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Better-Than-Takeout Fried Rice Recipe

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A quick and easy homemade fried rice recipe that delivers perfect texture and bold flavors, better than takeout. Uses simple ingredients and a layering technique for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cold, day-old cooked white rice (jasmine or long-grain)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 4 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the rice: Ensure rice is cold and separated. If freshly cooked, spread on a tray and chill to dry (about 5 minutes).
  2. Beat the eggs in a small bowl until smooth and set aside (1 minute).
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in eggs and scramble gently until just set but still moist. Remove and set aside (2-3 minutes).
  4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add peas, carrots, and white parts of green onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until tender but bright.
  5. Increase heat to high. Add cold rice, breaking up clumps with spatula. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, allowing rice to toast slightly and get crispy in spots.
  6. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sprinkle white pepper over rice. Toss well. Add scrambled eggs and green onion tops. Stir to combine and heat through for 1 minute. Taste and add salt if needed.

Notes

Use cold, day-old rice for best texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy rice. Add soy sauce after rice is toasted to keep rice from getting mushy. Sesame oil goes in last for aroma. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Optional oyster sauce adds savory depth. Variations include adding protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or using cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, takeout copycat, weeknight meal, stir-fry, homemade fried rice