How To Make Fried Rice Simple

Still wondering what to do with leftover rice? Today's recipe will help you solve that problem. This Chinese fried rice is one of my favorites—it's incredibly easy to make, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

10 Reviews
10 Comments
POSTED:08/28/2024
Level:Easy
Yield:1 servings
Total:15 min
(includes chilling time)
Active:3 min

Chinese fried rice is simple to make, but getting it to taste great requires a few tricks. I'll explain these techniques in detail to help you create delicious fried rice.

1. About Fried Rice

In China, fried rice is a common dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables and eggs. There are many varieties, such as Yangzhou fried rice, sausage fried rice, tomato fried rice, curry fried rice, and bacon fried rice. Each region has its own unique flavors, and fried rice is typically enjoyed as breakfast or dinner.

2. Ingredients and Substitutions

Everyone has their own twist on fried rice. Here are the ingredients I use for this dish:

Rice: Leftover cold white rice, preferably jasmine or long-grain rice. Avoid using short-grain rice.

Eggs: Eggs are the heart of this fried rice.

Vegetables: Corn kernels, edamame, and potatoes. To enhance the nutritional value, you can substitute with other veggies like carrots or cucumbers based on your preference.

Seasonings: Common Chinese seasonings like soy sauce, Sichuan pepper powder, scallions, and salt.

3. The Best Rice for Fried Rice

For fluffy and light fried rice, it's best to use day-old rice. The moisture in the rice has partially evaporated, making it firmer and less likely to become mushy when fried. Excess moisture is the main reason fried rice clumps together.

Additionally, choosing the right type of rice is crucial for making delicious fried rice. I recommend using jasmine rice or long-grain white rice.

4. Can You Use Freshly Cooked Rice?

Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but it tends to clump due to its higher moisture content. It's best to let the rice cool before frying.

If you're in a hurry, spread the rice out and refrigerate it for 45-60 minutes to dry it out a bit. You can then fluff the rice with a spatula or with clean hands lightly coated in neutral oil to prevent sticking.

5. How to Store Fried Rice

Cooked fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 days. To extend the storage time, place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to a month. When ready to eat, simply microwave the rice for 8-10 minutes to heat it through.

6. What to Serve with Fried Rice

Dongpo Pork

Stir-fried Eggplant with Yardlong Beans

Easy Braised Tofu

Braised Pork Ri

Here is a detailed guide to making simple fried rice.

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

  • 250g rice

ACCESSORIES

  • 2 eggs
  • 30g corn kernels
  • 30g edamame
  • 50g potatoes

SEASONINGS

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • A small pinch of Sichuan pepper powder
  • 4g chopped scallions
  • A small pinch of salt
  • 20ml cooking oil

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare all the ingredients.

Blanch 30g of fresh edamame in boiling water, then cool them in cold water.

Blanch 30g of fresh edamame in boiling water, then cool in cold water.

STEP 2

Remove the outer skin from the edamame and set aside.

Peel outer skin from edamame and save.

STEP 3

Peel and wash 30g of potatoes, then cut them into small cubes.

Prepare 30g potatoes: peel, wash, and dice into cubes.

STEP 4

Beat 2 eggs.

Beat 2 eggs.

STEP 5

Heat 10ml of cooking oil in a pan, add the beaten eggs, and scramble until cooked. Remove and set aside.

Heat oil, add beaten eggs, scramble, remove and set aside.

STEP 6

Add another 10ml of cooking oil to the pan. Once hot, add the potato cubes and cook until slightly golden and tender.

Add 10ml oil to pan, cook potatoes until golden and tender.

STEP 7

Add 4g of chopped scallions, a small pinch of Sichuan pepper powder, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir until fragrant, then add the edamame.

Recipe tip: Add scallions, Sichuan pepper, and soy sauce, then mix with edamame.

STEP 8

Add 30g of cleaned corn kernels and stir well.

Add 30g cleaned corn kernels and stir into mixture.

STEP 9

Add 250g of rice and mix thoroughly.

Add 250g of rice to mixture.

STEP 10

Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the pan, stir to combine with the rice, and season with salt to taste.

Scrambled eggs combined with rice and seasoned to taste.

STEP 11

Your fragrant fried rice is ready to enjoy!

Delicious fried rice ready to savor!

Recipe analyzer

  • Recipes: How To Make Fried Rice Simple
  • Main Ingredients:5
  • Servings per recipe:1
  • Servings size:448 g
Nutritional Summary of Recipe
Amount per 500 g= 1 serving(s)
  • Energy (calories):473 kcal
    51%
  • Protein:23.6 g
    60%
  • Fat:23.72 g Why gray?
    24%
  • Carbohydrates:41.19 g
    88%
Calorie breakdown
  • Protein: 21%
    97 kcal
  • Fat: 45%
    213 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 34%
    163 kcal
The chart shows the percentage of calories intake (energy) coming from the respective macronutrients (fats, protein and carbohydrates).
Omega 6 : Omega 3
1:1
20:1
10:1
Both fatty acids are essential, but nowadays the majority of western diets include excessive amounts of Omega 6 acid.

The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.

10 REVIEWS

Review
Your rating:
SpiceSensationStudioDecember 16, 2024

Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
reply:
December 18, 2024
Yes, you can use coconut aminos or tamari as soy sauce alternatives for a different flavor.
TastyBitesDailyDecember 05, 2024

This recipe is so versatile. I added tofu and it was delicious!
FlavorFusionGustoNovember 23, 2024

The flavor is spot on! I’ve made this twice now, and it’s become a family favorite.
GourmetGaloreGlimpseNovember 11, 2024

How do I prevent the rice from being too dry?
reply:
November 13, 2024
Ensure the rice is well-coated with oil and add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of broth if needed.
EpicureanEatsStudioOctober 28, 2024

This is my go-to recipe for using up leftover rice. It’s always a hit with my family.
TasteTwistOctober 17, 2024

The step-by-step instructions were clear and helpful. My fried rice came out perfect!
CulinaryCrazeHubOctober 02, 2024

What kind of oil is best for frying rice?
reply:
October 05, 2024
Vegetable oil or canola oil is recommended because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors.
SizzleSpectacleSeptember 10, 2024

I love how customizable this fried rice is. I added my favorite veggies, and it turned out great!
SavorySpectrumShowcaseAugust 31, 2024

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
reply:
September 02, 2024
Yes, leftover rice works best because it's less sticky and helps achieve the ideal texture for fried rice.
SizzleSnapFestAugust 30, 2024

This fried rice recipe is fantastic! It’s so easy to make and tastes just like the takeout.
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