Is white rice good for fried rice?

Best Rice For Fried Rice Long-grain white rice is perfect for fried rice. It cooks up fluffy and not sticky, with individual grains remaining firm and distinct. It all comes down to two starch molecules: amylose and amylopectin.

How do you cook white rice for fried rice?

Heat the rice over high heat until the water starts boiling. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook until you can see the rice grain starting to rise above the water. Then cover with a lid that is slightly ajar to let some of the steam escape. Cook for 5 minutes.

Do you cook white rice before you fry it?

Start by cooking your rice, then letting it rest and cool. One cup of dry/uncooked rice will serve four eaters. In a very hot skillet with 1 to 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil, cook your protein, then remove it from the skillet. (If youre using leftover cooked protein, skip this step and add it later.)

Can you use just cooked rice for fried rice?

Can you make Fried Rice with fresh rice? Fried Rice is best with cold, refrigerated, leftover rice. Using freshly cooked rice put too much moisture into the recipe and often results in soggy rice. But if youre in a pinch and wanting fried rice without using leftover rice, you can make it with fresh rice.

How to make fried rice out of white rice

Learn how to make The Best Fried Rice at home! This copycat recipe tastes just like your favorite restaurant but even better! Loaded with tons of vegetables, scrambled eggs, leftover white rice and my secret ingredient: Butter!

Table of Contents Show

Love fried rice as much as I do? Give my Shrimp Fried Rice, Beef Fried Rice or Cauliflower Fried Rice a try!

Jump to Recipe

The BEST Fried Rice
The Best Rice for Fried Rice
Fried Rice Ingredients
How to make Fried Rice
Can you make Fried Rice in the Air Fryer?
Tips for making The Best Fried Rice
Why Butter?
Why cold rice?
Variations
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Storage and Reheating Instructions
What to serve with Vegetable Fried Rice
Here are more Easy Rice Recipes to try!

The BEST Fried Rice

Vegetable Fried Rice has to be one of my all time favorite takeout inspired dishes to make at home. It’s easier to control the saltiness, sweetness and to bump up the veggies when you make it at home! Our family makes this fried rice at least once a week with whatever vegetables we have on hand. It is always the perfect accompaniment to my take out style dishes. I love serving this rice with my General Tso’s Chicken and my Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef.

It all starts off with cold day old rice. This is super important! If you are like me and don’t always plan ahead make sure to cook your rice first and allow it time to completely cool in the fridge or freezer. Stir fried rice is best when it is made with cold rice. You can even cook the rice the night before. The longer the rice sits the better it tastes!

Next, I add in lots of veggies! For flavor I add soy sauce and oyster sauce. I also like to add Sriracha for a little kick. This recipe is a great way to work in any leftovers. You can substitute any vegetables you have on hand. You can also toss in chicken, bacon, pancetta or try my Shrimp Fried Rice or Beef Fried Rice Recipe.

The Best Rice for Fried Rice

Long grain rice has less starch which makes it the perfect choice for fried rice. Using a long grain rice like jasmine will result is soft and fluffy rice every time! Other rice varieties like short grain sushi rice would not work for fried rice. It would make the fried rice clumpy and almost gummy in texture. Not what were looking for!

Fried Rice Ingredients

Butter: This is my secret ingredient! This is what they use at hibachi restaurants for their fried rice and has been a game changer ever since I started using it. It adds a lot more flavor and helps to brown the rice. You can always substitute any other cooking oil if you prefer but I really suggest giving butter a try in your fried rice.
Eggs: Are added for protein and are typical in fried rice recipes. You can omit and substitute tofu if you are allergic to eggs or simply not a fan.
Veggies: I use diced carrots, onions, garlic and peas. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, leeks, corn and edamame would all be great in this!
Rice: I prefer to use long grain white rice or jasmine rice. It cooks up fluffy and does not clump together.
Soy sauce: I always use low sodium soy sauce however dark or regular soy sauce can be substituted just make sure to dilute it a bit with water to cut down on the saltiness.
Oyster sauce: Is a thick savory slightly sweet and salty sauce that can be found in the international or asian section of your grocery store.
Sesame oil: Adds a wonderfully nutty flavor to this recipe. A little bit goes a long way!
For serving: I like to top my stir fried rice with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

How to make Fried Rice

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of butter into a large skillet. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked.

Remove them from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter into the pan. Add carrots and onion to the pan and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add in the cold rice and peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The rice should brown up a bit.

Add the eggs back to the pan and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce and sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Serve immediately with green onions for garnish, if desired.

Can you make Fried Rice in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Cooking fried rice in the air fryer is super easy! Simply add all of the ingredients to the air fryer and cook until warmed through. Find the full step by step instructions in my Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe.

Tips for making The Best Fried Rice

Choose the right type of rice: Long grain rice like jasmine is best!
Use COLD day old rice: For best results! However if you are in a pinch make the rice first and spread it out onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop it in the fridge or freeze to cool down quickly then use as directed.
Always rinse the rice before using: This removes the extra starch from the rice and prevents it from clumping.

Add some heat: If you like extra heat add in some Sriracha or chili garlic sauce. I usually start at about 1 teaspoon and work my way up.
Break up the clumps of rice: When rice is old it tends to clump up. To ensure even browning and crisping of the rice break up the clumps with your hands before stir frying.

Why Butter?

I prefer to use unsalted butter versus any other type of cooking oil in fried rice. I love the flavor and richness that the butter adds to the dish. It also helps the rice and veggies brown up perfectly!

Why cold rice?

When rice is just cooked and still warm it clumps together. However when you use cold day old rice the rice dries out a bit and the clumps can be easily broken apart. This ensures each kernel of rice actually gets “fried” when your stir frying resulting in a less mussy fried rice!

Variations

In place of the rice try adding cauliflower, quinoa or riced broccoli for a healthy low carb twist.
For protein add beef, shrimp or chicken to this recipe. Simply brown the protein first, set aside then toss back in with the rice and veggies once they’ve finished cooking.
For a twist try adding chopped up kimchi for kimchi fried rice. It adds the perfect tang and heat!
Brown rice can be substituted for the white rice for extra fiber and nutrients.
Feel free to substitute whatever vegetables you have on hand. Red bell peppers, celery or broccoli would all be great in this!

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you can’t find oyster sauce or simply don’t have it in your pantry you can substitute hoisin sauce or try and make your own oyster sauce. Here is a great recipe for diy oyster sauce!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Fried rice for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
To freeze: Store leftovers in a large ziplock bag for up to 3 months. To freeze fill up the ziplock bag then lay flat and remove the air. This makes it easy to stack in the freezer and defrosts super fast!
Reheat from refrigerated: Reheat leftovers in the microwave, skillet or air fryer. You may need to add a splash more of soy sauce or butter to keep it from sticking to the pan.
Reheat from frozen: Allow the rice to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat rice in the microwave, skillet or air fryer!

What to serve with Vegetable Fried Rice

Slow Cooker Broccoli Beef
Vegetable Chow Mein
Homemade Egg Rolls
General Tso’s Chicken
30 Minute Mongolian Beef
Kung Pao Shrimp
Egg Drop Soup
Homemade Dumplings
Chicken Lo Mein
Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Here are more Easy Rice Recipes to try!

Ham Fried Rice
Enchilada Rice
Lemon Parmesan Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice

The BEST Fried Rice

4.67 from 192 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

The BEST Fried Rice. This fried rice is loaded with veggies and only takes 20 minutes to make!

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter divided
3 eggs whisked
2 medium carrots small dice
1 small onion small dice
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup frozen peas thawed
4 cups cooked and chilled rice (I either use white or brown rice)
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
sliced green onions for garnish if desired

Instructions

Images:OnOff

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter into a large skillet.Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter into the pan. Add carrots and onion to the pan and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add in the cold rice and peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes. The rice should brown up a bit.
Add the eggs back to the pan and stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce and sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.Serve immediately with green onions for garnish, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

The BEST Fried Rice

Amount Per Serving

Calories 379 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 138mg46%

Sodium 767mg33%

Potassium 302mg9%

Carbohydrates 58g19%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 5726IU115%

Vitamin C 19mg23%

Calcium 51mg5%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Beef Fried Rice, Chinese, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Take out recipes, The BEST Fried RIce

Categorized:

Main Dish
Vegetarian
30 Minute Meals
One Pot
Asian
carrots
eggs
garlic
oyster sauce
peas
rice
sesame oil
soy sauce

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Comments - page 1/30

Gae
Why butter? That is just so wrong
- September 21, 2016
- Reply
- Kelley
  Hi Gae,
  Yes I like to use butter in my fried rice. You can also use oil it is personal preference.
  Thanks!
  Kelley
  - September 21, 2016
- Casey
  No need to be rude, Gae
  - October 11, 2017
- Ron
  Casey, she wasn’t being rude… You were
  - May 4, 2018
- Sharon C
  I don’t see how she thought that was rude,she simply said it’s your personal preference.Some ole like butter and some would rather use ???.
  - August 29, 2018
- Snorlax
  There is an objective better option and you know it, Sharon
  - October 30, 2018
- sharon lynn
  Gae was rude. WRONG choice of words and no tact. Great recipe with the BUTTER!
  - March 24, 2019
- Shafina
  Nothings wrong. I am from Malaysia and there are one called butter fried rice. And i always put bit of butter to finish the rice. It becomes more fragrant and buttery.. yums!
  - November 4, 2017
- Arnold Swegger
  Rude
  - November 18, 2017
- Erica
  That’s rude. I found the recipe delicious!
  - December 21, 2017
- Wen
  You are so rude, it shows that you lack intelligence
  - January 8, 2018
- Alan
  Derogatory comment while calling someone out for being rude… classic interwebs.
  Anyway, great recipe, love it!!!
  - September 13, 2018
- CT
  Recipe trolling. What next? Nice recipe. Butter is a good idea.
  - February 26, 2019
- K
  Why people criticizing use what ever u like its option
  - July 14, 2019
- Katrina
  
  What do u have against butter dummy??
  - May 1, 2018
- ITrideMyBest
  Rude xD
  - May 2, 2018
- Amanda
  Respect the animals. Why use butter if you can use a healthy substitute like avocado oil or whatever u wish.
  - May 3, 2018
- Jonathan SoRelle
  So you don’t repsect the vegetables? By product of a living thing just like butter. Guess we need a march for avocados.
  - May 28, 2018
- Carla
  Nice
  - April 6, 2019
- Tanya
  You can’t compare the suffering of animals to vegetables. Don’t be stupid. Humans are animals. Are you going to start comparing the suffering of the Jews in nazi Germany to broccoli?
  - July 19, 2019
- Takei Noyo
  Jesus Christ, shut the hell up. Cows don’t suffer from butter bwing made from their milk. Don’t bother responding. I don’t listen to food fascists who don’t understand anything. Some people are limited by what is available locally or just by their means. We can’t all afford $14 for 6oz of avocado oil. Locally sourced butter from grass-fed, open range, fat, happy cows is reasonably priced and absolutely beautiful, especially salted.
  - November 8, 2019
- T
  Screw that, animals are delicious.
  - June 8, 2018
- Danielle Henderson
  The way God Intended
  - October 1, 2018
- Thad
  Right. My favorite animal is steak. Yum!
  Great recipe for it’s simplicity. I like to add a couple of tablespoons of fish sauce for an authentic Chinese taste.
  - February 10, 2019
- Pete
  Steak is a GREAT choice, and BUTTER is s wonderful topping, Just saying as it is server that in some of the best Steak Restaurants, No meanness just pot stirring
  - March 21, 2019
- m.oron
  THISIS JUST A GODDAMN RECIPE ABOUT FRIED RICE WHY ARE WE ARGUING ABOUT BUTTER AND FUCKIN VEGTABLES WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN PREFERENCES RESPECT IT
  - December 5, 2018
- Karla
  Thank You!
  - January 12, 2019
- Virginia Childress
  Right…geez
  - January 15, 2019
- Big Country
  Although I agree with your thinking, I only wish I could have replied as eloquently as you, m.oron.
  - April 20, 2019
- rudey
  Wow you are rude dude rude rude rude. Let’s all be rude.
  - May 18, 2019
- valerie Huibers
  
  I am finding this whole conversation quite funny!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE BUTTER!!
  - January 12, 2020
- Dominique
  Keywords, “whatever you wish”!
  - April 29, 2019
- Stephanie
  Gae is a beginner.
  - May 4, 2018
- mick
  maybe use ghee, gae
  - November 24, 2018
- Lindsay
  All you had to say was that you could substitute a fat/oil that didn’t trigger you
  - May 31, 2018
- Gmass
  Benihana and other places like it add butter too. Haven’t tried the recipe but will!
  - September 16, 2018
- ty
  you are all ridiculous
  - June 15, 2019
- Irene
  What the heck is going on here? A yummy recipe is posted to share and you all go berserk! Stay on subject. Thank you, Kelly. I have ALS and my husband is always looking for easy, delicious dishes.
  - June 29, 2019
Amy
Love that you’re adding butter to your fried rice. Tastes so much better!!! 🙂
- September 30, 2016
- Reply
Jacquie Cook
What brand would you recommend for the different sauces your recipes call for? ie, oyster sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce & mirin. I have tried sesame oil 1 time & was not pleased with the flavor, however I bought it at the local Walmart from the Asain food area. I live in the middle of Nebraska, not much too choose from.
Also, what is the best way to store Ginger so it stays fresh?
Please email me your response, if you are able. Thanks!!
- February 9, 2017
- Reply
- Susan
  Sun luck pure sesame oil
  Kikkoman soy sauce
  Sun luck oyster sauce
  - May 2, 2017
- Jackie
  Store fresh ginger in the freezer, then just use a cheese grater when you need to add it to a dish, then pop the ginger right back in the freezer.
  - October 11, 2017
- Mimi
  What a great idea. Thanks. I’ve always just put I in the door in the fridge, but this way will last longer.
  - October 9, 2018
- julie Scherbarth
  I had a lot of fresh ginger to use before it became rotten/moldy so I grated it, chopped it into a container and covered it with olive oil and put it in my refrig. in a covered container. Its keeping wonderful.
  - April 2, 2019
- Home2Cook
  Jacquie, you can order any brand and type of Asian sauces, spices and condiments on Amazon if you can’t find them locally. I know what you mean about sesame oil, it’s and acquired taste that kind of grows on you. 🙂 Start by using the tiniest bit and the work up to more slowly, or you can just chuck it and make the recipes that call for it with an oil you do like and sauces that are pleasing to your palette.
  - February 11, 2018
- Christine
  I always freeze my ginger. I peel it first then all you have to do is either grate or slice it from frozen. Easy peasy.
  - July 2, 2018
- Seraphine Formedi
  Since the essence/fragrance of ginger resides in its peel,it is best not peeled before use. Thorough washing is just enough
  - August 12, 2018
- Tanya
  It’s good but a touch sweet. Oyster sauce is sweeter than fish sauce. Unless you like sweet, I would use fish sauce.
  I’ve never used butter in fried rice but I tried it. Really didn”t taste any different that other oils.
  - February 20, 2019
Susan
I put in cooked BQ pork makes it’s the best
- May 2, 2017
- Reply
Kendra
What kind of pan did you use for this?I used a large pot and it took forever for the rice to brown..other than that delish!! I will make this again!
- June 1, 2017
- Reply
- Kelley
  Hi Kendra,
  I usually use a wok or a non stick skillet. I like to put the rice in an even layer and not stir for a while to help it brown.
  Thanks!
  Kelley
  - June 1, 2017
Jo
Followed the recipe to the letter and it ended up so dark it was almost black :/
- June 15, 2017
- Reply
- Kelley
  Hi Jo,
  I’m sorry this did not work out for you! I would keep an eye on the fried rice when browning to make sure it doesn’t burn.
  Thanks!
  Kelley
  - June 15, 2017
- Michelle
  Hahaha
  - November 4, 2017
- Lori
  Were you using a cast iron pan?
  - March 25, 2018
Divina
I Made this last Thursday and husband love it so much and also my stepson who is so picky ate a lot and they said,this is the best fried rice they’ve ever tasted!i also added left over chicken!Now I’m going to make it again tonight!
- July 20, 2017
- Reply
Candice
My family and I love it ? thanks!
- July 25, 2017
- Reply
- Sean
  Making this for the nth time. Gets better and better and better!
  - October 12, 2019
Linda McArthur
This is absolutely the best fried rice ever! Better than in a restaurant!
- August 2, 2017
- Reply
Angelina
If you do not have oyster sauce can you leave it out or is there a subtitute you could use instead?
- August 7, 2017
- Reply
- Kelley
  Hi Angelina,
  You can always leave it out or add a bit of hoisin sauce if you prefer.
  Thanks!
  Kelley
  - August 8, 2017
- Tiffany
  I was just reading comments thinking about how I don’t be currently have oyster sauce, but I have hoisin! Thanks for the recipe. Cold rice is a great tip.
  
  Is white rice good for fried rice?
  
  Best Rice For Fried Rice Long-grain white rice is perfect for fried rice. It cooks up fluffy and not sticky, with individual grains remaining firm and distinct. It all comes down to two starch molecules: amylose and amylopectin.
  
  How do you cook white rice for fried rice?
  
  Heat the rice over high heat until the water starts boiling. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook until you can see the rice grain starting to rise above the water. Then cover with a lid that is slightly ajar to let some of the steam escape. Cook for 5 minutes.
  
  Do you cook white rice before you fry it?
  
  Start by cooking your rice, then letting it rest and cool. One cup of dry/uncooked rice will serve four eaters. In a very hot skillet with 1 to 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil, cook your protein, then remove it from the skillet. (If you're using leftover cooked protein, skip this step and add it later.)
  
  Can you use just cooked rice for fried rice?
  
  Can you make Fried Rice with fresh rice? Fried Rice is best with cold, refrigerated, leftover rice. Using freshly cooked rice put too much moisture into the recipe and often results in soggy rice. But if you're in a pinch and wanting fried rice without using leftover rice, you can make it with fresh rice.

How to make fried rice out of white rice

Quick Navigation

The BEST Fried Rice

The Best Rice for Fried Rice

Fried Rice Ingredients

How to make Fried Rice

Can you make Fried Rice in the Air Fryer?

Tips for making The Best Fried Rice

Why Butter?

Why cold rice?

Variations

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

Storage and Reheating Instructions

What to serve with Vegetable Fried Rice

Here are more Easy Rice Recipes to try!

The BEST Fried Rice

Ingredients

Instructions

Categorized:

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Comments - page 1/30

Gae

Kelley

Casey

Ron

Sharon C

Snorlax

sharon lynn

Shafina

Arnold Swegger

Erica

Wen

Alan

CT

K

Katrina

ITrideMyBest

Amanda

Jonathan SoRelle

Carla

Tanya

Takei Noyo

T

Danielle Henderson

Thad

Pete

m.oron

Karla

Virginia Childress

Big Country

rudey

valerie Huibers

Dominique

Stephanie

mick

Lindsay

Gmass

ty

Irene

Amy

Jacquie Cook

Susan

Jackie

Mimi

julie Scherbarth

Home2Cook

Christine

Seraphine Formedi

Tanya

Susan

Kendra

Kelley

Jo

Kelley

Michelle

Lori

Divina

Candice

Sean