House Special Fried Rice

House Special Fried Rice is a medium Chinese-American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 32 min

Cost: $12.71 total, $3.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Cooked White Rice (leftover rice from Chinese takeout, chilled and spread thinly to dry)
  • 3 large Eggs (beaten lightly)
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil such as canola or peanut)
  • 1 cup Roast Chicken (leftover, diced)
  • 0.5 cup Pork Chop (cooked leftover, diced)
  • 0.5 cup Shrimp Filling (leftover cooked shrimp from dumpling skins, roughly chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Frozen Peas (no need to thaw)
  • 0.25 cup Carrot (peeled and diced small)
  • 0.25 cup Onion (white or yellow, diced)
  • 2 stalks Scallions (thinly sliced, green and white parts)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon White Pepper
  • pinch MSG (optional, for umami)
  • pinch Sugar (balances saltiness)
  • pinch Cornstarch (to fluff overly sticky rice, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the wok

    Place the wok over a high‑heat gas burner. If your burner has a diffuser ring, remove it so the flame concentrates in the center. Heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high heat

  2. Scramble the eggs

    Add 1 tablespoon of oil, swirl, then pour in the beaten eggs. Let the bottom set for about 10 seconds, then flip and cook until just set but still slightly runny.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high heat

  3. Stir‑fry aromatics

    Add another splash of oil, then toss in the diced carrots and onions. Stir‑fry for about 30 seconds, just until the carrots start to soften.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: high heat

  4. Add the rice

    Add the chilled rice. If the grains are clumped, sprinkle a pinch of cornstarch and fluff with your fingers before adding. Use the back of a ladle to break up any remaining clumps while stirring.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high heat

  5. Reheat proteins and peas

    Add the diced chicken, pork, shrimp filling, and frozen peas. Stir‑fry until everything is heated through, about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high heat

  6. Combine eggs and season

    Return the half‑cooked eggs to the wok, breaking up any large pieces. Sprinkle salt, white pepper, a pinch of MSG, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together for 30 seconds.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: high heat

  7. Finish with scallions

    Stir in the sliced scallions, give a quick toss, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

    Time: PT15S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
13g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains protein, Can be made gluten‑free by omitting soy sauce or using tamari

Allergens: Eggs, Shellfish, Soy (if soy sauce is used)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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House Special Fried Rice

Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt

A quick, wok‑style fried rice that turns leftover Chinese takeout rice, roast chicken, pork chop, shrimp filling, and fresh veggies into a smoky, protein‑packed dinner. Kenji shows how to preheat a wok for maximum heat, use a pinch of cornstarch to separate stubborn grains, and finish with simple seasonings for authentic flavor.

MediumChinese-AmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
7m
Prep
2m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.71
Total cost
$3.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheating the wok until it is extremely hot
  • Scrambling the eggs only until partially set
  • Breaking up the rice with a ladle to ensure individual grains

Safety Warnings

  • The wok will be extremely hot; use oven mitts or a thick towel when handling.
  • Hot oil can splatter – keep face away and have a lid nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fried rice in Chinese cuisine?

A

Fried rice originated as a way to use up leftover rice and bits of meat in Chinese households, turning them into a quick, flavorful dish. It spread throughout Asia and became a staple in Chinese-American restaurants, often adapted with local ingredients.

cultural
Q

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

A

In southern China, Cantonese fried rice is light and uses soy sauce, while in the north, fried rice may include pork and scallions. Southeast Asian versions add ingredients like shrimp paste or pineapple, and Japanese chahan incorporates Japanese seasonings.

cultural
Q

How is fried rice traditionally served in Chinese home cooking?

A

It is typically served as a main or side dish alongside soups, stir‑fry vegetables, and sometimes a small protein. It is eaten hot, often with a side of pickled vegetables to cut the richness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fried rice associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Fried rice is a common comfort food for everyday meals, but it also appears at family gatherings and festivals when there are many leftovers to repurpose, symbolizing resourcefulness and hospitality.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Chinese fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional fried rice uses day‑old jasmine rice, soy sauce, scallions, and a protein like char siu or shrimp. Substitutes such as basmati rice, tamari, or cooked chicken work fine, but the key is dry, separated grains and a high‑heat wok.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with this three‑egg fried rice?

A

It pairs nicely with a simple stir‑fried bok choy, sweet and sour pork, or a light hot and sour soup. The rice’s richness balances tangy or sour flavors well.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fried rice at home?

A

Common errors include using freshly cooked rice (it clumps), overcrowding the wok (temperature drops), and over‑cooking the eggs. Follow Kenji’s steps: chill the rice, preheat the wok, and add ingredients in batches.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a pinch of cornstarch on sticky rice instead of rinsing it?

A

Kenji prefers cornstarch because it lightly coats each grain, helping them stay separate during the high‑heat stir‑fry without adding extra moisture that rinsing would introduce.

technical
Q

Can I make this fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and keep the rice chilled. Store the cooked fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat quickly in a hot wok.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt focuses on science‑based cooking, detailed technique breakdowns, and turning restaurant‑style dishes into reliable home‑cooked recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel J. Kenji López-Alt's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Kenji emphasizes the physics of heat, proper wok preheating, and ingredient prep to achieve authentic "wok‑hei" flavor, whereas many other channels focus more on traditional recipes without deep technical explanations.

channel

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