If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and quick dish that never fails to satisfy, this Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of tender rice, savory bacon, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs, all brought together with just the right splash of soy and oyster sauces. Whether you’re whipping up a weekday dinner or need a tasty way to use up leftover rice, this recipe is a total winner that comes together effortlessly and delights every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and vibrant color of this Fried Rice Recipe. From the crisp onions to the umami-packed sauces, every element contributes to the dish’s unforgettable flavor.
- 2 tbsp oil: Essential for frying everything to a delicious golden finish, ensuring nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly.
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet crunch and fragrant base to the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a warm, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
- 120 g/4 oz bacon, chopped (optional, or use ham): Provides savory smokiness and crispy texture, but feel free to skip or swap if you prefer.
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups diced vegetables (frozen or fresh): Brings freshness and color, plus a bit of healthy crunch.
- 2 cups (packed) cooked day old white rice (refrigerated or frozen defrosted): The star ingredient—day-old rice is perfect for frying as it’s less sticky and more absorbent of sauces.
- 3 eggs, whisked: Adds richness, protein, and a luscious texture when scrambled into the dish.
- 3/4 cup green onions (shallots/scallions), sliced: Provides a burst of mild onion flavor and freshness at the end.
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or substitute Mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry): Adds a subtle depth and slight sweetness to the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce: Brings a deep umami note that elevates every bite.
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or all purpose): Essential salty seasoning for a balanced taste.
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp white pepper: Provides a gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating about 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or 2 tablespoons in a large skillet over high heat until it’s just starting to smoke. This initial heat is what gives your rice that irresistible light crispness, so don’t skimp on it!
Step 2: Cook Onion, Garlic, and Bacon
Next, toss in the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped bacon. Keep stirring as everything cooks until the bacon turns a lovely light golden color, about one and a half minutes. This step releases the smoky fat from the bacon that flavors the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add your choice of diced vegetables straight from frozen or fresh, it’s all good here. Cook them for about two minutes, allowing the veggies to defrost if frozen and for any excess moisture to evaporate. This step ensures your fried rice stays fluffy rather than soggy.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Sauces
Now it’s time for the star of the show: the day-old rice. Add it along with the Chinese cooking wine, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and white pepper. Fry everything together for about a minute and a half until the liquid evaporates and the rice starts absorbing those rich flavors. The rice should feel warm, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture over to one side of the wok or skillet, creating a clear space. Add the remaining half tablespoon of oil into the empty area and tilt the pan so the heat concentrates there. Pour in your whisked eggs and scramble them thoroughly until fully cooked—no soft scrambling here! Once cooked, mix the eggs through the rice to combine.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top, give everything a good stir, then remove the pan from heat. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and enjoy every perfectly seasoned, textured bite.
How to Serve Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions scattered on top add a lovely crunch and mild sharpness that brighten the dish. You might also consider a handful of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil to enhance that nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Fried Rice Recipe pairs amazingly with simple sides like steamed dumplings, a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad, or even sautéed greens like bok choy. These sides add contrast in texture and flavor, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this fried rice in a pineapple boat or wrapped inside lettuce leaves as bite-sized cups. You can also top it with a fried egg or add thinly sliced chili for a little extra heat. Presentation is a great way to make this humble dish shine on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover fried rice in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze fried rice by portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to revive the moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to get that fresh-from-the-wok crispness back, but if microwaving, cover loosely to retain steam.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for frying. Day-old rice is drier, which helps it fry up nicely without clumping. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out and let it cool completely to reduce moisture before using.
Is it okay to omit the bacon?
Absolutely! You can skip the bacon if you want a vegetarian version or swap it for diced ham, tofu, or even cooked chicken. Each choice brings a different but equally delicious flavor.
What vegetables work best in this Fried Rice Recipe?
Frozen diced carrots, peas, corn, or fresh bell peppers, broccoli, and green beans all work wonderfully. Choose colorful veggies for visual appeal and a good mix of textures.
Can I make this spicy?
Definitely! Add finely chopped fresh chili, a pinch of chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil during cooking or as a garnish. It’s easy to customize the heat level to your liking.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, are ideal for frying this rice. Sesame oil is better used at the end for flavor rather than cooking due to its lower smoke point.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Rice Recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a comforting culinary hug that’s easy to master and endlessly adaptable. The blend of familiar ingredients with bold, savory seasonings will quickly make it a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor how something so simple can burst with such incredible flavor every single time.
Print
Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This flavorful Fried Rice recipe is a quick and easy dish perfect for using up leftover rice. It combines savory bacon, fresh vegetables, and scrambled eggs all stir-fried with aromatic garlic, onion, and a blend of Chinese sauces to create a satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Ideal as a main dish or a side, it offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 120 g (4 oz) bacon, chopped (optional, or use ham)
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups diced vegetables, frozen or fresh (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 cups (packed) cooked day-old white rice (refrigerated or defrosted if frozen)
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 3/4 cup green onions (shallots/scallions), sliced
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (substitute Mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat about 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or 2 tablespoons in a skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke, ensuring a hot surface for proper stir-frying.
- Sauté aromatics and bacon: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bacon to the hot pan. Cook quickly, stirring, until the bacon turns a light golden color, approximately 1 1/2 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add your diced vegetables (you can add them frozen). Stir-fry for 2 minutes to allow the vegetables to defrost and excess moisture to evaporate, maintaining a good texture.
- Incorporate rice and sauces: Add the cooked day-old rice along with the Chinese cooking wine, Oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), and white pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 1/2 minutes until the liquid reduces and the rice is heated through evenly.
- Scramble eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the wok or skillet. Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to the cleared space and tilt the pan to spread the oil. Pour in the whisked eggs and scramble them over medium-high heat until fully cooked, making sure not to soft scramble.
- Combine and serve: Add the sliced green onions, stir the scrambled eggs into the rice mixture thoroughly. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Note 1: Use any diced vegetables you prefer such as peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers or a frozen mixed vegetable blend for convenience.
- Note 2: Using day-old, refrigerated white rice is ideal since it is drier and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
- Note 4: Chinese cooking wine adds authentic flavor but Mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry are excellent substitutes.
- Note 5: Use light soy sauce for a balanced saltiness; if you don’t have light soy sauce, all-purpose soy sauce is a suitable alternative.
