Transform your leftover rice into amazing meals with these five flavorful fried rice recipes. From classic chicken to innovative cauliflower rice variations, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Each recipe is designed to be easy to prepare while delivering restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
1. Classic Chicken Fried Rice

Ready in 25 minutes (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins)
Transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with this classic chicken fried rice. This recipe perfectly balances tender chicken with colorful vegetables in a savory Asian-inspired sauce.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ¼ cup diced white onion (35g)
- 1 sliced carrot
- ¼ cup frozen corn (45g)
- ¼ cup frozen peas (35g)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (230g)
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken (125g)
- 1 large scrambled egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot, corn, and peas. Cook until carrots are tender.
- Incorporate brown rice, chicken, egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat through for about a minute.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
2. Vegetarian Delight: Veggie Fried Rice

Ready in 35 minutes (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins)
This vegetarian version is packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich eggs, making it a perfect meatless main dish or satisfying side.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil
- ½ cup diced carrot (60g)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion (75g)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup diced bell pepper (50g)
- ½ cup broccoli florets (75g)
- 3 large beaten eggs
- ½ cup peas (75g)
- ⅓ cup corn
- 3 cups cooked white rice (600g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté carrot, onion, and garlic until onions become translucent.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Push vegetables aside and scramble eggs in the empty space.
- Combine all ingredients with rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook until rice becomes slightly crispy.
3. Savory Bacon and Egg Fried Rice

Ready in 35 minutes (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins)
This comfort food classic combines crispy bacon with fluffy eggs for an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any meal of the day.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz bacon (225g)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 cups cooked rice (1kg)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Beat eggs with a pinch of salt.
- Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces and finely dice onion.
- Scramble eggs in vegetable oil and set aside.
- Cook bacon until crisp, remove and reserve the fat.
- Sauté onions in bacon fat until translucent.
- Add rice, season with salt, pepper, sugar, and soy sauce.
- Incorporate bacon and eggs back into the rice.
- Garnish with green onions.
4. Tropical Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice

Ready in 35 minutes (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins)
Sweet meets savory in this Hawaiian-inspired fried rice that combines smoky ham with juicy pineapple chunks.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 2 teaspoons oil
- ½ cup diced onion (75g)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup diced carrot (60g)
- ½ cup diced bell pepper (50g)
- ½ cup diced ham (75g)
- 3 beaten eggs
- 3 cups cooked brown rice (600g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup diced pineapple (245g)
- Pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil and cook onion, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and ham until onions are translucent.
- Push ingredients aside and scramble eggs in the empty space.
- Combine with rice, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Add pineapple and cook until rice is slightly crispy.
5. Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ready in 25 minutes (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins)
A healthy twist on traditional fried rice, this version uses cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients (3 servings):
- 1 head cauliflower
- ¾ lb flank steak (340g), sliced into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets (350g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
- Process cauliflower florets into rice-sized pieces in a food processor.
- Pat dry the cauliflower rice with a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Cook steak in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
- Add broccoli, seasonings, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
- Cook until liquid reduces (4-5 minutes).
- Add cauliflower rice and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice:
- Use day-old rice for best results – fresh rice can become mushy
- Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking
- Use high heat to achieve that perfect slightly crispy texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary
- Season gradually and taste as you go
- For extra flavor, add a dash of oyster sauce or white pepper
Each of these recipes can be customized to your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and vegetables according to what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a way to use up leftover rice, these versatile recipes have you covered.