Easy Homemade Fried Rice: Quick Skillet Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up delicious Easy Homemade Fried Rice in minutes! Perfect for leftovers or a quick, satisfying dinner that brings comfort to your table.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Contains eggs, soy. Can be made vegetarian.
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
4 cups day-old cooked rice (long-grain white rice works best)
02 -
2 large eggs
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for eggs, if needed)
04 -
1 tablespoon minced garlic
05 -
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
06 -
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
07 -
1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Veggies & Protein
08 -
1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
09 -
1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu), chopped (optional)
→ Finishing Touches
10 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, make sure your rice is *cold* and *day-old*. This is the absolute golden rule for Easy Homemade Fried Rice. If you try to use warm, freshly cooked rice, it'll clump and get mushy, trust me, I've been there. Break up any large clumps with your hands before you even think about putting it in the pan. This step is critical for that perfect texture!
02 -
Heat a bit of your vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk your eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour them in and scramble quickly until just set but still soft. Don't overcook them! Once they're done, remove them from the pan and set them aside. This keeps them tender and ensures they don't get lost in the shuffle later.
03 -
Add a little more oil to the pan. Toss in your minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30-60 seconds, until they're fragrant. Oh, the smell! It's one of my favorite kitchen smells, honestly. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter. Keep that heat medium-high!
04 -
Next, throw in your mixed vegetables. If they're frozen, let them cook for a few minutes until they're tender-crisp. You want a bit of bite, not mush. This is where the color really starts to come alive in your Easy Homemade Fried Rice. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, letting them get a little char.
05 -
Now, add your cold, day-old rice to the pan. Pour the soy sauce directly over the rice. Using a spatula, break up the rice and stir-fry, mixing everything together. The goal is to coat every grain of rice with that savory sauce and get a bit of char on some of the grains. Keep stirring and flipping!
06 -
Finally, add the scrambled eggs back into the pan. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss everything together for another minute or two. The sesame oil adds that signature nutty aroma, and the eggs get mixed throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh green onions just before serving. Voila! Your Easy Homemade Fried Rice is ready!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture – it really makes all the difference.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheating in a skillet brings back the crispiness.
03 -
Feel free to swap out veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand; I often use leftover chicken.
04 -
Serve with a fried egg on top and a dash of sriracha for an extra comforting meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large wok or large non-stick skillet
02 -
spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 60g
Protein: 20g