconds without burning.
  5. Rice Stir-Frying: Elevate heat to high, add chilled rice, using swift motions to break clumps and distribute vegetables evenly. Drizzle prepared sauce over rice, mixing thoroughly to coat each grain.
  6. Final Assembly: Fold scrambled eggs and chopped green onions into the rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates.
  7. Garnishing: Finish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or sriracha for those desiring extra heat.

Notes

  • Prep Rice in Advance: Refrigerate freshly cooked rice for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy and clumpy fried rice that can ruin the desired crispy texture.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-high to high heat throughout cooking to achieve that classic restaurant-style wok hei flavor, ensuring ingredients sear quickly without burning or becoming mushy.
  • Quick Stir-Frying Technique: Use rapid, continuous stirring motions when adding rice and vegetables to distribute heat evenly, creating individual grains that are perfectly separated and lightly crisp on the edges.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt the recipe by substituting soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free versions, using tofu instead of eggs for vegan options, or adding protein like chicken or shrimp for extra nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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