HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS CHINESE FRIED RICE RECIPE

HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS CHINESE FRIED RICE RECIPE is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by letsCOOKwithELLE on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $1.67 total, $0.84 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (rinsed, cooked and cooled; use day‑old rice for best texture)
  • 0.5 cup Frozen Peas and Carrots (thawed and drained)
  • 0.5 small Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 pieces Large Egg (beaten)
  • 3.5 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for stir‑frying)
  • 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth of flavor)
  • to taste Salt (season to preference)
  • to taste Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Cook Rice

    Rinse 1 cup rice, combine with 1.5 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, preferably refrigerating for at least 30 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  2. Prep Vegetables

    Dice half of a small onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and measure 0.5 cup frozen peas and carrots, allowing them to thaw and drain.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Heat Oil

    Place the wok over high heat, add 3.5 tablespoons vegetable oil, and heat until the oil shimmers, about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: High

  4. Sauté Aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium, add the diced onion and minced garlic, and stir‑fry until softened, roughly 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Scramble Egg

    Push the onion‑garlic mixture to one side of the wok, pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and scramble until the egg is just set, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Cook Vegetables

    Add the thawed peas and carrots to the wok, stir‑fry on medium‑low heat until they are tender but still bright, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium-Low

  7. Combine Rice

    Add the cooled cooked rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps, and stir‑fry for 2 minutes until the rice is heated through and evenly mixed.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  8. Season Fried Rice

    Drizzle 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce over the rice, stir well to coat all grains, and cook an additional minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Finish and Serve

    Taste the fried rice, adjust salt and pepper if needed, then transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Ovo‑vegetarian

Allergens: Egg, Soy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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HOW TO MAKE A DELICIOUS CHINESE FRIED RICE RECIPE

Recipe by letsCOOKwithELLE

A quick and tasty Chinese‑style fried rice made with cooked rice, peas & carrots, egg, onion, garlic and dark soy sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying side dish.

EasyChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.67
Total cost
$0.84
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cool the cooked rice completely before stir‑frying to avoid soggy rice.
  • Heat the oil until shimmering but not smoking.
  • Scramble the egg only until just set to keep it tender.
  • Ensure the rice is evenly heated and separated before adding soy sauce.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter—use a splatter guard and keep face away.
  • Cook eggs thoroughly to reduce risk of salmonella.
  • Cool cooked rice quickly to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Easy Fried Rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

Fried rice originated in China as a way to repurpose leftover rice, turning it into a flavorful, quick meal. It became a staple street‑food and home‑cooking dish, reflecting the Chinese value of minimizing waste while creating tasty, balanced meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fried rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

In southern China, Cantonese fried rice often includes shrimp, char siu, and a light soy sauce, while in Sichuan style, spicy chili oil and Sichuan pepper are added. Yangzhou fried rice from the east mixes ham, shrimp, peas, and carrots for a colorful, sweet‑savory profile.

cultural
Q

How is Easy Fried Rice traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the wok, either as a main dish alongside simple stir‑fried vegetables, or as a side to accompany dishes like sweet‑and‑sour pork, dumplings, or soup. It is often garnished with sliced green onions.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is fried rice commonly prepared in Chinese culture?

A

Fried rice is a go‑to dish for family gatherings, Lunar New Year meals, and casual weekend dinners because it can be made quickly and adapts to whatever ingredients are on hand, symbolizing abundance and resourcefulness.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Chinese fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional fried rice uses day‑old jasmine or long‑grain rice, dark soy sauce, scallions, and sometimes Shaoxing wine. Acceptable substitutes include regular soy sauce with a touch of molasses for color, frozen peas and carrots for convenience, and any neutral oil for stir‑frying.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Easy Fried Rice?

A

Easy Fried Rice pairs nicely with classic Chinese mains such as Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet‑and‑Sour Pork, Mapo Tofu, or a simple steamed fish. It also complements a light cucumber salad or hot and sour soup.

cultural
Q

What makes Easy Fried Rice special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

Its simplicity showcases the core technique of wok‑stir‑frying, allowing the rice to absorb the umami of dark soy sauce while retaining a light, fluffy texture. The dish highlights how a few pantry staples can create a satisfying, balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Easy Fried Rice?

A

Common errors include using freshly cooked rice (which becomes mushy), overcrowding the wok (which steams instead of fry), and adding soy sauce too early, which can make the rice soggy. Keep the wok hot and work in batches if necessary.

technical
Q

Why does this Easy Fried Rice recipe use dark soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce?

A

Dark soy sauce provides a richer color and a slightly sweeter, less salty flavor, giving the fried rice its characteristic deep brown hue without overwhelming the dish with saltiness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel letsCOOKwithELLE specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel letsCOOKwithELLE focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that emphasize easy techniques, budget‑friendly ingredients, and flavorful Asian‑inspired meals for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel letsCOOKwithELLE's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

letsCOOKwithELLE prioritizes minimal prep time and uses readily available supermarket ingredients, whereas many Chinese cooking channels often rely on specialty items and more elaborate techniques. Elle’s style is geared toward busy home cooks seeking fast, tasty results.

channel

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