Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice – The Secret’s in the Simplicity, and It’s All in Your Pan Tonight!
This fried rice is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, satisfying, and tastes even better than your favorite takeout spot—no mystery ingredients, just everyday pantry items transformed into magic. Fried rice night is always a win at our house, especially when there are leftovers waiting to be rescued from the fridge!
I first started making this when I was broke and hungry at midnight. Now it’s my go-to comfort dish that I jazz up with whatever’s around.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice (cold, preferably day-old)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, but adds a lot!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble quickly. Remove and set aside.
- Add another tbsp of oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Toss in mixed veggies and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Add rice, breaking up clumps. Stir constantly to heat through evenly.
- Drizzle in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat.
- Stir scrambled eggs back in. Add salt, pepper, and optional protein.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot!
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
Printable Summary Card
| Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
FAQs
Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
If you must, let it cool completely and dry a bit to avoid mushiness.
Q: How do I make it spicy?
Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or toss in a diced chili pepper during cooking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely and store in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q: What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil work best. Avoid olive oil—it has too low a smoke point.
