Fried rice has always been the kitchen’s unsung hero. It sneaks up on you — one minute you're rummaging through your fridge, the next you’re elbow-deep in sizzling, garlicky rice that tastes better than half the takeout joints in town. That’s the magic of a good fried rice recipe. It’s casual, it’s cozy, and it’s ridiculously flexible.

I’m talking about a dish that can easily slide into your go-to main dishes list without trying too hard. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, plant-based eaters, or your spice-loving cousin, there’s a version of this that fits.

Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 cups day-old jasmine rice (cold from the fridge is best)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or whatever neutral oil you trust)
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely minced
  • 1 cup mixed veg (think carrots, peas, sweet corn, bell peppers—your call)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or low-sodium soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free folks)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Optional: cubed tofu, a scrambled egg, or whatever protein makes you happy
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparation

Don’t even think about using hot, just-cooked rice. You want those grains dry and firm so they crisp, not clump. If you forgot to make it the day before, lay it out on a tray and chill it fast.

Chop everything while the rice cools. The key is uniform size — this isn’t the time for rustic chunks.

Cooking

  1. Grab your biggest skillet or wok. Crank the heat to medium-high and pour in your oil.
  2. Toss in the onions. Sauté until they look glossy and soft, about two minutes. Garlic goes in next — keep it moving so it doesn’t burn.
  3. Time for the veggies. Cook until just tender, still vibrant.
  4. Push it all to one side. If you’re adding tofu or eggs, cook them in the free space.
  5. In with the rice. Break it up with a spatula. Add tamari and vinegar. Stir like you mean it — this is where the flavor magic happens.
  6. Sprinkle in the green onions. Pepper it up. Taste, adjust, done.

Serving

Scoop into bowls. Eat it straight-up or top with chili flakes, sesame seeds, or a splash more soy. It’s satisfying without trying too hard.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g

Tips and Variations

If you’re the kind of cook who likes options (and who isn’t?), here’s how to mix it up:

  • For a vegan twist: Ditch the egg, swap in tofu or tempeh.
  • For gluten-free eaters: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, double-check all labels.
  • For extra nutrients: Add more greens like spinach or bok choy, or try riced cauliflower to sneak in more veg.

You can even toss in pineapple chunks or roasted cashews if you're feeling wild.

Conclusion

Call it comfort food, call it a fridge rescue, call it your next obsession — this authentic fried rice recipe delivers every single time. It checks off all the boxes: easy, quick, versatile, and way better than it has any right to be. Whether you’re after a vegan fried rice recipe, a gluten free fried rice recipe, or simply the best fried rice recipe to slot into your weeknight main dishes, you’ve got it right here.

So go ahead. Make a mess, trust your taste buds, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a habit.