Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice lives up to its name with its bold flavor, satisfying texture, and quick prep time. This classic dish combines fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory blend of soy sauce and sesame oil, creating a simple yet irresistible meal. It’s perfect for using up leftovers and whipping up a restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This fried rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food—savory, satisfying, and easy to throw together in just 15 minutes. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and works well as a main course or a hearty side. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a fast weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed winner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
-
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-
1/2 cup carrots, diced
-
1/2 cup peas
-
2 eggs, scrambled
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Add the diced carrots and peas, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until tender.
-
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty side. Scramble until fully cooked.
-
Add the day-old rice to the skillet and mix everything together thoroughly.
-
Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the rice is heated through and evenly coated.
-
Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 5 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
-
Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
-
Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
-
Spicy kick: Add a dash of chili oil or sriracha for some heat.
-
Extra veggies: Include bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or green onions for more variety and nutrition.
-
Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and won’t clump. Fresh rice can be used but spread it out and let it cool for better texture.
What’s the best oil for fried rice?
Vegetable oil is neutral and works well, but you can also use canola, peanut oil, or a combination with sesame oil for flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great—just thaw and drain before using.
How do I prevent soggy fried rice?
Use day-old rice and cook over high heat to evaporate moisture quickly.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Skip the eggs or use a plant-based egg substitute. Everything else is naturally vegan.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Regular or low-sodium soy sauce works fine. For deeper flavor, try dark soy sauce or add a splash of oyster sauce.
Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, let it cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.
How do I make it more flavorful?
Add garlic, ginger, green onions, or a splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce to enhance the depth of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
What’s the best pan for making fried rice?
A large skillet or wok is ideal to give you enough space to toss the ingredients evenly.
Conclusion
Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice is a quick, customizable, and flavorful dish that’s as good as takeout—maybe even better. Whether served as a main or a side, it’s packed with comfort, color, and savory goodness in every bite. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for busy days and delicious dinners.
Print
Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice
This Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice is your go-to 15-minute meal—loaded with veggies, scrambled eggs, fluffy day-old rice, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for that irresistible takeout flavor. Perfect for using leftovers or whipping up a fast dinner, this easy fried rice recipe is customizable, budget-friendly, and seriously delicious.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup peas
2 eggs, scrambled
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
-
Add diced carrots and peas. Cook for 2–3 minutes until tender.
-
Push veggies to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs on the other side and scramble until cooked.
-
Add day-old rice and stir everything together.
-
Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until heated through and evenly coated.
-
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
-
Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
-
Spice It Up: Add chili oil or Sriracha for heat.
-
More Veggies: Stir in corn, bell peppers, green onions, or mushrooms.
-
Best Texture Tip: Use day-old rice and high heat to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
