Fried rice is a dish that we turn to again and again, and for good reason. It’s delicious, easy to make, and versatile enough to accommodate a wide variety of ingredients. Fried rice is the perfect dish to throw together on nights when you don’t quite feel like cooking. Try these easy fried rice recipes to get inspired.
Tips for making the best fried rice
- Use cold, leftover rice: The key to making good fried rice is using cold, leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice is too soft and moist, which can result in soggy fried rice. Leftover rice that has been refrigerated for a day or two has dried out slightly, making it easier to fry and resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: To ensure that your rice gets crispy and caramelized, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If the pan is too full, the rice will steam instead of fry, creating a mushy texture. Cook the rice in batches if necessary, and remove it from the pan before adding more ingredients.
- Use high heat: To get the best texture and flavor in, use high heat. This helps to caramelize the ingredients and gives the dish that signature smoky flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on the rice and stir it frequently to prevent it from burning.
Easy fried rice recipes we love
Pancetta & Egg Fried Rice with Spinach, Scallions & Spicy Mayo

Orange Salmon & Fried Rice with Mushrooms & Bok Choy

Vegetable Fried Rice with Togarashi Peanuts

Broccoli, Carrot, & Spicy Pepper Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice with Green Beans, Cabbage & Peanuts

Roast Pork & Cumin Sauce with Vegetable Fried Rice

Togarashi Shrimp & Vegetable Fried Rice

Hibachi-Style Shrimp Fried Rice

Prosciutto Fried Rice with Sesame Snow Peas & Bok Choy

Yellow Curry Fried Rice with Mushrooms & Bell Pepper

Sweet Chili-Glazed Pork with Vegetable Fried Rice

If you follow the tips and recipes above, your fried rice turns will turn out perfectly every time.