Fried rice is one of the quickest and most versatile meals you can make at home. It transforms leftover rice into a flavorful dish packed with vegetables, eggs, and savory seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe delivers restaurant-style fried rice with fluffy grains, rich aroma, and balanced taste.
β± PREP TIME
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Cook: 12 minutes
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Total: 22 minutes
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Servings: 4
π³ EQUIPMENT
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Large wok or frying pan
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Knife & cutting board
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Small bowl (for eggs)
π₯ INGREDIENTS
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3 cups cooked cold rice (day-old works best)
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2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, corn, or beans)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp vinegar (optional)
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Β½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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2 green onions, sliced
Optional add-ins:
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Cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef
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Chili flakes or chili sauce
π INGREDIENT NOTES
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Cold rice: Fresh rice becomes sticky; chilled rice fries better and stays separate.
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Soy sauce: Use light soy for saltiness, dark soy for deeper color.
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Oil: Neutral oil works best; sesame oil adds extra aroma (use a little).
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Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables are perfectly fine β no need to thaw fully.
π©βπ³ INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the pan
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the eggs
Pour in beaten eggs and scramble quickly. Remove and set aside.
3. SautΓ© aromatics
Add remaining oil, then garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook vegetables
Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2β3 minutes.
5. Add the rice
Break up the cold rice with your hands and add it to the pan. Stir-fry 3β4 minutes until heated through.
6. Season
Add soy sauce, vinegar (if using), pepper, and salt if needed. Mix well.
7. Finish
Return scrambled eggs and add green onions. Toss everything together for 1 minute.
Serve hot.
π₯ NUTRITION FACTS (approx. per serving)
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Calories: ~320
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Protein: 10g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: varies with soy sauce
β TIPS FOR PERFECT FRIED RICE
β Always use cold, cooked rice
β Cook on medium-high heat for proper frying
β Donβt overcrowd the pan
β Add sauces around the edges of the pan for better flavor
β Stir frequently but not constantly
π VARIATIONS
Chicken Fried Rice β Add diced cooked chicken before seasoning.
Shrimp Fried Rice β Cook shrimp first, remove, then add back at the end.
Vegetarian Fried Rice β Skip eggs and add tofu or mushrooms.
Spicy Fried Rice β Add chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chilies.
Garlic Butter Fried Rice β Replace oil with half butter for richer taste.