How to make fried rice: tips and recipes

Fried rice is one of those basic dishes that any self-respecting home cook should have down perfectly. Not only is it the perfect way to use up day-old rice, but is a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will appreciate.

Fried rice can be augmented with virtually any leftover meats, tofu or vegetables to make it a really substantial and satisfying meal. There are a few simple rules to follow for good fried rice. Here are some tips for the perfect fried rice recipe, and some simple dos and don’ts for the best results.

What kind of rice makes the best fried rice?

Generally, long-grain rice varieties, like jasmine or basmati, are best for fried rice. Medium-grain rice will also do, but try and stay away from rice varieties that are higher in starch. These are great for risotto and Thai-style sticky rice. For fried rice though you need loose grains that are mild in flavour so that they can absorb the flavours of the added ingredients. White rice is usually best, but don’t be afraid of brown rice varieties, just be aware of the difference in flavour – you may need to add acidity.

How to store leftover rice for frying

One top tip for using leftover rice is to keep it in the fridge overnight before frying. Don’t store it in a tub or container, instead spread the rice out on a baking sheet to that it can really dry out while staying relatively fresh. When you take it out of the fridge the next day, it will have loose dry grains that are perfect for fried rice.

How to cook rice

Watch the video below for a guide to all types of rice and how to cook them, including the long-grain rice you’ll need for your fried rice.

What do you add to fried rice?

In general, you need nothing more than rice, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, egg and soy sauce. After that, you can add whatever you want. Any Chinese cooking devotee will tell you that a spoonful of umami-rich MSG is a secret weapon in the making of fried rice.

Now that you have got the essentials for making fried rice, try these recipes with different ingredients for variations on the dish.

Fried rice with egg and spring onion

Dry this Tried & Tasted recipe for simple and delicious fried rice with egg and spring onion. It's worth getting this basic approach right as you can then riff on it, adding whatever is in the fridge, to make your special Lunar New Year fried rice dish. Find out how to make it in our step-by-step recipe, along with tips on recipe twists to elevate your dish or turn it into chicken fried rice.

Vegetarian Thai fried rice

This is a Thai-style fried rice recipe with zestier flavours for something lively and light. Try it with typical Thai accompaniments and you'll liven up any mid-week meal.

Easy homemade stir-fry sauce recipe

This basic stir-fry sauce recipe is a staple that you can use for whipping up a delicious fried rice or stir-fry meal no matter what the ingredients are.

Broccoli fried rice

Broccoli is one of those green vegetables that goes very well in a fried rice dish. Remember to keep the vegetable crunchy and bright green for the best results.