Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
This homemade Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is so quick and delicious! You can make this restaurant favorite so easily and there’s no need for delivery!
RESTAURANT-QUALITY FRIED RICE IN JUST 20 MINUTES
Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is the perfect way to satisfy your Chinese food cravings without waiting for delivery! This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring basic ingredients and little prep time, while your stove does most of the work. You don’t need special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to create this restaurant-quality dish at home!
I found myself really wanting Chinese food lately but didn’t feel like paying delivery fees or waiting for my order to arrive. After playing around with different techniques, I discovered that making amazing fried rice at home isn’t just possible—it’s actually super easy AND tastes even better than takeout!
What makes this recipe special is learning the secrets that restaurants use to get that perfect texture and flavor. Once you know the tricks (like using cold rice!), you’ll be shocked at how simple it is to create restaurant-quality fried rice in your own kitchen. Plus, you get to customize it exactly how you like it and know exactly what ingredients are going into your meal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why do I need to use cold rice? This is probably THE most important tip for perfect fried rice! Fresh, warm rice contains too much moisture and will become mushy when fried. Cold rice that’s had time to dry out in the refrigerator maintains its structure and allows each grain to get that signature crispy exterior while staying tender inside. For best results, cook your rice the day before and refrigerate it overnight uncovered or on a baking sheet to allow maximum drying.
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! The classic combination is carrots, peas, and onions, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, corn, bean sprouts, or snow peas all work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut vegetables into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
What kind of rice works best? Long-grain rice varieties like jasmine or basmati are ideal because they don’t clump together as much as short-grain varieties. The grains stay separate and distinct, which is perfect for fried rice. Whatever type you choose, just make sure it’s thoroughly chilled before using.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with additional soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar, or use hoisin sauce (though this will change the flavor profile slightly). Fish sauce would also work in a pinch, but use less as it’s quite potent.
How can I turn this side dish into a complete meal? This fried rice is incredibly versatile! Add protein like diced chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to make it a complete meal. You can cook your protein first in the same pan, remove it while you make the rice, then add it back in at the end to warm through.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED:
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