Skip to main content

Fried Rice

This classic egg fried rice is an excellent high-protein meal that makes clever use of kitchen staples. By using cold, leftover rice and a variety of colourful vegetables like peas and carrots, you can achieve a professional texture that rivals any takeaway. The addition of diced pork, chicken, or beef ensures a satisfyingly savoury finish that is both filling and nutritious.

Ideal for a quick midweek dinner or a post-workout lunch, this versatile dish can be adapted with whatever seasonal vegetables you have in the fridge. The secret to success lies in using a hot frying pan to slightly caramelise the rice grains, creating a lovely depth of flavour. Serve it steaming hot for a comforting, homemade alternative to your favourite Chinese-style side dish.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Fried Rice

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1 bunch spring onions, roughly chopped

  • 150g leftover pork, chicken, or beef, diced

  • 130g frozen peas and carrots, thawed (plus any leftover vegetables you have on hand)

  • 750g cold cooked white or brown rice

  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the eggs and spring onions. Cook, breaking up the eggs with a spoon until they are lightly browned.

  3. Stir in the meat, vegetables, rice, and the remaining oil. Increase heat slightly and cook until the rice is crispy, about 5 minutes.

  4. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce with 60ml of water. Pour the mixture over the rice.

  5. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid, 3 to 5 minutes. 6 Season with the salt and pepper and serve, with extra soy sauce on the side.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 29 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.