Chinese Style Fried Rice
Chinese Style Fried Rice offers a quick, flavorful meal with tender rice, scrambled egg, sautéed onion, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil.
- Stir in the instant rice and remove from heat.
- Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, using a 10-inch skillet, cook the slightly beaten egg in 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add chopped onion and the cooked rice to the skillet.
- Saute, stirring over medium heat until the mixture is slightly browned.
- Mix 1/4 cup water with 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce and stir into the rice mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using sesame oil instead of butter, or add vegetables like peas and carrots for a nutritious boost. You can also use leftover cooked rice instead of instant rice for better texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the egg or substitute it with tofu. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with other proteins or seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Style Fried Rice as a main dish or as a side paired with your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp. It also pairs beautifully with Chinese Vegetable Casserole for a complete meal. For a bit of crunch, top with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Style Fried Rice contains roughly 896 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), calcium (17% of the Daily Value), and potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2346mg per serving (102% 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 instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio. Typically, brown rice requires more water and takes longer to cook. Follow the package instructions for best results and ensure it's fully cooked before adding it to the skillet.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha into the rice mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes during cooking for a subtle kick. Adjust the amount to your preference for spiciness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This fried rice is great for meal prep as it stores well and can be easily reheated. Prepare a larger batch and divide it into portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to store it properly in airtight containers.
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).