Go Back

Easy Fried Rice

This fried rice recipe only takes 15 minutes to cook and tastes just like you get at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Leftover rice, plus a couple of eggs, baby carrots, peas, and soy sauce is all you need. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 people

Equipment

  • 1 wok Essential for high-heat stir-frying and achieving 'wok hei'.
  • 1 Spatula A sturdy wok spatula or flat-edged stir-fry spoon is ideal.
  • 1 Small Saucepan For blanching the carrots and peas.
  • 1 Colander To quickly drain the blanched vegetables.
  • 1 Measuring spoons/cups For accurate ingredient portions.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • ⅔ cup chopped baby carrots
  • ½ cup frozen green peas
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced, or to taste (Optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups leftover cooked and chilled white rice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Assemble ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Place carrots in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a low boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in peas, then immediately drain in a colander. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Heat a wok over high heat. Pour in vegetable oil, then stir in carrots, peas, and garlic; cook for about 30 seconds. Add eggs; stir quickly to scramble eggs with vegetables. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Stir in cooked rice. Add soy sauce and toss rice to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss again. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Serve hot and enjoy! DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Notes

The cornerstone of great fried rice is using cold, day-old rice; fresh rice is too moist and will lead to a soggy texture. Cook on very high heat in a well-seasoned wok to achieve the coveted 'wok hei,' or breath of the wok, for that authentic restaurant flavor. Do not overcrowd the wok; if scaling up, cook in batches to maintain high heat and prevent steaming the ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are prepped before you begin, as the cooking process is incredibly fast. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of white pepper and a dash of fish sauce to complement the soy and sesame oil.