Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)
Fried rice is the ultimate leftovers transformer. Day-old rice (the drier the better), whatever vegetables are in the fridge, eggs, and soy sauce. Twelve minutes in a screaming hot pan and you’ve got a meal that’s genuinely better than Chinese takeout. This is the recipe you’ll make every single week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The ultimate use for leftover rice
- Cleans out the fridge — use any vegetables
- Day-old rice actually works BETTER than fresh
- Faster and cheaper than ordering takeout
Get our free 5-Day 15-Minute Meal Plan — breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes with a printable grocery list.
Join the 15-Minute Plate newsletter →
Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (day-old, cold — essential)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn — frozen is perfect)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- White pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over HIGH heat until smoking.
- Add frozen vegetables and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Push to one side.
- Pour beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble quickly until just set, then break into small pieces and mix with the vegetables.
- Add cold rice. Press it flat against the pan and let it sear for 1 minute without stirring — this creates those crispy bits.
- Add garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together for 2 minutes. Season with white pepper. Garnish with green onions.
Recipe Tips
- COLD, day-old rice is non-negotiable. Fresh rice is too wet and will steam instead of fry.
- No leftover rice? Spread freshly cooked rice on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- HIGH heat is critical — low heat makes mushy rice.
- Add diced ham, shrimp, or leftover chicken for protein.
Calories: 360 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 46g
Loved this recipe? Get 15-minute recipes delivered to your inbox every week.
Join the 15-Minute Plate →
Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.
