How to Make the Perfect Classic Fried Rice
Chinese · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
A savory and satisfying fried rice made with day-old rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. It comes together in under 20 minutes for a quick and delicious meal.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Fried Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups cooked day-old white rice
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 whole large eggs
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 whole green onions chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp white pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Wok
Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil. Allow the pan to get very hot before adding any ingredients to ensure proper searing.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn as it will make the dish bitter.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the garlic to one side and crack the eggs into the pan. Scramble them quickly until just set, then break them into small pieces and mix with the garlic.
Step 4: Add Rice and Vegetables
Add the day-old rice and frozen vegetables to the pan. Stir fry everything together over high heat, breaking up any rice clumps for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then toss everything together. Add white pepper and green onions, stir fry for one more minute, and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- white rice → brown rice or cauliflower rice
- soy sauce → tamari or coconut aminos
- vegetable oil → avocado oil or canola oil
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using freshly cooked rice which is too moist and makes the fried rice mushy
- Cooking over low heat which steams the rice instead of frying it
- Adding too much soy sauce which makes the dish overly salty and dark
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 12g protein, 58g carbs, 10g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →