Favorite Easy Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Craving that classic takeout fried rice flavor but want to make it at home? This Easy Fried Rice is your go-to recipe! It’s quick, customizable, and comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or cleaning out the fridge. With buttery rice, tender veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory soy sauce, every bite is packed with flavor the whole family will love.

No fancy tools or ingredients needed—just cold rice, a skillet, and a handful of pantry staples!

Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice

🍳 Ready in 20 Minutes: Fast, easy, and satisfying
🍚 Perfect for Leftovers: Uses day-old rice for the best texture
🥕 Family Favorite: Kid-approved and totally customizable
💰 Budget-Friendly: Cheaper and healthier than takeout
🔥 Full of Flavor: Butter, garlic, soy, and sesame oil bring that hibachi vibe

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (add more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil (or substitute with oyster sauce)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Fried Rice

1️⃣ Prep Your Rice

Make sure your rice is chilled and not clumpy. Break it up with a fork or your hands before frying.

2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies

Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrots, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and peas.

3️⃣ Cook the Eggs

Push veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side and scramble. Once cooked, mix everything together.

4️⃣ Add Rice & Seasonings

Gently stir in cold rice, breaking up any remaining clumps. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot and top with green onions, sriracha, or extra soy sauce if desired.

Variations

  • 🥩 Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, steak, pork, or ham
  • 🍍 Make It Tropical: Add diced pineapple for a sweet twist
  • 🌶 Spice It Up: Mix in sriracha or chili oil
  • 🥬 Add More Veggies: Try mushrooms, bell peppers, chopped broccoli, or spinach
  • 🥢 Go Gourmet: Add a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin at the end for depth

Tips for Success

  • Use Cold Rice: Fresh rice = mushy rice. Cold rice fries best!
  • Break Up Clumps: Use your fingers or a fork before frying
  • Low & Slow with Veggies: Don’t rush sautéing—let flavors build
  • Butter Matters: Adds a rich, restaurant-style taste
  • Sesame Oil = Umami: A little goes a long way

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fried Rice recipe proves that simple ingredients can make a show-stopping dish. Customize it with what you have, serve it as a side or main, and enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout—right at home. 🍳🍚

#FriedRiceRecipe #EasyDinnerIdeas #BetterThanTakeout #RiceLovers #WokCooking #20MinuteMeals

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Favorite Easy Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)


  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Craving that classic takeout fried rice flavor but want to make it at home? This Easy Fried Rice is your go-to recipe! It’s quick, customizable, and comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or cleaning out the fridge. With buttery rice, tender veggies, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory soy sauce, every bite is packed with flavor the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • 12 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (add more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon sesame oil (or substitute with oyster sauce)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Rice: Make sure your rice is chilled and not clumpy. Break it up with a fork or your hands before frying.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrots, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and peas.
  3. Cook the Eggs: Push veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side and scramble. Once cooked, mix everything together.
  4. Add Rice & Seasonings: Gently stir in cold rice, breaking up any remaining clumps. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot and top with green onions, sriracha, or extra soy sauce if desired.

Notes

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Keywords: Fried Rice, Easy Dinner, Takeout Copycat, Quick Meal, Weeknight Rice, Skillet Recipes

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