Fried rice is one of the most beloved comfort foods around the world. It’s fast, affordable, endlessly customizable, and perfect for turning simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, sweet, or hearty, homemade fried rice is always the answer.
In this article, you’ll discover six easy fried rice recipes that are packed with flavor and made using everyday ingredients. From classic combinations like bacon and eggs to bold options like kimchi fried rice and Thai pineapple fried rice, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.
Recipes Included:
- Beef Shrimp Fried Rice
- Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
- Bacon Egg Fried Rice
- Dirty Fried Rice
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
Let’s get cooking!
Why Fried Rice Is the Perfect Meal
Fried rice is popular for good reason. It’s quick to prepare, flexible, and works beautifully with leftovers. Using day-old rice creates the perfect texture, while high heat ensures bold, restaurant-style flavor.
Benefits of Homemade Fried Rice
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for leftovers
- Easy to customize
- Great for meal prep
Once you master the basics, fried rice becomes one of the easiest meals you’ll ever make.
Beef Shrimp Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef shrimp fried rice combines tender shrimp, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables for a hearty, satisfying dish packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lb ground beef
- 2 cups frozen vegetables
- 3 cups day-old cooked rice
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- ½ teaspoon white sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp until pink, then remove and set aside.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add frozen vegetables and rice, stirring well.
- Push rice to one side, scramble eggs, then mix in.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sugar, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- Return shrimp to pan and toss everything together.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet pineapple, juicy shrimp, crunchy cashews, and warm curry spices make this Thai pineapple fried rice vibrant, aromatic, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup cashews
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp until opaque; remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and bell pepper; sauté briefly.
- Stir in rice, pineapple, cashews, and curry powder.
- Push rice aside and scramble eggs.
- Add soy sauce, chili flakes, and salt.
- Return shrimp and toss well.
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Bacon Egg Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic bacon egg fried rice is smoky, savory, and incredibly comforting—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove and drain.
- Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat.
- Add frozen vegetables and rice.
- Push rice aside and scramble eggs.
- Stir in bacon, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Season with black pepper and garnish with green onions.
Dirty Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Inspired by Southern flavors, dirty fried rice is bold, hearty, and loaded with seasoned ground beef and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ½ lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown ground beef.
- Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning and rice.
- Push rice aside and scramble eggs.
- Add soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kimchi fried rice is spicy, tangy, and deeply savory. Topped with a fried egg, it’s pure comfort food with Korean flair.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- ½ lb pork belly, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 fried egg per serving
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook pork belly until crispy; remove excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in kimchi and gochujang.
- Add rice and soy sauce; toss well.
- Finish with sesame oil.
- Serve topped with fried egg and sesame seeds.
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken fried rice is family-friendly and packed with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 teaspoons oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook chicken in oil until browned.
- Add teriyaki sauce and simmer briefly.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and vegetables.
- Add rice and scramble eggs.
- Return chicken, add soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice Every Time
- Use day-old rice for best texture
- Cook over high heat
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Prep all ingredients before starting
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or long-grain rice works best.
2. Can I use fresh rice?
Yes, but spread it out to cool and dry before cooking.
3. How long does fried rice last?
Up to 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
4. Can fried rice be frozen?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months.
5. How do I make fried rice healthier?
Use less oil, add more vegetables, and reduce sauce.
Conclusion
These easy fried rice recipes prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create flavorful, satisfying meals. From bold kimchi fried rice to sweet Thai pineapple fried rice and hearty beef shrimp fried rice, there’s something here for every taste.
Fried rice is the ultimate comfort food—quick, customizable, and endlessly delicious. Add these recipes to your weekly rotation and enjoy homemade meals that taste better than takeout.