Description
This Better Than Takeout Fried Rice recipe is a quick and delicious homemade version of the classic Asian favorite. Using day-old rice, scrambled eggs, mixed vegetables, and your choice of protein, it is stir-fried with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Perfectly balanced with green onions and a hint of garlic, this fried rice is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Protein
- 3 cups (600 g) white rice, cooked and cooled (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu)
- ½ cup diced ham or cooked bacon
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- ½ cup (60 g) green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Eggs
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Sauces and Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they form soft scrambled curds. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add additional vegetable oil to the skillet, then add the thawed peas, carrots, and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooled rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice with a sturdy spatula and stir thoroughly to mix with the vegetables.
- Incorporate the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the rice and vegetables. Toss everything well so that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Add Eggs and Protein: Return the scrambled eggs and your choice of cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu) along with diced ham or bacon back into the skillet. Stir continuously and cook until heated through.
- Garnish and Season: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the fried rice. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old rice if possible; freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky for good fried rice texture.
- Feel free to customize the protein to your liking—chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu all work well.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the ham or bacon and use tofu for protein.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce according to your taste preference and dietary needs.
- For an even healthier version, use brown rice and low-sodium sauces.
- Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end enhances the fragrance of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: fried rice, homemade fried rice, quick dinner, Asian recipe, easy fried rice, takeout style fried rice
