Dish guide

How to Make Fried Rice

Great fried rice comes down to a few rules: use cold, cooked rice; get the pan very hot; cook the rice in batches so it fries instead of steaming; and add sauce sparingly, at the end.

Start with the classic recipe to learn the method, then try the variations below — from Korean kimchi fried rice to Thai khao pad.

11 recipes

Photo: Louis Hansel on Unsplash

Start here

Contains eggChinese-American

Fried Rice

22 min Easy Serves 4

Contains eggChinese

Egg Fried Rice

15 min Easy Serves 3

With chicken, meat or seafood

Black plate of fried rice with a fried egg, grilled chicken leg and a small salad

Non-vegChinese-American

Chicken Fried Rice

30 min Easy Serves 4

Dark bowl of fried rice topped with shrimp, with chopsticks and a spoon on a woven mat

Non-vegChinese

Shrimp Fried Rice

27 min Easy Serves 4

Overhead view of a dark plate of fried rice with minced ham, egg and greens on a wooden table

Non-vegChinese-American

Pork Fried Rice

24 min Easy Serves 4

Plate of fried rice mixed with browned meat and shredded cabbage

Non-vegChinese-American

Beef Fried Rice

45 min Easy Serves 4

Flavors from across Asia

Non-vegKorean

Kimchi Fried Rice

28 min Easy Serves 3

Plate of Thai-style fried rice with shrimp, lime wedge, cucumber and herbs

Non-vegThai

Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad)

30 min Easy Serves 4

Fried rice served in a hollowed pineapple half with a dipping sauce and fresh vegetables

Non-vegThai

Pineapple Fried Rice

35 min Easy Serves 4

Dome of Japanese-style fried rice topped with roe on a white plate with a black spoon

Contains eggJapanese-American

Hibachi Fried Rice

30 min Easy Serves 4

Vegan

VeganChinese-American

Vegetable Fried Rice

40 min Easy Serves 4

Frequently asked questions

Why is my fried rice mushy?

Usually because the rice was freshly cooked and still moist, the pan wasn't hot enough, or too much rice or sauce went in at once. Use cold rice, preheat the pan well, and cook in batches.

Can I make fried rice with freshly cooked rice?

You can, but spread it on a tray to cool and dry for at least 15–20 minutes first. Fully chilled rice gives the best texture.

What oil is best for fried rice?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut, canola or vegetable oil. Toasted sesame oil is used only at the end, for flavor.

Is it safe to use leftover rice for fried rice?

Yes, if the rice was cooled quickly and refrigerated within 1–2 hours of cooking. Use it within 3–4 days and reheat until steaming hot.