Learn how to make fried rice with this classic recipe. It only takes 15 minutes to make, it's easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, and it's SO flavorful and delicious!
Recipe by Ali on July 10, 2017
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT15M
Rating
4.89 stars (1527 reviews)
Keywords
30 minute, freezer friendly, vegetarian
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
2 large eggs (whisked)
2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
1 small white onion (diced)
1/2 cup frozen peas
3 cloves garlic (minced)
salt and black pepper
4 cups cooked and chilled rice (I prefer short-grain white rice)
3 green onions (thinly sliced)
3-4 tablespoons soy sauce (or more to taste)
2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Categories
Main Course
Cuisine
Chinese
Steps
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan* over medium-high heat until melted. Add egg, and cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Remove egg, and transfer to a separate plate.
Add an additional 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and heat until melted. Add carrots, onion, peas and garlic, and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion and carrots are soft. Increase heat to high, add in the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter, and stir until melted. Immediately add the rice, green onions, soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), and stir until combined. Continue sautéing for an additional 3 minutes to fry the rice, stirring occasionally. (I like to let the rice rest for a bit between stirs so that it can crisp up on the bottom.) Then add in the eggs and stir to combine. Remove from heat, and stir in the sesame oil until combined. Taste and season with extra soy sauce, if needed.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Reviews
Jess on 2026-06-22 (5 stars): Truly the best fried rice! So Easy to modify for one- today I used high fat butter, red onion, garlic and zucchini, plus a can of mackerel and its olive oil. Savory with a touch of sweet from the oyster sauce. So perfect, my go-to!
Emma on 2026-05-19 (5 stars): Good foundation recipe! I added kimchi and bell peppers and substituted a few ingredients, but the recipe worked!
Jacalyn Costa on 2026-05-14 (5 stars): I forgot to give it a 5 star rating!! 👍✌️
Kris on 2026-05-08 (5 stars): This was the best fried rice ! Followed the recipe as was written, wouldn’t change a thing!
AnnMarie on 2026-05-07 (5 stars): My go to Gried Rice recipe.
Linda on 2026-05-07 (5 stars): The best fried rice! So true about COLD rice and I agree with more vegetables! Thanks Ali!
Ann Bard on 2026-05-03 (5 stars): My absolute go to for fried rice, and has been for a long time. My family and friends make it disappear. Thank you
RoseAnn Elizabeth Kelley on 2026-04-28 (5 stars): This is a delicious recipe - thank you!!!
Tish on 2026-04-28 (5 stars): Very good!
Vicki Cohen on 2026-04-06 (5 stars): Very nice recipe and easy to make adjustments. I followed your instructions and made the rice and then spread it out on sheet pan and put in fridge to chill. I did not have peas, but did have some fresh grean beans - I cut them in small bites and sauteed with the onions & carrots. Had some left over cooked chicken breasts and added that. It was really really good.
Shoe Goddess on 2026-03-31 (5 stars): Great recipe, I mostly followed but added chicken & didn't have oyster sauce so used fish sauce. Quick meal & hardy too. Thanks!!
Alejandra on 2026-03-29 (5 stars): I made it!!! I followed step by step! Thank you! It IS delicious!!!
Mike P on 2026-03-23 (5 stars): Very easy and delicious result. Everyone enjoyed it even my biggest critics!
Anna Hey on 2026-03-14 (5 stars): This is, hands down, the best fried rice I have ever made. Thank you for this recipe! I added smoked pork with the carrots, onion, etc.— so, so good!!
