15 Fried Rice Recipes That Make Leftovers Taste Amazing (2024)

Updated on 04/22/20

Steaming Rice on the Stovetop

• 01 of 15

  Kimchi Fried Rice

  

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  This kimchi fried rice, also known as bokumbaporbokkeumbap in Korean, makes a simple and speedy meal using two Korean staples: rice and kimchi. Thinly sliced beef adds extra protein, and topping each bowl with a fried egg gives it a lovely textural contrast.

• 02 of 15

  Basic Fried Rice with Egg

  

  Start with this simple fried rice base, and then add other proteins, vegetables, and seasonings to customize it to your family's taste. If you do add more elements, increase the eggs to three, to keep it balanced.

• 03 of 15

  Chaufa Rice

  

  This anything-goes fried rice comes from the Chinese-Peruvian fusion tradition, and you can really make it any way that suits your taste – or your refrigerator. Shredded pork, chicken, or even cut-up hot dogs add protein, and making rice the Peruvian way gives it just the right texture.

• 04 of 15

  Easy Vegetable Fried Rice

  

  Fried rice with vegetables is an easy and versatile dish perfect not only for vegetarians or vegans. This basic version can be made with whatever vegetables you happen to have on hand-- the recipe suggests spinach, green beans, and tomatoes -- but any collection of veg will do!

  Continue to 5 of 15 below.

• 05 of 15

  Spam Fried Rice

  

  Adding Spam to fried rice gives it a salty element that will really hit the spot. If you don't have Spam, try swapping in ham. Vegetable variations are also endless, so don't feel tied to the exact ingredients listed and feel free to add more veggies to your taste.

• 06 of 15

  Thai Chicken Fried Rice

  

  While Thai food fans disagree over whether this soy sauce-based fried rice recipe actually counts as authentically Thai, everyone agrees it tastes great. Several days old rice actually works best, but fresh rice will work too. Fish sauce, soy sauce, and a spritz of lime gives it a delightful depth of flavor.

• 07 of 15

  Chinese Sausage Fried Rice

  

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  If you haven't tried spiced Chinese sausage, give it a shot in this easy and satisfying fried rice. It gives it a distinctive flavor that other proteins just can't replicate. Swap out the vegetables for whatever you have in the fridge or freezer, for a versatile meal.

• 08 of 15

  Vegetarian Pineapple Fried Rice

  

  With sweet pineapple, currants, cashews, and plenty of veggies, this island-style fried rice creates a symphony of tastes and textures. It makes a great side or a lighter main, especially if you serve it in a festive hollowed-out pineapple.

  Continue to 9 of 15 below.

• 09 of 15

  Mushroom Fried Rice

  

  Adding mushrooms to fried rice gives it an umami, almost meaty element without any animal products. Use shiitake, portobello, or other firm mushroom varieties, or mix it up by blending several types. This one lends itself to lots of veggies, so toss in whatever you have on hand.

• 10 of 15

  Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Crab Paste

  

  For a different take on fried rice, try this Filipino version. The rice gets stir fried with lots of garlic and ginger until each grain of rice gets coated with pungent, glistening oil. Crab paste adds an extra umami element, while a hit of lime or other citrus juice balances it all out.

• 11 of 15

  Fried Rice with Cashews

  

  Cashews give this traditional Chinese fried rice extra crunch and nutty flavor. Bell peppers, corn, peas, ginger, and soy sauce all round out the dish. Some chopped green onions and even some toasted sesame seeds would make a lovely topping, for extra flare.

• 12 of 15

  Vietnamese Fried Rice

  

  With its milder flavor, Vietnamese fried rice has lots in common with the Chinese version, but still comes off as a totally different dish. Dried Chinese sausage, barbecued pork, and lemongrass differentiate this recipe from other fried rice you may have tried. Add it to your rotation, for a fun twist.

  Continue to 13 of 15 below.

• 13 of 15

  Leftovers Fried Rice

  

  Clean out the fridge and freezer with this quick and simple fried rice even your teenagers can make. A bag of Asian vegetables goes naturally in this dish, but you can choose your own adventure with whatever else needs using up. Garnish with scallions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or a blend.

• 14 of 15

  Cauliflower Fried Rice

  

  If you follow a low-carb diet or just want to experiment with grain substitutes, try this delicious cauliflower fried rice. Stir frying works well with riced cauliflower because it cooks the grains quickly and over high heat, so it doesn't have a chance to turn mushy.

• 15 of 15

  Ground Beef Fried Rice

  

  Soy-marinated ground beef, fresh ginger, and curry powder give this simple fried rice an exciting Asian-inspired flavor. Use up leftover cold rice or cook up a fresh batch just for this recipe. It also comes together in under 30 minutes, for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Asian Food
• Chinese Food
• Gluten-Free Food
• Gluten-Free Mains