Best Ever Fried Rice
A quick, flavorful fried rice dish with eggs, vegetables, and optional ham, perfect for a satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange all ingredients for easy access.
- Whisk eggs together in a small bowl.
- Preheat wok or skillet on medium to medium-high heat.
- Add peanut oil and heat for 1 minute.
- Add eggs and cook for 1 minute without stirring, until the top is moist and the bottom is cooked.
- Add cooked rice and toss with eggs, coating the rice with the moist egg while chopping in the cooked egg.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then add scallions, carrots, and ham.
- Stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add peas and soy sauce; toss until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use day-old rice as it’s drier and less sticky. If you don't have peanut oil, canola or vegetable oil works well too. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor. To enhance the dish, try adding sesame oil at the end for a nutty finish, or incorporate ingredients from other Chinese recipes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fried rice as a delightful main dish or a side to accompany dishes like Heavenly Fried Rice or Fried Egg Rolls. Pair with a light soy sauce or sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. It also complements a fresh cucumber salad or a bowl of Wonton Soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the rice. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Fried Rice contains roughly 893 calories, with 17g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (105% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2439mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option, but remember that it may take longer to cook and have a different texture. Make sure it's fully cooked and cooled before using it in the fried rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for eggs if I want a vegan version?
For a vegan option, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water as an egg substitute. Both provide a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, giving you a delicious fried rice without the eggs.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce while stir-frying. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy sriracha sauce on the side to customize the heat level to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).