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Enjoy this Easy Fried Rice Recipe in less than 10 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.  Make this in less time than it takes to get take out and you will save money too.

Fried rice in a cast iron skillet
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Easy Fried Rice Recipe:

Learn how to make this delicious fried rice recipe in just minutes. Your family can enjoy authentic fried rice with very little work. Our entire family loves fried rice but take out gets expensive especially for a large family like ours.

Now, you can make this fried rice so fast that it is quicker than take out. This is a game changer and your family will go crazy over this rice. This classic recipe taste amazing and perfect to use day-old rice.

We recently showed you how to make this delicious Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe and everyone loved it.  Another favorite around here is Chicken Fried Rice for a delicious and Easy Asian Recipes.

My favorite thing about this recipe is it can be customized to what you have on hand. This is a great recipe.

Another delicious rice side dish is Dirty Rice Recipe.

Fried rice in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon

Skip Take Out!

It is so quick and easy and everyone will love it.  You will love how easy clean up is and the entire recipe is super easy. If you love to get Chinese take out as much as we do, give this recipe a try. Not only will you save money but time as well.

Since we have been making this recipe, no one even asks to get take out anymore. It is that good and everyone really enjoys it.

I think your family will love it too.

Fried rice in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon

Budget Friendly Fried Rice:

Not only is this recipe tasty but it is budget friendly too. Rice is so inexpensive and helps to stretch other more expensive ingredients you might add.

This is a basic fried rice recipe but you can easily add meat if you prefer. You can easily feed a crowd or large family on a budget with this recipe.

The flavor is amazing and each bite is loaded with amazing ingredients.

Ingredients sesame oil, vegetable oil, cooked rice, soy sauce, salt and pepper, frozen vegetables eggs

Ingredients for Fried Rice:

  • Sesame Oil
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Cooked Rice
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Frozen Peas and Diced Carrots Blend
  • Eggs
Fried rice in a cast iron skillet

How to Make Fried Rice:

  • Step 1 – Cook Vegetables – Grab a large skillet and pan fry the veggies in the oil until soft over high heat. Push the vegetable mixture to the side of the skillet.
Cooking carrots and peas in a skillet
  • Step 2 – Scramble Eggs – Add the eggs and scramble eggs.
  • Step 3 – Stir in Rice – Now it is time to stir in the rice, soy sauce and other seasonings.
  • Step 4 – Combine and enjoy – Stir rice and veggie together really well and cook until the rice is heated through.

We like to top with sliced green onion but that is optional. This recipe is the best stir fry dinner.

Fried rice in a cast iron skillet

What is the Secret to Fried Rice?

For the best tasting rice, it is important to use leftover rice. We recommend cooking the rice the night before. Then combining with the other ingredients.

If using rice that is fresh it can become clumpy and may not combine as well. This is also a great way to use leftover shredded chicken or shredded pork.

Can you Freeze Fried Rice:

Yes, you can. This is the perfect meal to freeze and have on hand for an easy side dish or meal. Just simply put in a freeze safe container and store in the freeze.

Once we are ready to serve, thaw and reheat until warm on your stove.

Fried rice in a cast iron skillet in a wooden spoon

What to Serve with Fried Rice?

You can serve fried rice as the main meal or as a side to some of your favorite Chinese inspired meals. Try some of our favorites:

  • Egg Drop Soup
  • Chicken Teriyaki
  • Egg Rolls
  • Sweet and Sour Chicken
Fried rice in a cast iron skillet

Can you reheat Fried Rice:

Yes, you can. If we have a lot of leftover rice, I will put it back in my sauce pan and reheat. This ensure that the rice is heated thoroughly.

If you are just reheating a small portion, I put it in a Microwave Safe Dish and reheat in the microwave.

Fried rice in a cast iron skillet

How long does Fried Rice last?

As long as it is in an airtight container, your Fried Rice will last about 5-7 days in the refrigerator. If I am not freezing it, I will put it in individual containers. My husband loves taking the leftovers to work each day.

Fried Rice is so good leftover.

Tips for making Fried Rice:

  • Tips for Freezing Rice – You can make this recipe even easier by learning  how to freeze rice.  I love to grab the rice from the freezer in the morning. When we come home it is all ready to enjoy.
  • Add in Vegetables – Sometimes we also add onion and peppers to the fried rice. One of our favorite time saving tips is to use a small food chopper or food processor. This allows you to quickly and easily chop onions. If you do not have one of these, I highly recommend them.
  • Use Cold Rice – It is best to use cold rice. We plan ahead and when we have this recipe on the menu for the week. I make a batch of rice and place in the refrigerator. This makes this recipe even easier as you already have the rice prepared.
  • Cooked Rice – If you prepare your rice the day of cooking, simply put the cooked rice on a baking sheet. Then cover and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Fried rice in a cast iron skillet

What type of rice is used for fried rice?

Typically white rice but you can use brown rice if you prefer. We are big fans of using what we have on hand or can get on sale at the grocery store.

Rice really comes together for the best meal and takes on a variety of flavors. It is an amazing way to feed your family for less while still enjoying the best food.

Here is some other options:

  • Jasmine Rice
  • Basmati Rice
  • Long Grain Rice
Fried rice in a cast iron skillet

Easy Fried Rice Variations:

When making this homemade fried rice recipes the options are endless on what can be added to this recipe. Here are some of our favorites:

  • One Pot Meal – Try making Chicken Fried Rice for a really delicious and easy one pot meal. This is a great way to use leftover chicken that you might have. We love to add in oyster sauce or hot sauce for added flavor.
  • Add in Pork – Use your leftover pork for an amazing pork fried rice.
  • Add in Steak – Steak or Ground Beef sauté in makes this recipe so good.
  • Try Shrimp – We have even added in some Shrimp. This is my sisters favorite way to eat fried rice.
  • Vegetables – If I have some vegetables that are about to go bad. I toss them in to get in some extra vegetables. My kids do not even know the difference.
  • Vegetable Fried Rice – We love to make vegetable fried rice. You can even add in broccoli, corn or green beans.
  • Skillet – You can cook this fried rice in a regular skillet. But you can also prepare in a wok over medium-high heat.
  • For another easy recipe, try this delicious 15-Minute Parmesan Couscous recipe today.

How to Store Leftovers:

If you have leftovers store them in an air tight container and place in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 to 4 days and can easily be reheated in the microwave.

The Best Fried Rice Recipe:

This is my favorite fried rice recipe. Skip takeout tonight and make these delicious fried rice recipe at home. Add in bell pepper, cloves garlic and more to make this fried rice recipe your own.

Feel free to add in chicken, shrimp, or steak for an easy one pot meal. Fried rice ingredients can easily be changed to what you have and a great way to use leftover rice.

This Easy Fried Rice recipe is even better than your local Chinese restaurant recipe.

Print this Easy Fried Rice recipe below:

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Easy Fried Rice Recipe

4.97 from 53 votes
Enjoy this easy Fried Rice Recipe in less than 10 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.  Make this rice in less time than it takes to get take out.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Chinese
Course Main Course
Calories 268

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 cups cooked rice cooled
  • 3 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots blend
  • 3 larges eggs light beaten

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, pan fry the carrots and the peas in the skillet with the sesame oil and vegetable oil for about 3-5 minutes or until soft.
  • Slide the vegetables to the side and pour in the eggs.
  • Scramble the eggs.
  • Then stir in the rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir for a few minutes until rice is heated through and sauce is mixed through.
  • Top with sliced green onions.

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 268kcal, Carbohydrates 33g, Protein 7g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 4g, Trans Fat 0.04g, Cholesterol 82mg, Sodium 747mg, Potassium 136mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 0.3g, Vitamin A 2337IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 33mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My husband and I LOVE fried rice. I made my rice early in the day, so it was nice and cooled. What’s great about this recipe is that it is MUCH less greasy than takeout!! Made per recipe but used Bragg’s Liquid Aminos for reduced salt. Thank you… this is a keeper!!!

  2. 5 stars
    Such a good recipe! I always make fried rice at home and absolutely love it with marinated chicken or steak. The marinade mixing with it is always an added bonus!!

  3. 4 stars
    I only make it at home now. Its much better if you can control the salt and soy ! I also always add additional meat and veg so nothing else is needed.

  4. We love FRIED RICE!!!! I make this several times a month. Sometimes I use chicken, pork or shrimp. We love it with the protein or just by itself!!

  5. 5 stars
    I have never made fried rice but it looks easy enough for a new weekend favorite or weekday favorite. Always looking for new things to cook.

  6. 5 stars
    Love it. So easy and tasty to make. A family favourite to make at home. I’ve had it by itself and with kebabs.

  7. 5 stars
    Such a tasty, easy recipe!! I make it often and use a different meat every time. Deer tenderloin is wonderful in it!

  8. I have made fried rice at home a few times. I am always ready to try a new recipe for it. Btw, I have a Korean aunt who makes the best steak fried rice. 🙂

  9. 5 stars
    So to answer your questions for the entry…
    1. My family really enjoys any kind of Chinese food of course, who doesn’t lol, so I usually like to serve it up with some General Tso’s chicken or my favorite homemade Beef & Broccoli recipe with some egg rolls or crab Rangoon if we’re feeling a lil extra ???
    2. I actually have NOT ever tried to make my own homemade chicken fried rice but we LOVVEE the frozen microwavable bags, however they can be quite costly, so I’m looking forward to trying out this recipe at some point this week. Will return with more comments of the results and thanks in advance ??

  10. 5 stars
    I make fried rice often, using Uncle Ben’s Pouches as base for a variety of tastes. It’s my fast food at home staple.

  11. I’ve had some good fried rice at restaurants, but never made it at home. This looks like an easy recipe to try. Thanks ?!

  12. 5 stars
    My “old” fried rice recipe takes twice as long and tastes half as good as this recipe. I usually serve chicken egg rolls or sweet yeast bread with mine. Your recipe was so good we skipped the egg rolls so we had more room for the rice.

  13. 5 stars
    Love it. Perfect timing. I have all these in the fridge to use up. Will forward onto my kids too

  14. I make fried rice at home all of the time and serve with chicken or pork. Love it and will definitely try this recipe!

  15. 5 stars
    I love making fried rice. It is soo easy. I usually make it with a big stir fry and homemade air fried egg rolls. Better than take out!

  16. I like to make beef fried rice as a side for broccoli beef stir fry. My mistake is not using cooled rice.

  17. 5 stars
    I make mine with olive oil and add chopped broccoli to give it more veggies. I make a large batch some to freeze. For that night I add chopped grilled chicken breast. Thank you for these great recipes.

  18. 5 stars
    I have never made fried rice and this recipe was so easy and so fast. I put it with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and carrots. Add a little soy sauce and it was a true winner! ?

  19. 5 stars
    Couldn’t get easier. We make this for the two of us served with Egg rolls. We usually use pork for the meat. Simple, delicious, and doesn’t break the bank.

  20. 5 stars
    We loved this recipe! I did make some changes, I didn’t have sesame oil so used garlic olive oil instead of the other oils, also used a bag of mixed veggies and a different recipe for marinated chicken. But the fried rice was wonderful!

  21. 5 stars
    This might sound weird but, I add just a splash of fish sauce, 3 slices of chopped bacon, and nearly caramelized onions. Very flavorful and quick meal.

  22. 4 stars
    I really love this recipe. I put chicken with it and cumin. My family was very pleased with the meal

  23. Thank you a bunch for this recipe. I have been in self isolation far away from home as my son and I cannot travel on account of his SLE. This site has been the guide I so much needed. Thanks a milly.

  24. 5 stars
    Thank you for sharing this recipe. This recipe its very helpful to us. Now my mother has been using this recipe to make this food. I’m waiting for the next recipe. Thanks You