Last updated on
Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice
Table of Contents
Enjoy delicious fried rice at home with our Better Than Take-Out Fried Rice recipe. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal, this fried rice rivals your favorite take-out. Make your own version at home that's even more delicious. It's available anytime you crave it.
More Recipes ⭐ Chicken Fried Rice | Shrimp Fried Rice | Crab Rangoon Dip
Chicken fried rice is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This popular dish is not only satisfying but also customizable to your taste.
For a healthier version, try using brown rice and adding more vegetables like bell peppers and peas. Chicken fried rice is ideal for using up leftovers and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Make it tonight for a simple yet delicious dinner option.
Ingredients for Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice
What you'll need to make this Chinese fried rice recipe:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ large Vidalia onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- Green onions
Substitutions and Additions
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this easy to make Chinese fried rice:
RICE: Choose any variety of rice you prefer for this recipe, ensuring you follow the package instructions for cooking. Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine is ideal for its light, fluffy texture.
This dish requires three cups of cooked rice, and using leftover rice is highly recommended as it provides great texture.
VEGETABLES: Incorporate your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Frozen vegetables are also suitable; just thaw them before use.
Consider adding broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, red peppers, or bell peppers. A colorful vegetable mix can enhance this dish beautifully.
MEAT: Enhance the dish by adding meat, like leftover chicken, to create a takeout-style chicken fried rice.
Options like shredded pork, bacon, or beef are excellent, and for seafood lovers, shrimp is a perfect addition.
How to make Chinese Fried Rice
FIRST STEP: Prepare your rice according to the package directions. Set aside.
Pro Tip
This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover rice from previous meals, making it both convenient and delicious.
SECOND STEP: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and add onion and garlic.
Cook until onions are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to keep the garlic from burning.
Add peas and carrots and cook until partially thawed, 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll need to adjust this time if you use fresh veggies.
Pro Tip
A key tip for delicious fried rice is using a hot wok and ample oil to prevent vegetables from burning.
THIRD STEP: Turn the heat up to medium-high and add cooked rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until rice is nice and hot and starts to brown.
FOURTH STEP: Reduce heat and push the rice to the sides of the pan, making a hole in the center of the pan for the eggs. Crack eggs into the bottom of the pan.
FIFTH STEP: Scramble the eggs in the middle of the pan. Once the eggs are cooked, stir the cooked egg into the rice.
SIXTH STEP: Mix soy sauce and sesame oil together and pour over rice. Stir until rice is evenly coated with sauce.
STEP SEVEN: To serve this fried rice, top with chopped green onions. You could even use cilantro and toasted sesame seeds as additional toppings.
How to serve this Chinese egg fried rice
Serve this as a standalone dish by adding cooked chicken or another protein to the rice. Alternatively, you can also top it with a delightful stir fry.
Try our honey garlic chicken, crockpot orange chicken, or beef and broccoli alongside the rice for a complete meal.
Explore more fried rice options with our chicken fried rice. Or opt for shrimp fried rice for a tasty, light meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Convenience: This classic takeout fried rice recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights and easily customizable to suit any taste.
Flavor: Each bite is packed with a robust blend of spices and fresh ingredients, surpassing traditional takeout options.
Customization: Tailor the dish to your taste by adding your favorite proteins and vegetables. Perfect for a personalized
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rice to use for Chinese fried rice?
Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine is ideal for its light, fluffy texture. It absorbs flavors well without turning mushy, enhancing any dish.. It's less sticky and fries up nicely.
Can I make Chinese fried rice with brown rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, making it a healthier option that fries well.
What are essential ingredients for authentic Chinese fried rice?
Essential ingredients include soy sauce, eggs, peas, carrots, and onions. Sesame oil and green onions enhance flavor.
How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?
Ensure the rice is cold and dry before frying. Use high heat and don't overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.
How can you make fried rice taste like it's from a restaurant?
The secret is using cooked and cooled rice. Plan ahead to prepare this dish, or use leftover rice from a previous meal for an authentic, restaurant-quality taste.
Storing Chinese Fried Rice
Storing Chinese Fried Rice in the Refrigerator: Cool the fried rice completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Storing Chinese Fried Rice in the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled rice in sealed freezer bags or containers. It can be kept for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chinese Fried Rice
In the Microwave: Place fried rice in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
On the Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or water, then add the rice. Stir frequently until hot.
These methods ensure your fried rice remains moist and delicious, restoring its fresh-cooked flavor and texture.
More Recipes You'll Love
Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice (cooked and cooled completely)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ large yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- green onions (chopped)
DIRECTIONS
- In a large skillet or wok, preheat vegetable oil over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the garlic from burning.
- Add peas and carrots and cook until partially thawed, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn the heat up to medium-high and add cooked rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until rice is nice and hot and starts to brown. Reduce heat and push rice to the sides of the pan, making a hole for the eggs.
- Crack the eggs into the middle of the pan and scramble. Once eggs are cooked, stir them into the rice.
- Mix soy sauce and sesame oil together and pour over rice. Stir until rice is evenly coated with sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions and/or cilantro, optional.
Notes
- White or brown rice can also be used in this recipe. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes about 30 minutes longer than white rice to cook.
Comments
Dianne says
Always a huge hit at our house!