How to Make Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe in 20 Minutes

By: Mia

May 31, 2025

A bowl of delicious, easy Chinese fried rice with egg, carrots, and peas.

Hey there, fellow foodies! 👋 Are you ready for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for those quick family dinners or 30-minute meals, this dish is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something flavorful and nutritious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies, making it a win-win for meal prep and reducing food waste. So, grab your wok or skillet, and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite protein and veggies to make it your own.
  • Flavorful: A perfect balance of savory, umami, and a hint of spice.
  • Healthy: Packed with veggies and lean protein for a nutritious meal.
  • Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe (full measurements are in the printable recipe card below):

  • 3 cups day-old rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or sesame)
  • 1 cup protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe:

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by chopping the vegetables and whisking the eggs. This will save you time during cooking and ensure everything is ready to go when you need it.
  2. Heat your wok or skillet: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. This is crucial for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture.
  3. Add oil and garlic: Pour in the cooking oil and add the minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step sets the foundation for the dish’s flavor.
  4. Stir-fry the veggies: Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they’re tender yet crisp. You want to retain that vibrant color and crunch.
  5. Scramble the eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan, crack in the eggs, and scramble them until fully cooked. Then, mix them with the veggies.
  6. Combine everything: Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in the soy sauce and mix well for about 3–5 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to help you make the best Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe:

  • Use day-old rice: Fresh rice is too moist and sticky, so day-old rice works best for fried rice.
  • Customize to your taste: Feel free to add your favorite protein or extra veggies to make it more substantial.
  • Don’t overcook: Stir-fry quickly over high heat to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
  • Add a bit of spice: If you like heat, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for an extra kick.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving your Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe:

  • As a main dish: Serve it on its own or with a side of simple weeknight fried rice.
  • With a side: Pair it with chicken fried rice for a hearty meal.
  • As a side dish: It’s a great accompaniment to your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to make ahead and store your Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe:

  • Make ahead: Prepare the ingredients (chop veggies, cook protein) up to a day in advance to save time during cooking.
  • Refrigerate: Cooked fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat when needed. It’s a great meal prep option!

And there you have it—my Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe that’s quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners, easy pasta recipes, or weeknight dinner ideas, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out more of my favorite chicken fried rice recipes for more inspiration!

A bowl of delicious, easy Chinese fried rice with egg, carrots, and peas.

Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe

A quick and delicious Chinese-inspired meal made with day-old rice and your choice of protein.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups day-old rice
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or sesame)
  • 1 cup protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and whisking the eggs.
  • Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  • Add oil and minced garlic; stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
  • Push veggies to one side, crack in the eggs, and scramble until fully cooked.
  • Fold in day-old rice and soy sauce; mix well for about 3–5 minutes until heated through.

Notes

For best results, use leftover rice that's been refrigerated overnight.
Keyword rice
A portrait of Mia, the author of echickenrecipes.com, a fair-skinned woman with reddish-brown hair, bangs, and blue eyes, smiling warmly at the camera.


Mia
- Chicken lover, home cook, and the creator of E-Chicken Recipes!

I started this blog because I believe chicken recipes should be easy, tasty, and fun to make. Here, you’ll find simple chicken meals, helpful tips, and ideas to make cooking easier — whether you’re new to the kitchen or just want to try something new with chicken.

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