This fried rice is packed with veggies and flavor, making it a fun and tasty homemade meal. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, and it’s much healthier than takeout!
I love whipping this up when I’m short on time. Just toss in leftover rice and whatever veggies I have—it’s like a fridge clean-out party! 🎉 Plus, it comes together super fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is ideal because it’s dryer and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook it fresh and let it cool on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes before using.
Oil: While vegetable oil works great, I love using sesame oil for its distinct flavor. If you need a lighter option, go for canola or olive oil. Just avoid using oils with strong flavors.
Vegetables: Mixed frozen vegetables are perfect for this recipe. You can swap in any veggies you like—bell peppers, corn, or broccoli work well too. Just remember to chop them small for even cooking!
Eggs: If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, try silken tofu as a substitute. Just crumble it in as you’d do with the eggs, or skip it altogether if you prefer a simpler fried rice.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce, and use coconut aminos if you need a sweeter soy sauce alternative. The oyster sauce can be left out if you want to keep it vegan.
How Do I Get the Perfect Fried Rice Texture?
The key to perfect fried rice is all in the rice and cooking technique. Using cold rice helps prevent mushiness. Make sure to break up any clumps before adding it to the pan.
- Keep the heat high throughout the cooking process. This will help fry and crisp the rice instead of steaming it.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—if you’re making a large batch, cook it in batches to keep the heat consistent.
- Stir-fry quickly and continuously to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning any ingredients.
With these tips, you’ll nail that takeout-style taste and texture right at home! Enjoy your delicious creation!
Better Than Takeout Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots diced, peas, and green onions)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s a quick dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggs:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Then, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add your mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp, making sure to keep everything moving in the pan for even cooking.
4. Combine with Rice:
Now it’s time to add the cooked rice! Break up any clumps with your spatula, and stir-fry it with the vegetable mixture for about 3-4 minutes. Ensure the rice is heated through and well combined with the veggies.
5. Flavor it Up:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Mix everything well, so the rice and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauces.
6. Finish it Off:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and stir everything together. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from heat. Serve your homemade fried rice immediately, garnished if desired with extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal that tastes even better than takeout!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice for This Recipe?
While day-old rice is preferred for its firmer texture, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 30 minutes to reduce excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
What Are Some Good Vegetable Substitutions?
You can easily customize this fried rice by using any veggies you have on hand. Bell peppers, corn, broccoli, and zucchini all work well. If using frozen vegetables, just toss them in during the sauté step instead of fresh.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Can I Make This Fried Rice Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the eggs and you can use tofu instead for added protein. Additionally, ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free if needed, and substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative or leave it out completely.
