This easy fried rice recipe is better than takeout! It only takes 20 minutes to make the best fried rice recipe that's flavorful, healthy and loaded with eggs and veggies!
Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large skillet (at least 10”) over medium heat.
Beat eggs with a pinch of sea salt, then pour into heated pan and spread evenly into a thin layer.
Cook 2-3 minutes, or until the egg is firm and bubbles appear on the top.
Flip and cook and for an additonal 2 minutes until the egg is cooked.
Remove from heat, transfer to a cutting board and cut into thin pieces. Set aside.
Make the Fried Rice
In a large nonstick fry pan, sauté the onion, garlic and carrots in 1 Tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook until vegetables are soft and just starting to brown (about 5-7 minutes).
Add 3 Tablespoons sesame oil and 1 Tablespoon peanut oil to the vegetables.
Add rice, stir and cook on high for 9-10 minutes, or until the rice just begins to brown, stirring occasionally.
Add peas, soy sauce and ginger, stir to combine.
Gently stir in the cooked egg.
Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until the rice is lightly browned.
Serve immediately and garnish with green onions.
Video
Notes
How to Cook Rice for Fried Rice
Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil
Add 1 cup white rice, stir.
Bring mixture to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
Turn off heat, let rice sit for 10-15 minutes, fluff with a fork or spatula.
Let rice cool, then transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store in the refrigerator overnight, then use the chilled rice in this recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
Rice. Using cold, day-old, rice is critical to making the best homemade fried rice. If you're planning to make this recipe, cook the rice a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight (or for up to 3 days). You can also use day-old brown rice, however it will create a less-authentic taste and texture, even though it's still delicious.
Sesame oil. I do not recommend omitting or substituting the sesame oil in this recipe. It is key to the authentic flavor of this dish.
Peanut oil. this is another ingredient that adds authentic flavor to this recipe, but if you have a peanut allergy in your household you can substitute canola oil or additional sesame oil for the peanut oil.
Minced Garlic. Powdered garlic works just as well as minced garlic if you don't have any on hand!
Onion. I recommend using a sweet onion or scallions in this fried rice recipe, but any variety works.
Carrots. Use fresh, diced carrots for the best results! If you don't prefer carrots you can omit them.
Peas. I recommend using thawed, frozen peas. Avoid canned peas.
Soy Sauce. Both regular and low-sodium soy sauce can be used in this recipe.
Powdered Ginger. Use fresh minced ginger instead of powdered if desired.
Eggs. Again, these can be omitted if you have an egg allergy in your family, however I recommend only omitting them if necessary.
Store/FreezeStore leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 2 months.I recommend reheating on the stovetop for the best taste, but you can also reheat it in the microwave.