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    Home » Recipes » Fried Rice

    Chinese Take Out Fried Rice

    Published: Feb 24, 2022 · Modified: Jan 5, 2023 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments Jump To Video

    When you can't make it to your favorite Chinese restaurant, you can make this easy fried rice recipe at home in less than 20 minutes. Not only is this a great recipe to make when you're short on time, but it's also the perfect way to use leftover rice and veggies. I guarantee the entire family will love it. It tastes even better than take-out.

    Once you get the basic technique down, you can add almost any kind of vegetables you like and add in your favorite protein. Chicken and pork fried rice are two house favorites. Say hello to your new favorite fried rice recipes!

    easy take out style fried rice recipe in a black bowl with chopsticks

    WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

    • Easy: Recipes don't get much easier than this. This is the best fried rice recipe and it's so easy to customize.
    • Fast: Again, because everything is already cooked and veggies only need a quick toss in a hot pan, this dinner entree is ready in no time. 
    • Better than take-out: I'm not even joking. Once you make this, you will wonder why the heck you haven't made this sooner. 
    • Healthy: Fried rice is pretty healthy, and when you make it at home, you know exactly what you are putting into it. So, it's even better. 

    RECIPE NOTES

    This recipe starts with making a simple veggie fried rice with scrambled egg.

    If you have leftover veggies or leftover grilled chicken, you can toss it into a pan and make this delicious side dish recipe. Or who are we kidding fried rice is totally main dish material.

    RECIPE INGEDIENTS

    ingredients for fried rice
    • Leftover Rice: This recipe calls for 3 to 4 cups of leftover rice. This can be white or brown rice. Use whatever day-old rice you have on hand. You can even use cauliflower rice or quinoa. 
    • Oil: Plain vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil. 
    • Aromatics: garlic, ginger, onions, and green onions. 
    • Veggies: Carrots and peas. These are the bare minimum veggies. But you can add any veggies you like. (see below for some of my favorites)
    • Eggs: Two eggs, beaten. You will scramble these right in the pan.  
    • Soy sauce: Use regular or low sodium soy sauce. If you want to avoid soy altogether you can even use coconut aminos or Bragg' aminos.
    • Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth. Adding in a small amount of broth helps to rehydrate the rice and also adds to the flavor.

    HOW TO MAKE FRIED RICE

    Step 1 Stir-fry: Add about a tablespoon of oil to a large skillet or wok and stir-fry the rice on medium-high heat until it is a little bit crispy. Create a well in the pan with the rice and then add the onions, garlic, ginger, and carrots. Sauté until fragrant and tender. About 3 to 4 minutes. 

    how to make plain fried rice. oil and rice in a wok
    add the rice
    carrots, onions, ginger and garlic give the fried rice seasoning
    add the carrots, onion, and garlic

    Step 2 Scramble: Move the veggies to the outside of the pan creating a well. Turn the heat down to medium heat and add the sesame oil and the beaten eggs. Scramble. 

    fried rice with egg in a wok. Egg being poured into the wok before scrambling.
    add the eggs
    how to make plain fried rice. rice in a wok with carrots, onions, garlic, and eggs
    scramble the eggs in the well

    Step 3 Toss and Sauce: Add the peas and the soy sauce, mirin, and rice wine vinegar. Toss to combine all of the ingredients.

    healthy vegetable fried rice with frozen peas
    add the peas
    adding soy sauce to healthy vegetable fried rice
    add the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar

    Step 4 Garnish: Add sliced green onions. 

    chinese fried rice restaurant style
    stir fry everything
    vegan fried rice with green onions on top
    garnish with green onions
    vegetable fried rice recipe in a wok. recipe by foodology geek

    RECIPE VARIATIONS

    You can use raw or cooked veggies when making fried rice. I often use leftover vegetables in this recipe.

    Other colorful vegetables make a great addition to this recipe:

    • mushrooms
    • broccoli
    • bok choy
    • red bell peppers
    • snap peas or snow peas
    • kimchi

    You can also add meat if you want to make this a heartier meal. If you're using uncooked meat and not leftover meat, I recommend cutting the meat into small pieces and sautéing it in a skillet before adding it to the rice.

    You can also cook the meat in your pan first thing before adding the rice, remove it and set it aside, then add it back I at the end.

    A few of my favorites meats for fried rice are:

    • chicken
    • pork
    • shrimp
    • crispy bacon
    • SPAM
    • char siu
    easy fried rice recipe served in a black owl with chopsticks

    FAQs and Fried Rice Tips

    WHAT KIND OF RICE DO YOU NEED FOR FRIED RICE?

    Day-old rice that has been in the refrigerator works best when making fried rice because it is slightly dried out, and when you add it to the pan with the oil, it gets a little bit crispy, which is magical, of course!

    Don't have leftover rice?

    Don't worry; fresh rice works fine too! If you are cooking the rice the same day that you are using it, I suggest spreading the cooked rice out on a large baking sheet to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. 

    What variety of rice?

    The best rice to use for Asian dishes is Nishiki rice. Nishiki is a short-grain rice that is used in sushi. Botan or Calrose rice are also short-grain varieties of rice that work well in this recipe.

    You can also use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice. Watching your carbs, no problem? Substitute the rice in this recipe with cauliflower rice or even quinoa. 

    Can you add meat or tofu to this vegetarian recipe?

    Yes, absolutely, just like in this recipe: Spam Fried Rice. 
    In addition to spam, you can add almost any leftover protein. Leftover pork chops or chicken are clear choices here. 
    If you don't have leftover meat and need to cook some, I recommend dicing the protein into small pieces and then sautéing it in the pan first. Remove it, set it aside, and then add it back to the rice at the end.

    Is vegetable fried rice vegetarian?

    Yes, it is vegetarian. If you want to keep it vegan, you can leave out the eggs. 

    Can I freeze fried rice?

    Yes, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for several months.

    How To Reheat Fried Rice?

    Rice can be dry once it's refrigerated or frozen. Adding liquid will help to restream the rice and make it tender again. I usually add a few tablespoons of water, up to a quarter cup.

    Reheat in the microwave: Simply microwave the fried rice for about 2 minutes, loosely covered.

    Reheat on the stove-top: Add a little bit of oil to a skillet or wok. Add the rice and stir-fry until warm. Add a few tablespoons of liquid if the rice is dry and cover. Let the rice steam for a few minutes off the heat before serving.

    WHAT TO SERVE WITH FRIED RICE

    There's something about fried rice that just begs for company. In fact, it's the perfect dish to serve up when you're looking to impress your guests. But what do you serve with it? other recipes that are just as delicious and will have your guests asking for more.

    Try our furikake fried chicken - a crispy, salty-sweet takeoff on everyone's favorite dish. Or go all out with our Hawaiian mac salad.

    If you're feeling like something a little more exotic, our mai tais are sure to hit the spot - or try our pineapple martini for a sweet and refreshing drink. No matter what you choose, we know you'll love these tasty Hawaiian recipes.

    • Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
    • Asian Chicken Meatballs {Ready in 30 minutes}
    • Chicken and Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner
    • Chicken Curry Recipe
    • Crispy Furikake Fried Chicken with Sriracha Aioli
    • Simple Grilled Chicken Recipe

    HUNGRY FOR MORE RICE RECIPES

    Looking for a new way to enjoy your rice? Check out these delicious fried rice recipes! From spam fried rice to cauliflower fried rice, there's something for everyone. So why not give one of these recipes a try today? You won't be disappointed!

    • Pork Fried Rice
    • How to Make an Easy Curry Risotto
    • Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
    • Spam Fried Rice
    • Easy Cauliflower Rice {Keto Rice}
    • Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
    easy take out style fried rice recipe in a black bowl with chopsticks

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    take out style fried rice with chopsticks in a black bowl
    Favorite Saved!

    Easy Fried Rice Recipe

    Laura Reigel
    This easy fried rice recipe is better than take-out and can be made in less than 20 minutes. It's the perfect way to use up leftover rice and veggies. Make this restaurant style vegetable fried rice at home tonight!
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Rice, Side Dish
    Cuisine Asain, Chinese
    Servings 6
    Calories 184 kcal

    Equipment

    • rice cooker
    • Instant Pot
    • wok
    • large non-stick skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups cooked rice
    • 2 teaspoons oil
    • 2 medium carrots diced
    • ¼ medium onions diced finely
    • 2 to 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
    • 2 eggs beaten
    • ¾ cup frozen peas
    • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seed oil
    • 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon mirin optional
    • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar optional

    Other Veggies (optional)

    • mushrooms
    • bok choy
    • snap peas
    • broccoli
    • red bell peppers
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Place the oil into your wok pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the rice and stir fry for a few minutes.
    • Create a well in the center of the wok pan.
    • Add the carrots, onions, ginger, and garlic.
    • Sauté for a few minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant.
    • PRO-TIP: At this stage, you can add any additional veggies or even a protein like chicken or shrimp. See the notes below for a few suggestions. [note 1]
    • Move the veggies to the outside of the wok to re-create the well.
    • Add the sesame oil to the middle of the pan.
    • Add the beaten eggs and scramble them in the center of the pan.
    • Add in the soy sauce, mirin, and rice wine vinegar.
    • Add the peas, then use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together.
    • Garnish with chopped green onions

    Video

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    1. Chicken fried rice and pork fried rice are two of our favorites. Add leftover diced chicken or pork chop to the fried rice. 
    How to store
    Leftover fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for several months. 
    How to reheat
    Reheat in the microwave: Simply microwave the fried rice for about 2 minutes, loosely covered.
    Reheat on the stove-top: Add a little bit of oil to a skillet or wok. Add the rice and stir-fry until warm. Add a few tablespoons of liquid if the rice is dry and cover. Let the rice steam for a few minutes off the heat before serving.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cupCalories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 561mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword fried rice
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Debi

      February 24, 2022 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! I love fried rice and your instructions are really easy to follow. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
    2. Seanna Borrows

      February 24, 2022 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe! So tasty. And a breeze to make!

      Reply
    3. Marsha

      August 28, 2020 at 1:51 am

      Sounds delicious as vegetable fried rice with Spam. Gonna try.

      Reply

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