Are you a fan of fried rice? Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a flavorful side dish to accompany your favorite meals, there’s no denying that fried rice is a culinary staple. But sometimes, the same old recipe can get a little stale. That’s why we’ve rounded up 20 of the most delicious and innovative fried rice recipes out there. From classic chicken and vegetable combinations to spicy shrimp and kimchi-inspired dishes, there’s something for every palate and occasion.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring the flavors and ingredients that make each dish unique. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and bold, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
Classic Chicken Fried Rice
A comforting Chinese-inspired dish that combines flavorful chicken, savory vegetables, and fluffy rice. This recipe is a staple for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Mix well to combine.
6. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir-fry everything together for about 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until onion is translucent, about 1 minute.
4. Add red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Push cooked mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs and scramble until just set. Mix with cooked rice and stir-fry until combined.
6. Return shrimp to pan and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Fried Rice with Tofu
This recipe is a flavorful and filling vegetarian twist on traditional Chinese fried rice, featuring crispy tofu and an assortment of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables; cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in an egg and scramble until cooked through.
6. Mix everything together, then add cooked rice and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
7. Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews
A sweet and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the flavors of pineapple, cashews, and spices for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup chopped cashews
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Add diced pineapple, cashews, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kimchi Fried Rice with Fried Egg
Kimchi Fried Rice with Fried Egg Recipe
This Korean-inspired dish combines spicy kimchi with savory fried rice and a runny fried egg, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
5. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack the egg into the empty side of the pan and scramble it until cooked through.
6. Mix the egg with the rice mixture.
7. Stir in the chopped kimchi.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the kimchi is heated through and the dish is well combined.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Basil Fried Rice with Beef
A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory taste of beef with the pungency of Thai basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked beef; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Push the ingredients to one side of the pan. Crack an egg into the empty side; scramble it until cooked through.
5. Mix everything together, then add the garlic, ginger, and Thai basil. Stir-fry for another minute.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, stirring constantly to combine with the other ingredients.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
8. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crab Fried Rice with Green Onions
A flavorful and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines succulent crab meat with green onions for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup butter or oil
– 1/2 cup crab meat (jumbo lump or flaked)
– 1/2 cup diced green onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the crab meat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned.
3. Add the green onions and garlic; stir-fry for an additional minute.
4. Push the crab mixture to one side of the pan.
5. Pour in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Stir-fry the rice with the crab mixture for about 2-3 minutes, until well combined.
7. Add soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines succulent salmon with savory teriyaki sauce and a medley of vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup diced cooked salmon
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add mixed frozen vegetables and cooked salmon; stir-fry until heated through.
5. Stir in teriyaki sauce and soy sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked rice into the skillet or wok, stirring to combine with the teriyaki mixture.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the rice is lightly toasted and combined with the sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Fried Rice with Mushrooms
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the comfort of fried rice with the earthy taste of sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the rice is well coated with the butter and garlic mixture.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Curry Fried Rice with Chicken
A flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish that combines the comfort of fried rice with the excitement of curry flavors, all wrapped up with juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, then sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and stir-fry everything together for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots
A classic Chinese dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor! This recipe combines fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, sweet peas, and crunchy carrots for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, scallions)
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: soy sauce, sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Mix the eggs with the veggies.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6. Taste and add salt as needed. If desired, drizzle with soy sauce or sesame oil.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 5 minutes
– Cook time: 10-12 minutes
– Total time: 15-17 minutes
Lemongrass Fried Rice with Shrimp
This flavorful and aromatic dish combines the brightness of lemongrass with succulent shrimp, savory fried rice, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and chopped
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and lemongrass; stir-fry until fragrant, 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Push shrimp to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs; scramble until set, then mix with shrimp.
5. Add cooked rice; stir-fry until heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using); adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with green onions; serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Szechuan Fried Rice with Pork
This spicy Szechuan-style fried rice dish combines savory pork with a medley of vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful soy sauce-based sauce. Perfect as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup diced pork shoulder
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up clumps with a spatula.
5. Add toasted Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry for another minute.
6. Return pork to the pan; stir-fry until combined.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
9. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Fried Rice with Pineapple
Experience a tropical twist on traditional fried rice with the sweetness of pineapple and the richness of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables and garlic for about 2-3 minutes, until well combined.
6. Add the shredded coconut, pineapple, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Bacon and Egg Fried Rice
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon and egg with the comfort of a warm, fluffy rice bowl.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the beaten egg and scramble it into a fluffy omelette.
5. Mix the cooked rice with the bacon, onion, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Fried Rice with Feta
This flavorful rice dish combines the Mediterranean’s best ingredients – Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and crumbly feta cheese – with the comfort of fried rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice, stirring to combine with the onion mixture.
4. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
5. Stir in the Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fried Rice with Pineapple
A flavorful twist on classic fried rice, this recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of a sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
4. Crack an egg into the empty side of the pan and scramble it. Mix with the vegetables.
5. Add cooked rice, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Ginger Soy Fried Rice with Vegetables
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the savory taste of ginger soy sauce with the freshness of mixed vegetables, served over a bed of crispy fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry until they are translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir in the grated ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is well coated with the flavors.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Seafood Fried Rice with Squid and Shrimp
A flavorful and filling dish that combines the freshness of seafood with the comfort of fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup diced squid, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced squid and cook until opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the squid.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
6. Return the squid and shrimp to the skillet, along with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Pepper Fried Rice with Beef
A savory and aromatic twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe adds the bold flavor of black pepper to a dish packed with tender beef and mixed vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
5. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Add black pepper and salt to taste, then stir-fry for an additional minute.
7. Return beef strips to the pan and stir-fry for another minute to combine.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your fried rice game with this diverse collection of 20 mouth-watering recipes! From classic chicken and vegetable options to seafood-inspired twists, there’s something for every palate. Try pairing spicy shrimp with kimchi or indulging in pineapple-infused goodness with toasted cashews. If you’re craving something savory, opt for garlic butter rice with mushrooms or curry-fueled excitement with chicken. With so many flavors to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas for a quick and delicious meal.
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