Dinner

Best Fried Rice Recipe

ByMaya Arden September 4, 2026September 4, 2026

Introduction

Fried rice is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and turning simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. This classic version combines savory soy sauce, tender vegetables, and scrambled eggs for a delicious, home-style favorite.

A large gray pan filled with fried rice that has three visible layers: a base layer of light brown cooked rice mixed with small pieces of bright orange carrot, green peas, and scrambled yellow egg bits, all evenly spread. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion of the rice, showing the mixed colors and soft textures. Surrounding the pan on a white marbled surface are a small wooden bowl filled with chopped green onions to the left, a white plate with wooden chopsticks to the right, and a bunch of long green onions at the bottom right. A white and black striped cloth is partly visible under the pan's handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

¼ large Vidalia onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 large eggs

½ teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Green onions, chopped

Cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Step 2: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook until they are partially thawed, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is hot and starts to brown slightly. Push the rice to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center.
Step 4: Crack the eggs into the center of the pan and scramble them. Once cooked, stir the eggs into the rice evenly.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce and sesame oil together. Pour this sauce over the rice and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions and cilantro, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice if possible; it’s drier and fries up better without becoming mushy.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this a heartier meal.

Try swapping frozen peas and carrots for fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Adjust soy sauce amount to taste; start with less and add more if needed to control saltiness.

Storage

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

A white pan filled with three layers of fried rice, mixed evenly with small bright green peas, orange carrot cubes, and bits of scrambled yellow egg. A wooden spoon is scooping some rice from the middle, showing the mix of ingredients clearly. To the left, there is a small wooden bowl with chopped green onions, and to the right, a white plate with brown chopsticks resting on its edge, all placed on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white or brown rice?

Yes, both white and brown rice work well in this recipe. Brown rice will take slightly longer to heat through and has a nuttier flavor.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of toasted nut oil or just soy sauce. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty aroma but isn’t essential.