How to Make Simple Weeknight Fried Rice in 20 Minutes

By: Mia

May 30, 2025

A plate of gluten-free fried rice garnished with green onions and chopsticks resting on the plate.

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? You’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Simple Weeknight Fried Rice that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This gluten-free dish is a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you need something tasty but don’t have much time to spare. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies. Let’s dive in and make this easy pasta recipes night a success!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to make: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for 30-minute meals.
  • Gluten-free: Made with gluten-free soy sauce, this dish is accessible for everyone.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
  • Easy cleanup: One skillet means less mess and stress.
  • Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that works for quick family dinners and weeknight dinner ideas.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Quick Fried Rice Recipe:

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cups (packed) cold cooked jasmine rice
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

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

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! This Fried Rice Easy Recipe is a breeze to make:

  1. Heat a wok or large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the cold rice, stirring to coat the rice in oil and breaking up any chunks. Fry for about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat slightly and move the rice to one side of the pan. To the empty side, add the eggs. Cook and stir to scramble the eggs, almost cooking through.
  3. Combine the eggs with the rice. Add in the optional veggies, green onions, soy sauce, and optional sesame oil. Stir and cook until heated through. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make your Perfect Fried Rice even better:

  • Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice is too sticky. Let it cool down or refrigerate it for a few hours.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir-frying quickly over high heat gives the best texture.
  • Add your favorites: Customize with cooked chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies for a hearty meal.

How to Serve

This Chinese Fried Rice Recipe is versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side. Try pairing it with:

  • A simple green salad
  • Steamed dumplings
  • Your favorite protein

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep ahead by cooking the rice and chopping the veggies the day before. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra soy sauce for freshness.

Craving more fried rice inspiration? Check out these other delicious recipes:

There you have it—a quick, easy, and delicious Gluten Free Fried Rice recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner ideas. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

A plate of gluten-free fried rice garnished with green onions and chopsticks resting on the plate.

Simple Weeknight Fried Rice (Gluten Free)

A quick and easy gluten-free fried rice dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. Customize with your favorite vegetables and serve hot.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cups cold cooked jasmine rice packed, see recipe notes for cooking and cooling technique
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed, optional
  • 3 stalks green onions sliced
  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat a wok or large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil then the cold rice, stirring to coat the rice in oil, and breaking up any chunks. Fry for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat slightly and move the rice to one side of the pan. To the empty side, add the eggs. Cook and stir to scramble the eggs, almost cooking through.
  • Combine the eggs with the rice. Add in the optional veggies, green onions, soy sauce, and optional sesame oil. Stir and cook until heated through. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use leftover cooked rice that has been refrigerated overnight. Customize with your favorite vegetables or add cooked meat for extra protein.
Keyword fried 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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