When it comes to cooking a quick, easy, and satisfying meal, few dishes can rival the humble bowl of fried rice. This staple of Asian cuisine has been elevated to new heights in recent years, with creative chefs and home cooks alike experimenting with bold flavors, colorful ingredients, and innovative twists.
From classic Chinese egg fried rice to spicy Thai pineapple fried rice, there’s a flavor profile out there for every taste bud and occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting solo meal or a show-stopping side dish, we’ve got 18 mouthwatering recipes that will take your fried rice game to the next level. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, highlighting the most delicious and inspiring variations of this beloved dish.
Stay tuned for our countdown of the top 18 flavor-packed fried rice recipes, each one more tantalizing than the last!
Classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice
Classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice: A simple and flavorful dish that’s a staple in Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Push the onion aside and pour the beaten egg into the empty space. Scramble the egg until cooked through.
4. Mix the egg with the onion.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6. Add soy sauce to taste, then stir-fry for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the spicy kick of chilies, all wrapped up in a flavorful fried rice dish. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a side dish to your favorite Thai-inspired entrees.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, pineapple, salt to taste, and chopped scallions (if using).
5. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Kimchi Fried Rice with Crispy Bacon
This Korean-inspired dish combines the savory flavors of fried rice with the spicy kick of kimchi and the crunch of crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for added protein)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions or use leftover cooked rice.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Add the crispy bacon back into the pan and stir-fry for another minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add the beaten egg and scramble it into the rice mixture.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe adds succulent shrimp and a rich garlic butter sauce for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables aside and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir-fry everything together with cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Vegetable Tofu Fried Rice
A flavorful and nutritious twist on classic fried rice, this Vegetable Tofu Fried Rice recipe combines the savory taste of tofu with a variety of colorful vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in a small amount of oil (if needed) and add cooked rice. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
6. Combine the rice with the vegetables; stir-fry for another minute.
7. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on classic fried rice, this recipe combines juicy teriyaki chicken with savory vegetables and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunchbox addition!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add teriyaki sauce and stir-fry for an additional minute.
4. Push chicken to one side of the pan; add diced onion and minced garlic to the other side. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the pan; stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Combine chicken mixture with rice and vegetables; season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Indonesian Nasi Goreng with Fried Egg
Nasi Goreng, or Indonesian-style fried rice, is a staple breakfast dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe adds a runny fried egg on top for an extra burst of richness.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and fried shallots for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic, mixed vegetables, and cooked rice. Stir-fry for 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in an egg and scramble it until cooked through.
5. Mix the egg into the rice mixture.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with a fried egg and garnished with chopped scallions and fried shallots if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Fried Rice with Plantains
Experience the bold flavors of Jamaica with this fusion dish that combines the spices of jerk seasoning with the natural sweetness of plantains and savory rice. This unique recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to spice up their meal routine.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 ripe plantain, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the jerk seasoning and diced plantain; stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Mexican-Style Fried Rice with Black Beans
This recipe combines the classic Chinese dish with the bold flavors of Mexico, adding cooked black beans and spices to create a unique and delicious twist. Perfect as a main course or side dish, this Mexican-inspired fried rice is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Curry Fried Rice with Cashews and Raisins
This aromatic and flavorful dish combines the comfort of fried rice with the excitement of curry, crunchy cashews, and sweet raisins. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup mixed cashews and raisins
– 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add curry powder, salt, and pepper; stir for 1 minute.
4. Add cooked rice to the skillet; stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. If using eggs, push cooked rice to one side of the pan; crack in eggs and scramble until set. Mix with rice.
6. Stir in cashews and raisins; cook for an additional minute.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pork Fried Rice with Scallions
Elevate your fried rice game with this flavorful and filling recipe that combines the sweetness of BBQ pork with the crunch of fresh scallions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced BBQ pork
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mixed veggies; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push veggies aside, add diced pork; stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Mix everything together, then stir in cooked rice.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice is heated through.
7. Season with soy sauce and serve garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemongrass Beef Fried Rice
Elevate your fried rice game with this flavorful recipe that combines the zest of lemongrass with savory beef and aromatic spices. Perfect as a main dish or as a side, this Lemongrass Beef Fried Rice is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add lemongrass, garlic, and onion to the pan; stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. Add mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Return beef to the pan; stir-fry until well combined with rice mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Coconut Fried Rice with Mango Slices
This recipe combines the classic flavors of coconut fried rice with the sweetness of mango slices, creating a unique and delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 ripe mango slices, cut into wedges
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and shredded coconut; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with mango slices and garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Fried Rice with Feta and Olives
Add a taste of the Mediterranean to your meal with this flavorful fried rice dish, infused with crumbly feta cheese and briny olives.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 teaspoons Mediterranean seasoning blend
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add mixed vegetables and cooked rice; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced olives.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Mediterranean seasoning blend to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fried Rice with Pineapple
A twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe adds a tangy and sweet flavor profile with the addition of pineapple. This dish is perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sweet and sour sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (1 minute).
3. Add mixed veggies; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and sweet and sour sauce; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir in diced pineapple; cook for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Japanese Omurice with Ketchup Fried Rice
Experience the delightful fusion of Japanese and Western flavors with this simple recipe for Omurice, featuring a fluffy omelette wrapped around juicy beef patty, served with a side of ketchup-flavored fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1 beef patty (cooked to desired doneness)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add beef patty and cook until heated through.
3. Beat eggs in a bowl. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Pour in eggs and cook until almost set.
4. Place cooked beef patty at one end of the omelette. Fold the other half over to enclose the beef.
5. Cook ketchup with rice in a separate pan, stirring constantly, until combined and heated through.
6. Serve Omurice with ketchup fried rice on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Singaporean Chili Crab Fried Rice
Savor the bold flavors of Singapore with this delectable fusion dish that combines the sweetness of crab meat, spiciness of chili sauce, and heartiness of fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup crab meat (jumbo lump or flaked)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
– 2 tablespoons chili sauce (such as sambal oelek)
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add crab meat; stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
4. Push crab mixture to one side of the pan.
5. Add cooked rice to the other side, stirring constantly to break up any clumps.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until rice is lightly toasted.
7. Stir in chili sauce and season with salt and white pepper.
8. Combine crab and rice mixture; stir-fry until well combined.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot (optional: add beaten egg to the pan and scramble before serving).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegan Mushroom and Spinach Fried Rice
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional fried rice, this vegan version is packed with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Add cooked rice to the skillet or wok and stir-fry with soy sauce and sesame oil until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Fried rice, the ultimate comfort food! Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering recipes. From classic Chinese egg fried rice to international twists like Jamaican jerk and Singaporean chili crab, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood (garlic butter shrimp), veggies (vegetable tofu), or meat-lovers (BBQ pork), this collection has got you covered. Each recipe is a flavorful fusion of ingredients and techniques to create a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, get cooking!
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