Easy 20 Minute Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Love

Want to make quick fried rice like a restaurant at home? This recipe turns simple ingredients into a tasty meal in 20 minutes. It’s great for busy nights or when you feel like cooking.

Imagine making a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. It’s full of flavor and you can make it your own. This recipe is easy, no matter if you’re new to cooking or have lots of experience.

This homemade fried rice can be made in many ways. You can add veggies or protein to make it your own. You’ll learn how to make it golden and savory, just like takeout.

Ready to wow your loved ones with a tasty meal? It’s faster and more fun than ordering takeout. Let’s explore the world of easy, tasty fried rice!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fried Rice

Making great fried rice begins with knowing the right ingredients and techniques. The key to achieving restaurant-quality is using the perfect parts and preparing them well.

Best Rice Varieties for Frying

Choosing the right rice is key for authentic fried rice. The top picks are:

  • Long-grain white rice
  • Jasmine rice
  • Day-old cold rice (preferably refrigerated)

Pro tip: Day-old rice is best because it’s drier. This prevents your fried rice from being soggy. Fresh rice has too much moisture, leading to clumps.

Key Seasonings and Aromatics

Fried rice seasonings turn simple ingredients into a flavorful dish. Essential items include:

  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh ginger
  • Sesame oil

Protein and Vegetable Options

Add your favorite proteins and veggies to make fried rice your own. Popular choices are:

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Diced chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Frozen peas
  • Diced carrots

Fried rice is all about being flexible. Try out different ingredients you enjoy!

20 Minute Fried Rice Recipe Step-by-Step Guide

Making fried rice is simpler than you might think. This quick method can turn your home cooking into a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes. The key is mastering stir-fry techniques.

Begin by getting all your ingredients ready before cooking. This approach makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Chop veggies, dice proteins, and measure seasonings ahead of time.

  • Heat a large wok or skillet on high heat
  • Add oil and wait until it shimmers
  • Cook proteins first, removing them from the pan
  • Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain crispness

The secret to authentic fried rice is cooking at high heat and constant movement. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this prevents steaming and ensures each ingredient gets perfectly crisp and caramelized.

When adding cooked rice, spread it evenly and let it sit briefly to develop delicious golden-brown edges. Quickly toss ingredients to distribute heat and flavors evenly. A wooden spoon or spatula works best for these stir-fry techniques.

Pro tip: Day-old rice works best for creating that classic fried rice texture!

Finish by seasoning with soy sauce, sesame oil, and your favorite spices. Your 20-minute fried rice is ready to enjoy!

Recipe card

Making tasty fried rice at home is simpler than you might think. This fried rice recipe card will help you through every step. It covers choosing the right cooking tools to following the best cooking steps.

Essential Cooking Equipment

  • Large wok or heavy-bottom skillet
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spatula or cooking spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients List

  • 3 cups day-old cooked white rice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat
  2. Scramble eggs until just set, remove from pan
  3. Stir-fry vegetables for 2-3 minutes
  4. Add rice, breaking up any clumps
  5. Mix in soy sauce and sesame oil
  6. Return eggs to pan, combine thoroughly
  7. Garnish with green onions

Pro tip: Using cold, day-old rice prevents mushy texture and ensures perfect fried rice every time!

“Cooking is love made visible” – Chef Anonymous

Expert Tips for Restaurant-Style Results

To make fried rice like a pro, you need to know a few tricks. Chefs know it’s not just about throwing ingredients in a pan. It’s about the art of cooking.

For authentic restaurant-style fried rice, you need precision and skill. Let’s dive into the secrets that will make your dish stand out.

Proper Rice Preparation Techniques

Good wok cooking starts with the right rice. Here’s how to prepare it:

  • Use day-old, cold rice to prevent mushiness
  • Spread rice on a flat tray to cool completely
  • Break up rice grains before cooking to avoid clumping
  • Pat rice dry to remove excess moisture

Wok Temperature Control

Keeping the wok at the right temperature is key. A hot wok gives you that perfect crispy texture.

  • Preheat wok until it’s smoking slightly
  • Use high heat for quick, even cooking
  • Keep ingredients moving to prevent burning

Timing and Ingredient Order

Chefs know the order of ingredients is crucial. Timing is everything for great fried rice.

  1. Start with aromatics like garlic and ginger
  2. Add protein and cook until almost done
  3. Introduce vegetables
  4. Fold in rice last to prevent overcooking

Pro tip: Always have ingredients prepped and ready before heating the wok!

Conclusion

Making the perfect quick Asian-inspired meals is easy. This 20-minute fried rice recipe shows that tasty meals can be simple and fun. With a few techniques and some creativity, you can make a dish that wows everyone.

Fried rice is great because you can make it your own. You can add different proteins, veggies, and spices. It’s all about having fun and trusting your taste.

Start making your own perfect fried rice today. Share your dishes, exchange tips, and be creative. Your next great meal is just 20 minutes away. So, grab your wok and start cooking!

Want to show off your fried rice skills? Leave a comment below with your favorite versions or ask questions. Our cooking community is here to support and inspire you.

FAQ

Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?

It’s best to use day-old, cold rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, making fried rice mushy. If you’re in a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool completely. Then, refrigerate for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.

What’s the best type of rice to use for fried rice?

Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati is best. These varieties have less starch, preventing clumping. They create a perfect, slightly crispy texture that makes fried rice so delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the eggs and protein, or replace them with tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables. Use plant-based soy sauce and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, edamame, or bell peppers. This boosts flavor and nutrition.

How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming soggy?

The key is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Use a large wok or skillet, cook on high heat, and stir-fry quickly. Make sure your rice is cold and dry, and add ingredients in stages to maintain that crispy texture.

Can I meal prep this fried rice?

Definitely! Fried rice is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, use a skillet or wok to help restore some of the crispy texture.

What if I don’t have a wok?

No worries! A large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan works perfectly. The most important things are using high heat and having enough space to stir-fry your ingredients without overcrowding.

Can I freeze leftover fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet to restore its texture. fried riceMaking tasty fried rice at home is simpler than you might think. This fried rice recipe card will help you through every step. It covers choosing the right cooking tools to following the best cooking steps. Print Recipe Pin Recipe EquipmentLarge wok or heavy-bottom skilletSharp chef's knifeCutting boardWooden spatula or cooking spoonMeasuring cups and spoonsIngredients  3 cups day-old cooked white rice2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 eggs beaten1/2 cup diced carrots1/2 cup frozen peas2 green onions chopped3 tablespoons soy sauce1 teaspoon sesame oilInstructions Heat oil in wok over medium-high heatScramble eggs until just set, remove from panStir-fry vegetables for 2-3 minutesAdd rice, breaking up any clumpsMix in soy sauce and sesame oilReturn eggs to pan, combine thoroughlyGarnish with green onions
Easy 20 Minute Fried Rice Recipe You\'ll Love

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