Easy Fried Rice

This easy fried rice recipe brings together quick cooking and fantastic flavor, perfect for a weeknight meal or for using up leftovers. It combines classic ingredients with a special sauce that elevates it beyond the usual takeout version. Whether you want a simple vegetable and egg dish or something with added protein, this fried rice adapts easily.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how quickly it came together while still tasting restaurant quality. Now it’s a favorite when I want something comforting with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Cold cooked rice: this is key to preventing mushy fried rice leftover rice works best or cool freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet
• Fresh garlic: adds a pungent depth mince or grate finely for even distribution
• Fresh ginger: grated fresh ginger lends a bright spice note that lifts the dish
• Green onions: sliced green onions bring freshness and a mild bite
• Carrots: chopped carrots add color and sweet crunch
• Zucchini: diced zucchini contributes mild flavor and texture balance
• Peas: sweet peas bring a nice pop of sweetness and green color
• Eggs: optional but recommended for richness and protein
• Butter: a small amount added during egg cooking for extra richness
• Lowsodium soy sauce: the salty backbone of the sauce choose a quality brand to control sodium levels
• Brown sugar: balances the saltiness and adds a touch of caramel sweetness
• Rice vinegar: brightens and adds a mild tang for complexity
• Toasted sesame oil: just a drizzle gives that classic nutty aroma and flavor

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Cook the minced garlic and grated ginger in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until fragrant about one minute. This step infuses the oil and builds the flavor base.

Cook Heartier Vegetables First:

Add chopped carrots and any broccoli florets first. Stirfry for one to two minutes until they start to soften.

Add QuickCooking Vegetables:

Next include zucchini and peas. Stirfry until all the vegetables are tender but still have some bite about two more minutes.

Push Ingredients Aside and Cook Eggs:

Push the rice and veggies to one side of the skillet. Add a small knob of butter in the cleared space and scramble the eggs gently until just set. Break up the eggs and mix thoroughly into the rice.

Add Cold Rice and Sauce:

Add your cold cooked rice evenly over the pan. Pour the combined sauce made of soy sauce brown sugar rice vinegar and a splash of toasted sesame oil. Toss everything together to heat through and coat the rice evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Add Proteins if Desired:

If adding cooked meat shrimp or tofu stir it into the rice now and warm through for about one minute.

Finish and Serve:

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

I love the ginger in this recipe as it brightens the entire dish and adds a fresh zing my family always asks what makes it taste so good. This fried rice reminds me of a cozy night cooking with my kids where we each picked our favorite veggies to add.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for three to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap peas and zucchini for other seasonal veggies like bell peppers asparagus or snap peas depending on what you have available. Brown rice or even quinoa can replace white rice but cooking times may vary slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a standalone meal or alongside dishes like teriyaki chicken or stirfied greens. A garnish of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro adds extra flavor and texture.

This easy fried rice is quick to make and infinitely adaptable. Serve hot and enjoy as a fast satisfying meal.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of rice works best for fried rice?

Leftover cold white rice works best, especially short or medium-grain varieties like jasmine or calrose, for optimal texture and minimal mushiness.

→ Can I substitute the vegetables used in this dish?

Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, peas, mushrooms, and broccoli all work well, and you can customize based on what you have on hand.

→ How should I cook the eggs to add richness?

Scramble eggs separately with a dab of butter and then mix them gently into the rice to add richness and texture.

→ What ingredients make up the fried rice sauce?

The sauce blends low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil for a balanced savory-sweet flavor.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, cooked proteins like sliced beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added and stirred in at the end for extra heartiness.

→ What cooking equipment is recommended?

A large skillet or wok provides ample space to toss ingredients evenly; a hot pan is key to achieving the right texture.