Simple & Easy Fried Rice

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Fried rice is one of those dishes that feels like a small victory every time you make it. It’s the meal you turn to when the fridge looks a little bare, when you need something comforting in a hurry, or when you want to transform leftovers into something that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot.

The first time I made homemade fried rice, I remember being shocked at how quickly it came together — and how good it was. A little sesame oil, a splash of soy sauce, and suddenly the whole kitchen smelled like a cozy noodle shop. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen magician, turning cold rice and simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort.

What I love most is how customizable it is. Add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or keep it veggie‑packed. Make it spicy or keep it mild. Use whatever you have on hand. Fried rice doesn’t judge — it just delivers.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, cleaning out the fridge, or craving something warm and satisfying, this fried rice is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

🧑‍🍳 Chef’s Notes: Before You Start

• Cold rice is non‑negotiable Fresh rice turns mushy. Day‑old rice gives you those perfect, separate grains.
• High heat = restaurant flavor A hot pan gives you that signature smoky, slightly crisp texture.
• Prep everything first Fried rice cooks fast — have your veggies, protein, and sauces ready to go.
• Use a mix of oils Neutral oil for cooking, sesame oil for flavor.
• Don’t skip the eggs They add richness and that classic fried rice texture.
• Finish with green onions They brighten the whole dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice 
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 4 green onion stalks
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion power
• 1/2 garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 large egg
• 5 tablespoons butter

Directions

1. Transfer rice to baking pan and break rice up with your hands into individual grains before proceeding.
2. begin your prep, have your soy sauce measured and in a little bowl, measure your pepper and onion and garlic powder in a little bowl, have your garlic minced, have your egg whisked in a cup or bowl ready to go, and your green onions chopped.
3. heat your frying pan to high heat (7)
4. add 2 tablespoons of butter, add egg and quickly mix and it’s so hot (should cook in about 2 minutes) once you think it’s done put into a bowl and set it aside
5. add white part on the green onions. (If you are wanting to add carrots/peas this is when you should add) Cook for about 1-2 minute. then add garlic and cook 1 more minute
6. add avocado oil and add rice, pan will be hot so mix that rice around well, add the remaining butter and seasoning then mix.
7. Scoop all the rice to one half of pan and only keep the empty side on the heat, add the soy sauce to the empty side of pan and let that simmer there for about 1-2 minutes mixing it a bit. Then put the pan completely back on the heat and mix rice in with all that soy. Taste; then decide if you’d like more pepper? or even a little more soy sauce or butter.
8. Once you’re done add the egg and green part of the green onions you are done !!

I’d love to hear if you tried these! Did you make any swaps, or keep it exactly as written? And how do you prefer it – extra veggies, no veggies? Let me know in the comments, I always love hearing how these turn out in your kitchen.