Name: Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Convenient: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a flavorful meal without much effort.
Customizable: Easily adapt the dish by adding your choice of proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and incorporate various vegetables to suit your taste.
Authentic Flavor: With a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ingredients, this fried rice delivers a taste that’s better than takeout.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Rice: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook 1½ cups of uncooked rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and prevent clumping.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
Cook Vegetables: Add frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook until they are heated through and partially thawed, approximately 1-2 minutes. If using fresh vegetables, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cooled, cooked rice to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and starts to brown slightly.
Scramble Eggs: Push the rice mixture to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and scramble them until fully cooked. Once cooked, mix the eggs into the rice.
Season: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the rice and stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade fried rice!

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Add-ins: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu for added protein. Add these along with the vegetables in step 3.
Vegetable Choices: Customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy.
Spice It Up: For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce during the seasoning step.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow any leftover fried rice to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old, chilled white rice works best for fried rice. It has a firmer texture that prevents the dish from becoming mushy.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used. Keep in mind that it has a chewier texture and may require a longer cooking time.

3. How do I prevent my fried rice from being too dry?

Ensure you’re using day-old rice, which has less moisture. Additionally, adding a bit of soy sauce or sesame oil during cooking helps maintain moisture and flavor.

4. Can I make fried rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the fried rice a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

5. Is it necessary to use sesame oil?

Sesame oil adds a distinctive flavor to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with additional vegetable oil, though the taste will differ.

6. Can I add meat to this fried rice?

Absolutely. Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef can enhance the dish’s flavor and make it more filling.

7. How do I keep the rice from clumping together?

Using cooled, day-old rice helps prevent clumping. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool before using.

8. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen peas and carrots are commonly used in fried rice and are convenient. Just thaw them before adding to the skillet.

9. How can I make the fried rice spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce during the seasoning step to introduce some heat.

10. Can I use a non-stick skillet for this recipe?

Yes, a non-stick skillet works perfectly for making fried rice, as it helps prevent the rice from sticking to the surface.

Conclusion

This Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice recipe is a game-changer for busy nights when you want a flavorful, satisfying meal in no time. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate the authentic flavors of your favorite takeout right at home. Plus, with endless customization options, it’s a dish the whole family can enjoy!