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Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice delivers unmatched homemade flavor with every bite. Quick, easy, and versatile, it outshines any restaurant version.
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Better than take-out fried rice is loaded with flavor and comes together in just 20 minutes! It’s packed with tender veggies, scrambled eggs, and savory seasonings. This quick, easy fried rice recipe tastes just like your favorite restaurant dish. Skip the take-out and whip up this crowd-pleaser at home tonight!
Follow the easy guide below for perfect results every time. You'll find step-by-step photos and detailed directions to help. We also share pro tips, tricks, and answers to common recipe questions!
More Recipes ⭐ Chicken Fried Rice | Shrimp Fried Rice | Crab Rangoon Dip
Make better than take-out fried rice in just 20 minutes and enjoy restaurant flavor at home! This easy recipe bursts with tender veggies, fluffy eggs, and delicious seasonings. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun potluck dish, or when cravings strike. Why order take-out when you can whip up this flavorful, satisfying meal yourself?
Ingredients
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 Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and helpful tips for the perfect fried rice. Check out our tricks to make it amazing. Let’s get started and cook up some delicious fun!
FIRST STEP: Prepare your rice according to the package directions. Set aside.
Pro Tip
This is a handy recipe if you happen to have rice leftover from another meal as well.
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
One of the secrets of delicious fried rice is a nice hot wok and plenty of oil so that your veggies don’t burn to the bottom.
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.
SEVENTH STEP: 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
Serve better than take-out fried rice in fun, creative ways for any occasion! This recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights, parties, and seasonal celebrations. Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful, quick dish.
- Family Weeknight Dinner: This recipe makes busy nights simple and delicious. Pair it with cashew chicken or tasty beef and broccoli. Everyone will love it, and dinner comes together in a snap!
- Potluck or Party Dish: Bring this fried rice to any potluck or casual party. It’s tasty, easy to serve, and always a hit. Add sweet and sour meatballs or honey glazed chicken to complete the feast.
- Seasonal Celebrations: This fried rice works for summer barbecues, cozy winter nights, or any festive gathering. Serve it with grilled teriyaki chicken in summer or crab rangoon in winter.
Why You'll Love This Fried Rice Recipe
Better than take-out fried rice is a beloved favorite for so many delicious reasons. Here's what makes it truly special
- Packed with Flavor
This fried rice combines fluffy rice, tender veggies, and savory seasonings for a mouthwatering taste in every bite. The scrambled eggs add extra richness, making it irresistible! - Quick and Easy
You can make this entire dish in just 20 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. - Customizable and Fun
Add your favorite proteins like chicken or shrimp, or sneak in more veggies. It’s versatile and fun to create your perfect bowl!
Better than take-out fried rice isn’t just a recipe—it’s a quick, flavorful meal that brings joy to any table!
Recipe FAQ
What’s the best type of rice for fried rice?
Use day-old, chilled white rice for the best texture. It stays firm, doesn’t get mushy, and absorbs flavors well.
How do you prevent fried rice from being too dry?
Add a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil while cooking. This keeps the rice flavorful and moist.
Why do you add scrambled eggs to fried rice?
Scrambled eggs add protein, richness, and a classic fried rice flavor. They mix perfectly with the rice and veggies.
How long does it take to make better than take-out fried rice?
This fried rice takes just 20 minutes to cook! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve better than take-out fried rice?
Scoop the fried rice into bowls or plates for easy serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
Should I serve fried rice hot or at room temperature?
Fried rice tastes best served hot and fresh from the pan. The flavors and textures are most delicious when warm.
Can I serve fried rice for a potluck or party?
Yes! Fried rice is perfect for sharing. It stays flavorful and is a hit with both kids and adults.
How can I make fried rice look more appealing when serving?
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce. These small touches make the dish look extra tempting.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for the best way to store, make ahead, and reheat better than take-out fried rice. Whether you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers, we’ve got everything covered!
Can I make fried rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftover fried rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat them within 2 to 3 days for the best taste.
How do I reheat fried rice to keep it flavorful?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of soy sauce or water to keep it moist.
Can I reheat fried rice in the microwave?
Yes, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed.
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Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice
Better Than Takeout Chinese Fried Rice delivers unmatched homemade flavor with every bite. Quick, easy, and versatile, it outshines any restaurant version.
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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.
WATCH THIS RECIPE VIDEO
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3459IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Jenny says
Great recipe! Delicious and I will be adding to my recipe rotation! Thanks!
Marie says
Really easy and quick recipe. Very flavorful.
Dianne says
Always a huge hit at our house!