Crispy Fried Rice Recipe

Irresistible Crispy Fried Rice Recipe for Food Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that pack a flavorful punch, and this crispy fried rice hits the spot with its golden-brown edges and irresistible texture.

The secret lies in using day-old rice that creates those perfect, crunchy clusters in every bite.

Leftover rice becomes a culinary canvas, transforming simple ingredients into a delectable dish that dances with savory notes.

Each forkful promises a delightful crunch and rich, complex flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Restaurant-quality results are within reach, even for home cooks with limited time.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques guarantee success, ensuring a memorable meal that comes together in minutes.

Prepare to savor a classic comfort food that never disappoints.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Fried Rice Ingredients

For Base Ingredients:
  • Rice: Chilled day-old rice ensures perfect texture and prevents mushiness during frying.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium that helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.
For Protein and Eggs:
  • Eggs: Adds richness and protein, creating soft scrambled texture throughout the dish.
  • Cooked Protein (Chicken/Shrimp/Tofu): Provides substantial protein boost and additional flavor complexity.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and rich brown color to the entire fried rice.
  • Oyster Sauce: Contributes deep, savory undertones that elevate overall taste profile.
  • Green Onions: Introduces fresh, sharp crispness and bright green visual appeal.
  • Garlic: Releases aromatic warmth that infuses the entire dish with robust flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, toasted finish that provides authentic Asian culinary essence.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents for balanced and personalized taste adjustment.
For Vegetable Components:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Introduces color, nutritional variety, and textural contrast to the dish.

Tools to Get Perfect Fried Rice

  • Large skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying and creating that perfect fried rice texture.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up rice clumps while cooking.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding the right amount of sauces and seasonings.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for beating eggs and combining ingredients.
  • Baking sheet: Useful for cooling and drying freshly cooked rice if needed.

How to Cook Fried Rice at Home

  • Prep Your Base

Grab day-old rice that’s been chilled. Fresh rice works too – just spread it on a tray to cool and dry out a bit before cooking.

  • Scramble Eggs

Warm some oil in a big skillet. Whisk eggs and cook them quickly until just set. Scoop them out and set aside.

  • Sizzle Veggies and Protein

Use the same pan and add more oil. Toss in vegetables and cook until they’re tender. Quickly mix in minced garlic near the end. If you have pre-cooked meat, throw it in to warm through.

  • Transform Rice

Move veggies to one side of the pan. Drop in rice and stir-fry for a few minutes, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.

  • Build Flavor

Splash soy sauce over the rice. Mix everything together so each grain gets coated. Fold in scrambled eggs and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  • Finish and Serve

If you want, drizzle some sesame oil on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy your delicious creation.

Tweaks to Change Up Fried Rice Flavor

  • Pro Cooking Techniques: Crispy Rice Magic
  • Rice Texture Hack: Chill rice overnight or spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to remove excess moisture, ensuring each grain separates perfectly during frying.
  • High-Heat Stir-Fry Secret: Use a scorching hot wok or cast-iron skillet to create those delicious golden-brown crispy rice edges that give authentic restaurant-style flavor.
  • Protein Flexibility: Swap proteins easily by using chicken, shrimp, tofu, or leftover roasted meats for a quick meal transformation that suits your taste and dietary needs.
  • Veggie Boost Options: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like edamame, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to add extra nutrition and color to your fried rice.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that doesn't compromise on authentic Asian-inspired taste.

Fried Rice Serving Options for Any Meal

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair this fried rice with crispy spring rolls or tangy pickled vegetables for a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
  • Asian-Inspired Sidekick: Serve alongside a light miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the rice.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with a fried egg, grilled shrimp, or sliced roasted chicken to transform the dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Spice Lover's Dream: Sprinkle with sriracha sauce, chili oil, or crushed red pepper flakes to add an extra kick of heat and excitement to your plate.

Storing Fried Rice So It Stays Fresh

  • Smart Storage Strategies: Transfer leftover fried rice into airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain quality.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Revive cold rice using a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or extra oil to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir frequently while reheating to distribute heat evenly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion fried rice into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to one month for convenient meal prep. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Ingredient Prep Hack: Cook rice in advance and refrigerate overnight. Separating grains prevents clumping and creates perfect texture when stir-frying. Prepare vegetables and proteins ahead of time to streamline cooking process.
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Crispy Fried Rice Recipe

Crispy Fried Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delightful Jasmine Fried Rice brings together fragrant jasmine rice, crisp vegetables, and savory proteins in a classic Asian comfort dish. Home cooks can easily master this quick, satisfying meal that delivers complex flavors in mere minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked and cooled rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • 1 cup cooked protein
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) vegetable oil
  • 2 to 3 tbsps (30 to 45 mL) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rice Preparation: Spread cold, day-old rice on a flat surface to minimize moisture and prevent clumping during cooking.
  2. Egg Foundation: Heat skillet and create softly scrambled eggs, transferring to a separate plate once delicately cooked.
  3. Vegetable Sauté: Elevate skillet temperature and introduce oil, swiftly cooking diced vegetables until vibrantly tender. Infuse minced garlic during final moments to release its robust aroma.
  4. Protein Integration: If using pre-cooked protein, incorporate into vegetable mixture, ensuring thorough heating.
  5. Rice Transformation: Clear skillet center and deposit rice, executing vigorous stir-frying to achieve golden, crispy grains while breaking apart any remaining clusters.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Generously drizzle soy sauce and optional oyster sauce across rice, meticulously combining ingredients to guarantee uniform seasoning distribution.
  7. Final Assembly: Reintegrate scrambled eggs, sprinkle chopped green onions, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce as desired.
  8. Aromatic Finish: Conclude with a delicate sesame oil drizzle, highlighting the dish’s nuanced flavor profile. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

  • Choose Cold Rice: Day-old refrigerated rice prevents soggy, sticky texture and ensures each grain separates perfectly during stir-frying.
  • Control Heat Levels: Maintain medium-high temperature to achieve golden crispy edges on rice without burning ingredients or creating uneven cooking.
  • Layer Ingredients Strategically: Add proteins and vegetables at different stages to preserve individual flavor profiles and prevent overcrowding the pan.
  • Balance Sauce Proportions: Use soy sauce sparingly to enhance flavor without making rice overly salty or wet; start with small amounts and taste progressively.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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