This Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is quick and tasty, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s packed with colorful veggies and savory bits of chicken or shrimp!
Honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of fried rice? I whip this up whenever I need comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice—win-win! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Day-old rice is best for fried rice because it’s drier and less mushy. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it on a tray to cool quickly. Try using brown rice for added nutrition!
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is a great choice for frying, sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the dish. Use a mix of both for depth. Canola or avocado oil also work well if you’re looking for alternatives.
Eggs: Eggs bring richness to the dish. If you’re vegetarian or allergic to eggs, you can skip them or add scrambled tofu for a similar texture.
Vegetables: Onions, peas, and carrots are traditionally used, but feel free to include bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Fresh veggies are great too, just adjust cooking time as needed!
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth of flavor, but if you’re vegetarian, you can use mushroom sauce instead. Soy sauce can enhance flavor too, so don’t skip on that!
How Can I Get the Rice to Fry Perfectly?
The key to perfect fried rice lies in using chilled, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, making it sticky. If you must use fresh rice, make sure to cool it as much as possible.
- Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to achieve better texture.
- When cooking, ensure your pan is hot enough to sear the rice slightly, aiding in that golden color.
- Stir-fry in batches if your pan is small; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
By following these tips and substituting as needed, you’ll enjoy a homemade fried rice that’s just as good—if not better—than your local takeout!
How to Make Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced small
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice can be ready in about 20-25 minutes. It only takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients and then just stir-frying it all together is quick and easy. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by dicing your onion and carrots, mincing the garlic, and slicing the green onions. Make sure to have your chilled rice ready to go—this is key to getting that perfect fried rice texture!
2. Cook the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté the diced onions and garlic until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, which should take about 2 minutes. This is where your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Add the diced carrots to the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a slight crunch. Then, toss in the frozen peas and stir until they’re heated through.
5. Fry the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the chilled rice! Break up any clumps and stir-fry the rice with the veggies for a few minutes. You want to ensure the rice gets heated through and some grains start to get that lovely golden color.
6. Mix in the Eggs and Sauces:
Return the cooked eggs to the skillet and give everything a good mix. Pour in the soy sauce, add the oyster sauce (if using), and sprinkle in the ground pepper. Toss it all together thoroughly to coat every grain of rice!
7. Finish and Serve:
Finally, add in the sliced green onions, saving a few for garnish. Give it a quick stir, and taste to adjust the seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Serve hot from the skillet with the reserved green onions on top.
Enjoy your flavorful, homemade fried rice that beats takeout every time! You can customize this recipe with your favorite proteins or veggies as well—it’s delicious any way you make it!
FAQ for Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time. Make sure it’s cooked and chilled before using it in the fried rice.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to help steam it.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs or substitute them with scrambled tofu for a similar texture. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, add a dash of sriracha or chili sauce when you mix in the soy sauce. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to give it that extra kick!
