25 EASY FRIED RICE RECIPES BETTER THAN TAKEOUT

Fried rice is one of those dinners that comes together fast and works with whatever you already have in the fridge.

These easy fried rice recipes include chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetables, eggs, and simple sauces for quick meals that taste even better than takeout.

Most of these fried rice recipes for dinner are great for busy weeknights, family meals, lunch meal prep, or using leftover rice.

You’ll find kid-friendly options, healthier versions, and plenty of easy ideas that can be made in one pan.

Want more quick takeout-style dinners? Try these 20-minute stir-fry dinner ideas.

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EASY FRIED RICE RECIPES

🍗 Chicken Fried Rice Recipes

The classics everyone orders, made better at home.

1. Classic Chicken Fried Rice (28g Protein)

Tender chicken, fluffy egg, peas and carrots tossed with day-old rice and soy sauce. The takeout favorite, made at home in 20 minutes.

Cold rice is the secret. Freshly cooked rice turns mushy in the pan.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp oil
• 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok and cook the chicken until golden, then set aside.
2. Scramble the eggs in the pan and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil, onion and peas and carrots and cook 2 minutes.
4. Add the rice and stir fry until hot and a little crispy.
5. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken, eggs and green onions.

2. Hibachi Chicken Fried Rice (32g Protein)

Garlic butter fried rice with seared chicken, just like the Japanese steakhouse. Serve it with yum yum sauce for the full experience.

Use a very hot pan or griddle so the rice gets that toasty hibachi flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• Yum yum sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sear the chicken in 1 tbsp butter until cooked, then set aside.
2. Melt the remaining butter with garlic, add the onion and veggies and cook 2 minutes.
3. Push aside, scramble the eggs, then add the rice.
4. Stir fry with soy sauce until golden.
5. Toss in the chicken and serve with yum yum sauce.

3. Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice (30g Protein)

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken tossed with fried rice and veggies. The homemade sauce is just soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger.

Make extra teriyaki sauce to drizzle over the top.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs, diced
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger and cornstarch.
2. Cook the chicken in oil, add half the sauce and simmer until sticky, then set aside.
3. Scramble the eggs and cook the vegetables.
4. Add the rice and remaining sauce and stir fry.
5. Fold in the teriyaki chicken.

4. Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Fried Rice (29g Protein)

Buttery, garlicky fried rice with a chili kick and juicy chicken. Big flavor with simple pantry ingredients.

Adjust the chili flakes to how much heat you like.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 eggs
• 3 green onions

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken in 1 tbsp butter and set aside.
2. Melt the remaining butter, add garlic and chili flakes and cook 30 seconds.
3. Scramble the eggs, then add the rice.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and sriracha and fry until hot.
5. Add the chicken and green onions.

5. Sesame Ginger Chicken Fried Rice (28g Protein)

Fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds give this chicken fried rice a bright, nutty flavor.

Grate the ginger fresh. The jarred kind doesn’t have the same punch.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup snap peas, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken in a little oil and set aside.
2. Stir fry the ginger, garlic, snap peas and carrot.
3. Scramble the eggs, then add the rice.
4. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Toss with chicken and sesame seeds.

🥩 Beef and Seafood Fried Rice

Hearty beef and quick seafood versions for busy nights.

6. Ground Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice

Savory ground beef, crisp broccoli and fried rice in a garlicky soy sauce. Budget friendly and ready in 20 minutes.

Cut the broccoli small so it cooks as fast as the rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Add the broccoli and garlic and cook 3 minutes.
3. Scramble the eggs to the side.
4. Add the rice and sauces and stir fry until hot.
5. Finish with sesame oil.

7. Steak (Beef) Fried Rice

This Steak Fried Rice is an easy one-pan dinner made with tender beef, rice, mixed vegetables, egg, and a simple savory sauce.

It’s a good way to use leftover rice and comes together quickly for a busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb steak, diced
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic
• 2 tbsp onion
• Oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the steak in a hot skillet and remove.
2. Sauté garlic and onion, then add rice and vegetables.
3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Add the steak back to the pan.
5. Scramble the egg into the rice and mix well.
6. Cook for 1–2 minutes and serve hot.

8. Shrimp Fried Rice

Juicy shrimp, eggs, peas and carrots in classic fried rice. Better than takeout and done in 15 minutes.

Cook the shrimp first and add them back at the end so they don’t overcook.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup peas and carrots
• 3 green onions
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the shrimp in oil for 2 minutes and set aside.
2. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
3. Stir fry the peas and carrots, then add the rice.
4. Add soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Toss in the shrimp, eggs and green onions.

9. Hibachi Shrimp Fried Rice

Garlic butter shrimp and fried rice cooked on high heat, served with creamy yum yum sauce.

A griddle or cast iron pan gives the best hibachi sear.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 lb shrimp
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Yum yum sauce

Instructions:

1. Sear the shrimp in butter and garlic with lemon juice, then set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables and scramble the eggs.
3. Add the rice, remaining butter and soy sauce and fry until golden.
4. Top with the shrimp and serve with yum yum sauce.

10. Salmon Egg Fried Rice

Flaky salmon and soft egg in light, fluffy fried rice. A great way to use leftover salmon.

Flake the salmon in at the very end so it stays in big pieces.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 2 cooked salmon fillets, flaked
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup edamame or peas
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs in oil and set aside.
2. Stir fry the edamame for 2 minutes.
3. Add the rice and soy sauce and fry until hot.
4. Gently fold in the salmon, eggs, sesame oil and green onions.

🥚 Egg and Veggie Fried Rice

Simple, budget-friendly fried rice with no meat needed.

11. Easy Egg Fried Rice

Just rice, eggs, green onions and soy sauce. The simplest fried rice and still one of the best.

Use 1 egg per cup of rice for an extra eggy version.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 4 eggs
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp oil
• White pepper

Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs in oil until just set and break them up.
2. Add the rice and stir fry 3 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce, sesame oil and white pepper.
4. Stir in the green onions and serve.

12. Easy Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried rice loaded with carrots, peas, corn, peppers and egg. A colorful, budget-friendly meatless dinner.

Use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to save chopping time.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, peppers)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion, garlic and vegetables in oil for 3 minutes.
2. Push aside and scramble the eggs.
3. Add the rice and soy sauce and stir fry.
4. Finish with sesame oil.

13. Kimchi Fried Rice

Tangy kimchi and gochujang fried with rice and topped with a runny fried egg. Spicy, savory and ready in 15 minutes.

Older, more sour kimchi gives the best flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 1/2 cups kimchi, chopped
• 2 tbsp kimchi juice
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4 fried eggs
• 2 green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Fry the kimchi in a little oil for 3 minutes.
2. Add the rice, kimchi juice, gochujang and soy sauce.
3. Stir fry until hot and slightly crispy.
4. Top each bowl with a fried egg, green onions and sesame seeds.

14. Crispy Tofu Spicy Fried Rice

Golden crispy tofu cubes and spicy fried rice with vegetables. A filling plant-based dinner.

Press the tofu and toss it in cornstarch before frying for the crispiest edges.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 14 oz extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 eggs (optional)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Toss the tofu in cornstarch and fry in oil until golden, then set aside.
2. Stir fry the vegetables and scramble the eggs.
3. Add the rice, soy sauce and chili garlic sauce.
4. Fold in the tofu and sesame oil.

15. Garlic Butter Fried Rice

Buttery, golden fried rice with lots of crispy garlic. It’s the side dish that steals the show.

Fry the garlic slowly so it turns golden but not bitter.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 4 tbsp butter
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter and cook the garlic until golden.
2. Scramble the eggs in the garlic butter.
3. Add the rice and soy sauce and stir fry until crispy.
4. Top with green onions.

🌏 Global Fried Rice Flavors

Thai, Indonesian and Japanese twists on fried rice.

16. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Sweet pineapple, cashews, raisins and curry powder with fried rice. Serve it in a pineapple boat for a showstopper.

Use fresh pineapple if you can. It caramelizes better than canned.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1/3 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 green onions

Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
2. Stir fry the pineapple until lightly caramelized.
3. Add the rice, curry powder, soy sauce and fish sauce.
4. Fold in the cashews, raisins, eggs and green onions.

17. Thai Basil Fried Rice

Spicy fried rice with fresh Thai basil, chilies and garlic. Bold, fragrant and quick.

Add the basil at the very end so it stays bright and fragrant.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 Thai chilies, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Fry the garlic and chilies in oil for 30 seconds.
2. Add the onion and pepper and cook 2 minutes.
3. Add the rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar and stir fry.
4. Toss in the basil and serve.

18. Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Sweet soy sauce, chili and shallots make this Indonesian fried rice rich and smoky. Top with a fried egg and crispy shallots.

Kecap manis, a sweet soy sauce, is the key ingredient. Look for it in the Asian aisle.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 3 shallots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 red chili
• 3 tbsp kecap manis
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken (optional)
• 4 fried eggs
• Cucumber and tomato slices

Instructions:

1. Blend or finely chop the shallots, garlic and chili.
2. Fry the paste in oil for 2 minutes.
3. Add the rice, kecap manis, soy sauce and shrimp or chicken.
4. Serve topped with a fried egg and cucumber and tomato on the side.

19. Japanese Garlic Fried Rice

Crispy fried garlic chips, butter and soy sauce. Simple, fragrant and great next to steak or chicken.

Save the garlic oil after frying the chips and use it to fry the rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Fry the garlic slices in oil until golden, then remove.
2. Add butter and rice to the garlic oil and stir fry.
3. Season with soy sauce, salt and pepper.
4. Top with the garlic chips and green onions.

20. Japanese Curry Fried Rice

Golden curry-spiced fried rice with vegetables. A cozy twist that kids often love.

A spoon of ketchup balances the curry and adds a little sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 cup diced carrots and peas
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion and vegetables in oil.
2. Scramble the eggs to the side.
3. Add the rice and curry powder and stir fry.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and ketchup.

🥦 Healthy and Shortcut Fried Rice

Low carb swaps, sheet pan dinners and leftover makeovers.

21. Cauliflower Fried Rice

Riced cauliflower stands in for rice in this low carb, veggie-packed fried rice.

Don’t overcook the cauliflower or it gets soggy. 5 minutes is plenty.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups riced cauliflower
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup peas and carrots
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion, garlic and vegetables in oil.
2. Scramble the eggs to the side.
3. Add the cauliflower and stir fry 5 minutes.
4. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil and add green onions.

22. Quinoa Fried Rice

Protein-rich quinoa replaces rice for a nutty, healthy twist on fried rice.

Cook the quinoa the day before and chill it, just like rice.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked quinoa, chilled
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 green onions

Instructions:

1. Stir fry the garlic and vegetables in oil.
2. Scramble the eggs to the side.
3. Add the quinoa and soy sauce and fry until hot.
4. Finish with sesame oil and green onions.

23. Sheet Pan Chicken Fried Rice (29g Protein)

Everything bakes on one pan in the oven, no wok or stirring needed. Great for feeding a family.

Spread the rice thin so it crisps up in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 3 green onions

Instructions:

1. Toss the rice, chicken, vegetables, oil and soy sauce on a sheet pan.
2. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, stirring once.
3. Make wells, pour in the eggs and bake 5 more minutes.
4. Stir, drizzle with sesame oil and top with green onions.

24. Rotisserie Chicken Fried Rice (30g Protein)

Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this a 10-minute dinner. Fast, filling and perfect for busy nights.

Add the chicken at the end just to warm it through.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 green onions
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs and set aside.
2. Stir fry the vegetables, then add the rice.
3. Add the sauces and fry until hot.
4. Fold in the chicken, eggs and green onions.

25. Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Turn holiday turkey leftovers into a quick, savory fried rice. A great change from turkey sandwiches.

Leftover cranberry sauce on the side is surprisingly good with it.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked rice, chilled overnight
• 2 cups leftover turkey, diced
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup peas and carrots
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion and vegetables in oil.
2. Scramble the eggs to the side.
3. Add the rice, turkey and soy sauce and stir fry.
4. Finish with sesame oil and green onions.

Keep a container of cold rice in the fridge and you’re always 15 minutes away from dinner.