There’s nothing quite like a hot plate of fried rice fresh from your own kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough to order at your favorite restaurant but is actually incredibly simple to make at home. This Easy Homemade Fried Rice Recipe with Eggs is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal, a satisfying lunch, or even a creative way to use up leftover rice.

One of the things I love most about making fried rice at home is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great option for cleaning out the fridge. In this version, I’ve swapped traditional ham and bacon for diced chicken ham and turkey bacon, which gives it a slightly lighter feel without sacrificing any of that savory, satisfying flavor.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS HOMEMADE FRIED RICE

Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it’s also packed with flavor and texture. The eggs add richness, the peas and carrots bring a pop of color and sweetness, and the combination of soy sauce and sesame oil ties everything together with that classic fried rice taste. Plus, the green onions give it a fresh finish that balances the savory ingredients perfectly.

Another bonus? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a good skillet or wok, and you’re ready to go. And because you’re making it yourself, you can control the amount of oil, sodium, and seasoning, making it a healthier alternative to takeout.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Let’s take a quick look at everything you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• ½ cup diced chicken ham
• ¼ cup diced turkey bacon
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPPING AHEAD

Before you even turn on the stove, take a few minutes to prep all your ingredients. Trust me, once you start cooking, everything comes together quickly, and having everything ready to go makes the process smooth and stress-free.

LET’S GET STARTED: THE FIRST STEPS

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR INGREDIENTS

Start by dicing the chicken ham and turkey bacon, chopping the green onions, and beating the eggs in a small bowl. Having everything prepped and within arm’s reach will make cooking so much easier and enjoyable.

STEP 2: SCRAMBLE THE EGGS

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they’re fully cooked but still tender. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. You’ll be adding them back into the rice later.

STEP 3: COOK THE MEATS

Add the second tablespoon of vegetable oil to your skillet. Toss in the diced turkey bacon and chicken ham. Stir-fry them until they’re slightly crispy. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor as the meats brown and release their savory juices.

STEP 4: ADD THE GARLIC

Once your meats are cooked, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.

HOW TO FINISH AND PERFECT YOUR HOMEMADE FRIED RICE

Now that the base of your fried rice is set with the scrambled eggs, meats, and fragrant garlic, it’s time to bring all the elements together. This is where your fried rice transforms into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

WHY USING COLD, COOKED RICE MATTERS

Before diving into the next steps, let’s talk about one of the most important tips for making great fried rice: always use cooked and cooled rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and soft, which can make your fried rice mushy. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated is perfect because it’s firmer, drier, and separates easily in the pan, giving you those desirable individual grains.

LET’S CONTINUE: BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

STEP 5: ADD THE VEGETABLES

With your garlic nicely sautéed, it’s time to add the thawed peas and carrots. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to heat through and slightly soften. The vegetables add color, a bit of sweetness, and a fresh crunch that balances the savory flavors of the dish.

STEP 6: INCORPORATE THE RICE

Add your cooked and cooled jasmine rice to the skillet. Using a spatula, break up any clumps of rice as you stir. Make sure the rice is fully combined with the meat and vegetables. This is the stage where everything starts to come together into that classic fried rice texture.

STEP 7: SEASON THE FRIED RICE

Now, pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sprinkle in the ground white pepper. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and seasoning. The soy sauce adds a salty, umami depth, while the sesame oil brings a subtle nuttiness that elevates the dish’s overall flavor.

STEP 8: RETURN THE EGGS TO THE PAN

Take the scrambled eggs you set aside earlier and gently stir them back into the skillet. Fold them into the rice mixture carefully so the eggs stay in nice, soft pieces instead of breaking apart too much.

STEP 9: ADD THE GREEN ONIONS

Finally, toss in the chopped green onions. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp bite that perfectly rounds out the dish.

STEP 10: SERVE AND ENJOY

Once everything is well combined and heated through, your homemade fried rice is ready to serve. Spoon it into bowls or plates and enjoy it hot.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THE BEST HOMEMADE FRIED RICE

• Use day-old rice: As mentioned earlier, cold, firm rice prevents clumping and gives your fried rice the best texture.
• Prep everything beforehand: Fried rice cooks quickly, so having all your ingredients chopped and ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Using a large skillet or wok allows the ingredients to stir-fry evenly without steaming.
• Customize your protein: While this recipe uses chicken ham and turkey bacon, feel free to substitute with shrimp, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: You can easily tweak the amount of soy sauce, sesame oil, or pepper based on your personal preference.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This fried rice can easily stand alone as a complete meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Serve it alongside some egg rolls, a simple stir-fried vegetable dish, or grilled chicken for a more filling dinner. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HOMEMADE FRIED RICE

Even though fried rice is a simple dish, there are always a few common questions that come up when making it at home. Here are some answers to help ensure your fried rice turns out perfectly every time.

1. Why is my fried rice mushy?

The most common reason for mushy fried rice is using freshly cooked rice. Fresh rice contains too much moisture, which makes it clump and become soggy when stir-fried. Always use cooked and cooled rice that’s had time to dry out a bit, preferably refrigerated overnight.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, while jasmine rice is commonly used for its light texture and subtle fragrance, you can also use long-grain white rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using.

3. Can I make this fried rice vegetarian?

Absolutely. You can easily leave out the chicken ham and turkey bacon or replace them with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for a vegetarian version.

4. Is it necessary to use sesame oil?

Sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that’s characteristic of fried rice, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or replace it with a small amount of another oil. However, using sesame oil does give the fried rice a more authentic taste.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to keep it moist.

6. Can I freeze fried rice?

Yes, fried rice freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

7. What other proteins can I use?

Fried rice is very versatile. You can use shrimp, diced cooked chicken, pork, beef, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. This makes it a great way to repurpose leftovers into a new meal.

CONCLUSION: TIME TO ENJOY YOUR HOMEMADE FRIED RICE

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your own fried rice at home. This Easy Homemade Fried Rice Recipe with Eggs is simple, flavorful, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. By following these straightforward steps and helpful tips, you can create a delicious meal that rivals your favorite takeout version, all while controlling the ingredients and flavors to your liking.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, vegetables, or seasonings to make it your own. And if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your experience, your favorite add-ins, or any tips you discovered along the way.

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