Transform your leftover rice into mouthwatering masterpieces with these six incredible fried rice recipes.
From classic Chinese-style to spicy Thai and Korean variations, you’ll discover new ways to elevate this humble dish into a star attraction.
Whether you’re craving something traditional or want to experiment with bold flavors, these recipes will help you create restaurant-quality fried rice at home.
Get ready to explore variations featuring succulent shrimp, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and unique global seasonings that will make your taste buds dance.
Classic Chinese-Style Egg Fried Rice
Classic Chinese-Style Egg Fried Rice is a beloved comfort food that transforms leftover rice into a delicious meal.
This versatile dish combines fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, and vegetables, all brought together with simple seasonings that create an authentic Chinese flavor.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked day-old rice
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and white pepper to taste
Step 1: Break up any rice clumps with your hands and set aside.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Add remaining oil to the wok. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add frozen peas and carrots, stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is hot.
Step 6: Return eggs to the wok. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
Step 7: Season with salt and white pepper, then garnish with green onions.
Pro Tip: Always use day-old rice stored in the refrigerator, as fresh rice contains too much moisture and will turn mushy. Also, make sure your wok is very hot before adding the rice – this prevents sticking and creates that coveted slightly crispy texture.
Spicy Thai Basil & Chili Fried Rice
Spicy Thai Basil & Chili Fried Rice transforms leftover rice into an aromatic, fiery delight that captures the essence of Thai street food.
This dish combines the fragrant Thai holy basil with spicy chilies, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Bangkok.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice
• 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
• 2 eggs
• 8 oz chicken, diced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
Step 1: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: If using chicken, add it now and cook until nearly done, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Push ingredients to one side and crack eggs into the empty space. Scramble quickly.
Step 4: Add rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Turn off heat, add Thai basil leaves, and stir until just wilted.
Pro Tip: Always use day-old rice stored in the refrigerator, as fresh rice will become mushy when fried. For the best flavor, don’t skip the Thai holy basil – regular basil won’t give you the same authentic taste.
Kimchi and Bacon Korean Fried Rice
Elevate your leftover rice into an incredible Korean-inspired meal with this Kimchi and Bacon Fried Rice.
This dish combines the smoky, savory flavors of crispy bacon with tangy, fermented kimchi, creating a perfect balance that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality Korean cuisine to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups day-old cooked white rice
• 4 strips bacon, diced
• 1 cup ripe kimchi, chopped
• 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Cook diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
Step 2: Add vegetable oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
Step 3: Add chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Add rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add kimchi juice, soy sauce, and cooked bacon. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Push rice to one side, crack eggs into the empty space, and scramble.
Step 7: Mix everything together, add sesame oil, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Pro Tip: Use day-old rice stored in the refrigerator for the best texture – freshly cooked rice will become mushy. For extra flavor, don’t drain the bacon fat; it adds a delicious smoky depth to your fried rice.
Pineapple and Shrimp Hawaiian Fried Rice
Hawaiian Pineapple and Shrimp Fried Rice combines sweet, savory, and tropical flavors that transport you straight to the islands.
This colorful dish features succulent shrimp, juicy pineapple chunks, and vegetables, all stir-fried with day-old rice for the perfect texture and taste.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked day-old white rice
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink (2-3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, add garlic and carrots. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Push vegetables to one side and add beaten eggs. Scramble until just set.
Step 4: Add rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add pineapple chunks, peas, and cooked shrimp. Mix well.
Step 6: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 7: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture – fresh rice will become mushy. For extra flavor, pat your shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a better sear.
Garlic and Ginger Vegetable Fried Rice
Transform your leftover rice into a delicious Asian-inspired dish that’s bursting with flavor.
This Garlic and Ginger Vegetable Fried Rice combines aromatic spices with crisp vegetables and fluffy rice to create a satisfying meal in just minutes.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked day-old rice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and scramble the eggs until just set. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Step 3: Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 4: Add rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through.
Step 5: Return eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Pro Tip: Always use day-old rice that’s been chilled in the refrigerator – fresh rice contains too much moisture and will become mushy. For the best texture, break up any rice clumps before adding them to the pan.
Indonesian Nasi Goreng with Sambal
Indonesian Nasi Goreng with Sambal is a beloved fried rice dish that packs a flavorful punch with its spicy sambal sauce.
This street food favorite transforms leftover rice into an aromatic and satisfying meal that you can enjoy any time of day.
The combination of tender rice, savory proteins, and the fiery kick of sambal creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked day-old rice
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 2 eggs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Green onions for garnish
For Sambal:
• 8 red chilies
• 4 shallots
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tomato
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• Salt to taste
Step 1: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Fry garlic and shallots until fragrant.
Step 2: Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
Step 3: Push ingredients to one side and scramble eggs in the empty space.
Step 4: Add rice and break up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Mix in both soy sauces and stir until well combined.
Step 6: For sambal, blend all ingredients until smooth and fry in separate pan until oil separates.
Step 7: Serve hot rice topped with sambal and green onions.
Pro Tip: Always use day-old rice stored in the refrigerator, as fresh rice contains too much moisture and will become mushy. Also, prepare your sambal in advance to let the flavors develop fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Chinese-style egg fried rice different from other variations?
Chinese egg fried rice uses day-old rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs as key ingredients. The rice grains remain separate and slightly crispy, while the eggs add richness and protein.
Which ingredients create the distinct flavor in Thai pineapple fried rice?
Thai pineapple fried rice combines fish sauce, curry powder, and fresh pineapple chunks for its signature sweet-savory taste. Cashews and raisins often add extra texture and flavor complexity.
How can you prevent your homemade fried rice from becoming mushy?
Use cold, day-old rice and heat your wok or pan until it’s very hot before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan and stir-fry ingredients in batches for optimal texture.
What gives Indonesian nasi goreng its unique reddish color?
Indonesian nasi goreng gets its distinctive color from kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and chili paste. These ingredients create both the signature hue and bold, spicy-sweet flavor profile.
What’s the secret to making restaurant-style Hibachi fried rice?
Hibachi fried rice requires high heat, butter instead of oil, and a specific order of cooking ingredients. Start with garlic and vegetables before adding cold rice and finishing with soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
These six fried rice variations will transform your leftover rice into delicious meals that rival any takeout. Remember to always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you choose the classic Chinese style or venture into Korean kimchi fried rice, the key lies in high heat and quick cooking.
Master these basics, and you’ll never look at leftover rice the same way again.
Keep your wok hot and your ingredients prepped for the best results!
