Fried rice — an Asian staple that’s found a cozy spot in kitchens all over the world. Sure, it may have originated in China, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it as a comforting side dish (or even a main!). And the best part? Fried rice is endlessly customizable. Chives, scrambled eggs, shrimp, pulled pork — you name it, you can toss it in. How exciting is that?
Fried Rice?
You bet I have a fried rice recipe! And the reason is simple: for me, fried rice is comfort food. If I don’t know what to make for lunch or dinner and there’s some white rice hanging out in the fridge, you can bet I’ll whip up a bowl. Sometimes, I don’t even bother with a main dish — just fried rice, a drink, a cozy blanket, and a movie. Simple and satisfying.
That’s what makes fried rice so comforting: it gives you that feel-good, cozy warmth with every bite. And once you try this version, I have a feeling you’ll be making it again… and again… and again.
When I First Tried Fried Rice
My very first fried rice experience? Panda Express. At first, I wasn’t sure I’d like it (there was egg in it, after all), but now I make it from scratch in my own kitchen. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe — adding some things, taking away others — until it became my own.
When I was just starting out, I followed a recipe to the letter. And there’s nothing wrong with that — inspiration often starts with someone else’s dish. But the more I cooked, the more I learned to play, experiment, and make fried rice that’s uniquely mine. These days, I don’t need Panda Express because I can recreate my favorite comfort food right at home.
Why Fried Rice Is Comfort Food
Comfort food looks different for everyone. For me, fried rice checks all the boxes — warm, cozy, filling, and packed with flavor. My siblings feel the same way: my sister has her version, my brother has his, and I have mine. That’s the beauty of comfort food — it’s personal, nostalgic, and exactly what you need in the moment.
Have Leftovers? Make Rice!
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. In fact, they’re the secret weapon of fried rice! Got pulled chicken from last night? Toss it in. Shrimp? Even better. Roast beef? Why not! If it’s plain meat, chop it up and add it in — and if it’s seasoned, that’s bonus flavor waiting to happen.
The only thing I don’t recommend? A casserole. That’s a little too tricky to fold in. (But hey, if you do manage it, please let me know because I need to hear how you pulled that off!) Fried rice loves leftovers, and it’s a great way to turn “what’s in the fridge” into something delicious.
Make It Yours!
One of the best lessons I learned in culinary school came from a chef who told us: “Make the dish yours.” Don’t be afraid to tweak, change, or reinvent it until it feels like something that belongs in your kitchen. That advice stuck with me, and it’s exactly how I want you to approach this recipe.
Follow it exactly the first time if you want, but then branch out. Swap scrambled eggs for hard-boiled. Add shrimp, chicken, or even bacon. Play with veggies, sauces, or spice levels. Explore, experiment, and most importantly — have fun with it.
Think of it as an empty canvas. Go make some art!
Quick & Satisfying Homemade Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 Cups Cooked Rice
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Egg
- 3/4 Cup Vegetables
- 2 1/2 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
Directions:
- Cook the rice according to the package directions, then set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. While the pan heats up, beat the egg in a small bowl.
- Add the egg to the hot pan and cook until fully set, then add the vegetables and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Once the rice is done, stir in the sesame oil and soy sauce until evenly coated.
- Add the cooked egg and veggies to the rice, stir to combine, and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Vegetables
You’ll notice this recipe doesn’t specify which vegetables to use — and that’s on purpose. I want you to choose your favorites! If you love the traditional mix of peas, carrots, and green onions, go for it. But if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in broccoli stems, bean sprouts, or even corn. Fried rice is all about flexibility. - Cooking The Rice
One question I get asked a lot is: How much uncooked rice makes the right amount of cooked rice? The simple answer: rice usually doubles in size once it’s cooked (sometimes even more, depending on the variety). A quick rule of thumb is to divide the number of cups of cooked rice you need by two. Or, if you’re unsure, just check the box — most brands include the ratio right on the packaging. - Reheating Leftover Rice
If you’ve made extra and are saving it for another meal, you might notice leftover rice can turn out a little dry when reheated in the microwave. Here’s my quick fix: after heating, drizzle in a teaspoon of sesame oil or soy sauce, give it a good stir, and voilà — fluffy, flavorful rice again!
What To Serve It With
Fried rice is one of those dishes that plays well with just about everything. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star, here are some tasty pairings.
Main Course Suggestions:
- Teriyaki Chicken Or Beef
The sweet-savory sauce works beautifully with the savory, garlicky rice. - Soy Ginger Salmon
Light yet flavorful, with a tangy-salty glaze that complements the rice perfectly. - Orange Chicken
The tangy-sweet glaze adds a burst of flavor that works beautifully with the rice.
Side Dish Suggestions:
- Steamed Broccoli
adds a fresh crunch and soaks up the rice’s flavors beautifully. - Garlic Sautéed Green Beans
crisp-tender and savory, they add just the right amount of freshness to the plate.
Fried rice is quick, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether you serve it as a side or let it shine as the main dish, it’s a cozy comfort food you’ll come back to again and again. At the end of the day, it’s more than just a way to use up leftovers — it’s your chance to get creative and make the dish your own. Now go grab a pan and make some magic happen!
Until Next Time…
Stay Saucy
Hailey 🍝
Pasta-tively Delicious 
Leave a comment