Fried rice is the ultimate family-friendly dish that yields maximum flavor without fuss. Loaded with tender sauteed veggies and delicious bits of scrambled egg, this top-rated recipe makes it easy to recreate a takeout favorite from home in just 20 minutes.
Over a thousand home cooks agree — this simple, savory recipe is a winner. But what if you don't have a wok on hand? Learn the best methods for making fried rice at home, from a griddle to Instant Pot preparation.
What Is Fried Rice?
Fried rice is a traditional Chinese preparation of cooked rice, vegetables, protein, soy sauce, and aromatics. The ingredients are stir-fried in a large pan or wok for even flavor distribution. An ideal use for leftovers, fried rice is quick, customizable, and incredibly simple to put together with whatever is in your fridge.
How to Make Fried Rice
Making fried rice is a breeze with the recipe you'll find below. The process is simple — preheat your pan before swirling in oil and aromatics, then add uncooked proteins if applicable. Add in rice and vegetables, vigorously tossing ingredients for that toasty, golden-brown color that signals big flavor.
Recipe Tips
If you don't have any leftover cooked rice, here's how to make it:
- Combine 4 cups of water and 2 cups of white rice in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, then cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
For the best fried rice results, cover and refrigerate the rice for 8 hours (or overnight) before using in this recipe.
Best Methods for Cooking Fried Rice
Wok
This ancient cooking vessel is the most commonly used (and convenient) method for cooking fried rice. The large, high-walled pan allows for rice and other components to be tossed and combined with seasonings at high heat. Preheat your wok until a bead of water evaporates after contact, then add oil and coat the surface by swirling.
Standard Pan
A basic frying pan or skillet can also produce tasty fried rice in a pinch. Approach this method the same way you would a wok — high heat is key. Use the largest pan at your disposal to prevent food from flying out of the pan during the stir-fry process.
Griddle
Using a griddle to make fried rice is an ingenious way to cook different elements all at the same time. Start by sauteing the vegetables and aromatics, then add cooked rice and eggs to another part of the griddle's surface for a quick and satisfying meal.
Instant Pot
Day-old rice is transformed into a deeply savory delight in a pressure cooker. Use the Instant Pot's saute mode to get the garlic to a golden-brown color, then stir in rice, veggies, and eggs. Mix well and serve piping hot.
Variations of Fried Rice
One of the best things about this top-rated dish is how easy it is to customize. Whatever you have on hand goes — chicken, shrimp, salmon, and kimchi all make mouthwatering additions to fried rice. Play and create one-of-a-kind fried rice dishes whether you're a vegetarian or meat lover.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Great way to use up a bunch of leftover white rice from our Chinese take-out order," shares home cook heidird. "I just added shredded carrots and the frozen peas to the rice mixture. Scrambled up the eggs first, then added a bit of oil and rice and fried it for several minutes."
"Easy and simple recipe!" raves Erika."I wish I had taken a picture of how my fried rice turned out but my husband and I ate it all!"
"Fried rice is so easy and versatile — you can add or delete ingredients as needed to suit your taste," says Steve.
Editorial contributions by Rai Mincey.
