Flavorful Golden Homemade Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this golden homemade fried rice that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable feast.

Fragrant rice sizzles in a hot wok, creating layers of complex flavor and texture.

Tender vegetables and perfectly seasoned protein dance together in a symphony of taste.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and culinary creativity.

The secret lies in using day-old rice and high heat to achieve those coveted crispy edges.

Fresh ingredients and a few expert techniques make this dish shine brighter than takeout.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for endless delicious possibilities.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Homemade Fried Rice Ingredients You’ll Need

• Long Grain Rice: Fluffy and light texture that prevents clumping, best when day-old and chilled for perfect fried rice consistency.
• Cold Rice: Essential for preventing mushy texture and ensuring each grain stays separate during stir-frying.

• Eggs: Adds rich, creamy texture and extra protein, scrambled for even distribution throughout the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and beautiful caramel color to the rice.
• Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, authentic Asian cooking aroma and depth of flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Contributes sweet-savory richness and glossy finish to the rice.
• White/Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and aromatic warmth to the overall dish.

• Onions: Creates foundational savory base and adds subtle sweetness.
• Carrots: Brings vibrant color, crunchy texture, and natural sweetness.
• Peas: Adds bright color, sweet pop of flavor, and nutritional boost.
• Garlic: Intensifies overall flavor profile with its pungent, aromatic qualities.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, sharp garnish and light onion complexity.
• Optional Sriracha: Provides optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

Tools for the Best Homemade Fried Rice

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying rice and ingredients with high, even heat.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking sauce ingredients together smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Helps spread and cool rice quickly for best texture.
• Whisk: Quickly combines sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and green onions.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and onion cutting.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Tablespoon: Helps measure oil and sauce ingredients accurately.

Steps to Stir-Fry the Perfect Homemade Fried Rice

• Chill the Rice

Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate to remove excess moisture. Older rice works best for creating perfect texture.

• Create Flavor Base

Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings to develop a rich, savory foundation for your dish.

• Scramble the Eggs

Heat oil in a large skillet and quickly cook eggs until just set. Remove and set aside for later.

• Sizzle the Vegetables

Toss onions, carrots, and peas into the hot pan. Cook until they’re vibrant and slightly tender. Add garlic for an aromatic boost.

• Transform the Rice

Blast the heat and add cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and spread vegetables throughout, creating a gorgeous golden color.

• Bring It Together

Pour in your flavor mixture and blend thoroughly. Fold in scrambled eggs and green onions for a final burst of excitement.

• Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with extra green onions or a dash of sriracha for those who love a little kick.

Ways to Customize Homemade Fried Rice Boldly

• Rice Moisture Magic: Use day-old rice or spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to prevent soggy results and achieve perfect texture.
• Protein Power Play: Swap eggs with tofu, shredded chicken, beef, or shrimp to create diverse protein-packed versions that suit different dietary preferences.
• Low-Carb Veggie Twist: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the delicious stir-fry experience without heavy grains.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free while preserving the authentic savory flavor profile.
• Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil for heat lovers, or keep it mild for those who prefer gentle flavors – personalize the spiciness to your taste buds.

Best Serving Ideas for Homemade Fried Rice

• Quick Protein Boost: Top the fried rice with grilled chicken strips, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes for a protein-packed meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Asian-Style Plating: Serve in a traditional ceramic bowl, garnished with thin sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an authentic presentation that looks stunning.
• Spice Level Up: Add a small side of sriracha sauce or chili oil for those who love extra heat, allowing each person to customize their spice experience.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Pair with a sunny-side-up egg on top and some crispy bacon on the side to transform this classic dish into a delightful weekend breakfast option.

How to Store and Reheat Fried Rice Without Drying Out

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover fried rice in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Quick Reheating Strategy: Revive cold rice using a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out, bringing back the original delicious texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month, allowing convenient meal prep for busy days.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Keep sauce ingredients and cooked components separate when meal prepping to maintain crisp vegetable texture and prevent sogginess. Mix just before serving to preserve the authentic fried rice experience.

Golden Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Master chefs love this homemade fried rice as a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meal. Rice, vegetables, and protein combine seamlessly for a delicious dinner you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to reduce moisture, ensuring optimal texture for fried rice.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and white pepper in a mixing bowl to develop a robust flavor foundation.
3. Egg Technique: Heat oil in a large skillet, scramble eggs until softly cooked, then set aside on a separate plate for later integration.
4. Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, add oil and quickly sauté onions, carrots, and green peas until slightly tender, then introduce minced garlic to release aromatic essence.
5. Rice Transformation: Increase heat to high, add cold rice to the pan, and stir vigorously to separate grains and distribute vegetables uniformly while drizzling the prepared sauce mixture.
6. Final Fusion: Incorporate scrambled eggs and chopped green onions into the rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer fried rice to serving dishes, garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a sriracha drizzle for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Reduce Moisture Masterfully: Use day-old rice or spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to minimize excess moisture, ensuring crispy, perfectly separated grains.
• Wok Temperature Control: Maintain high heat throughout cooking to achieve that signature restaurant-style wok hei flavor, preventing rice from becoming soggy and promoting delightful caramelization.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Customize sauce proportions to personal taste, adjusting soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce ratios for a personalized flavor profile that complements your ingredients.
• Protein and Dietary Flexibility: Easily adapt the recipe by substituting proteins like tofu for vegetarians, adding diced chicken or shrimp for non-vegetarian versions, or incorporating plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg