I absolutely love fried rice! It’s my favorite quick meal for busy weeknights, and it’s perfect for using up whatever you have in the fridge. Making restaurant-style fried rice at home is easier than you think. Today, I’m sharing three super simple fried rice recipes that you’ll want to make again and again. You can create fantastic fried rice dishes right in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty chicken option, a satisfying surf and turf combo, or a fast shrimp dish, I’ve got you covered. These recipes are packed with flavor and come together so quickly. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Easy Restaurant Style Chicken Fried Rice
- 2. Simple Shrimp And Steak Fried Rice
- 3. Quick Shrimp Fried Rice for Meals
Easy Restaurant Style Chicken Fried Rice for Dinner
This chicken fried rice recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen table. It’s a complete meal on its own, packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Day-Old Rice: Using cold, leftover rice is crucial for the best fried rice texture. It helps prevent a mushy result.
- High Heat Cooking: Cook your ingredients quickly over high heat to get a nice char and authentic taste.
- Soy Sauce Balance: Add soy sauce and other seasonings near the end to avoid over-salting and to keep the rice from getting too wet.
What You Need for Chicken Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked day-old white rice
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 egg, scrambled
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Egg
Heat half of the cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then pour in the scrambled egg. Cook, stirring, until the egg is set, then chop it into small pieces and set aside with the chicken.
Step 2: Stir-Fry Vegetables and Rice
Add the remaining cooking oil to the hot pan. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Now, add the cold, day-old rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, letting the rice get slightly toasted.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken and egg to the pan with the rice and vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle with white pepper. Stir everything together well, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the chicken fried rice from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade restaurant-style meal!
📝 Final Note
For best results, use a very large skillet or wok. If you don’t have enough space, cook in two smaller batches to ensure everything fries properly and doesn’t steam.
Simple Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice Meal
This fried rice recipe combines the best of both worlds with juicy shrimp and tender steak. It’s a satisfying meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Sear Steak First: Cook the steak until it’s perfectly browned, then remove it to prevent overcooking when you add it back later.
- Quick-Cooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very fast. Add it towards the end of the protein cooking process so it stays tender and juicy.
- Flavorful Sauce: A good blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), and sesame oil makes all the difference. Taste and adjust for your preference.
What You Need for Shrimp & Steak Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked day-old white rice
- 1.5 tbsp cooking oil
- 6 oz sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 6 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 egg, scrambled
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make Shrimp and Steak Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook Proteins and Egg
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak and set aside. Add the shrimp to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside. Add remaining oil if needed, then scramble the egg in the pan, chop it, and set it aside with the other proteins.
Step 2: Stir-Fry Vegetables and Rice
Add the chopped onion to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side, then add the cold, day-old rice to the other side. Break up any clumps and stir-fry the rice by itself for 2-3 minutes to toast it slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Add the cooked steak, shrimp, and scrambled egg back into the pan with the rice and vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional oyster sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the sauce coats all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your delicious shrimp and steak fried rice immediately. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner!
📝 Final Note
For a little extra heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha along with the soy sauce.
Quick Shrimp Fried Rice for Busy Evenings
When you need a meal fast, this easy shrimp fried rice is your answer. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in minutes, making it perfect for any busy night.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Pre-Cooked Shrimp: If you’re in a real rush, use pre-cooked shrimp and just warm it through at the end.
- Garlic & Ginger: A little fresh minced garlic and ginger add amazing depth of flavor that makes this dish shine.
- Customizable Veggies: Feel free to add any quick-cooking vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts.
What You Need for Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked day-old white rice
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 8 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 egg, scrambled
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2 servings
How to Make Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook Shrimp and Egg
Heat half of the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside. Add the remaining oil to the pan, then pour in the scrambled egg. Cook, stirring, until the egg is set, then chop it and set aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
Step 3: Add Rice and Combine
Add the cold, day-old rice to the pan with the vegetables. Break up any clumps and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and toast slightly. Return the cooked shrimp and egg to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and sprinkle with optional ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Stir all ingredients together well until everything is evenly mixed and hot. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if you like, and serve your quick shrimp fried rice right away!
📝 Final Note
This recipe is easily doubled if you’re feeding a bigger crowd, just make sure to use a very large pan or cook in batches.