20 best fried rice recipes
Level up your fried rice game
Fried rice offers endless variations to explore. Originating from China as a means to repurpose leftover rice, it has become a quick go-to meal for many. Ideal for batch cooking and freezing, fried rice can be crafted from simple pantry items and frozen vegetables, making it a perfect budget meal, easy dinner or weeknight winner. Whether you prefer the classic Chinese style or another twist, each recipe in this list is customisable to cater to your family's tastes.
01
Chinese-style chicken fried rice
This classic dish, combining tender chicken with fluffy rice and a mix of frozen vegetables, embodies the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine. Use cold day-old rice for the best texture and add a splash of soy sauce for that authentic flavour. A fantastic option for a budget family meal.
02
Sweet-chilli chicken fried rice
Infuse your dinner with the zesty sweetness of this dish, perfect for those who enjoy a hint of spice. Incorporate frozen veggies and microwave rice to make it a value meal ideal for a quick and easy family dinner. Add some soy sauce at the end for extra flavour.
03
Easy fried rice
This fast and flavoursome fried rice recipe is the epitome of easy midweek cooking and will quickly become your go-to family dinner recipe. Cook on a high heat and let rest at the bottom of the pan to create those special crispy bits. No prawns? Use any leftover meat like chicken or pork in your fridge instead.
04
Teriyaki eggplant fried rice
Try a fusion of Japanese and Chinese cuisine with this vegetarian version. Eggplants marinated in teriyaki sauce offer a rich umami flavour and marry perfectly in this speedy weeknight dinner. Or you can try using in-season mushrooms instead with this recipe. Add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra depth and flavour.
05
Fast pork fried rice
Have your meal on the table in ten minutes with this quick and easy dinner option that doesn't skimp on flavour. Pork adds a rich depth, making it a comforting choice for a winter meal. Pair with any seasonal produce like peas or beans for added freshness. For that extra rich flavour, fry with butter.
06
Cauliflower rice
For a low-carb alternative, this recipe swaps traditional rice for cauliflower, making it a light yet fulfilling dish. Experiment with various seasonings and pantry ingredients to find your perfect blend. Batch, cook and freeze for later.
07
Thai watermelon and prawn fried rice
This clever combo of sweet watermelon and savoury prawns, dressed in Thai spices, offers a unique twist on the classic fried rice. This dish uses brown rice and broccolini for a healthier twist on this family favourite.
08
Crispy bacon and veg fried rice
Make your family a budget meal and recreate this takeaway favourite at home. To save yourself time, use day-old rice and have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
09
Honey prawn fried rice with crispy wontons
This irresistibly moreish classic – made with aromatic, fluffy rice and tender, juicy prawns – is just as good as takeaway. This dish showcases the balance between sweet and savoury, making it a loaded rice treat for any occasion.
10
Veg-packed fried rice
Between the broccolini, peas, capsicum and chicken, this budget take on 'fried' rice will leave your toughest (and littlest) critics eager for more. Not only that, it's easy to make and perfect for incorporating leftover veggies.
11
Quick pork and veggie fried rice
Fast, flavourful and filled with protein, this recipe is one for busy weeknights. It demonstrates the ease of turning simple ingredients into a delectable family meal. Using frozen veggies and microwave rice makes for a speedy dinner on the table in just 25 minutes.
12
Healthier quick veggie fried rice
Try this easy fried rice recipe for a healthier, budget-friendly vegetarian dinner that's loaded with veggies. It will become your new go-to 15-minute meal that you’ll serve to your family on a weekly rotation.
13
Pineapple fried rice
The tropical sweetness of pineapple gives this rice dish a moreish twist. It's a fantastic way to pair seasonal produce with pantry staples for a meal that's family (and budget) friendly. Use frozen veggies to make an easy and speedy meal.
14
Sweet and sour pork with fried rice
Merge the tangy goodness of sweet and sour pork with the savoury base of fried rice for a fulfilling family meal. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can turn a basic meal into something special.
15
Egg fried rice
A staple in fried rice cuisine, try this easy egg fried rice recipe that uses Chinese sausage and juicy prawns. You can have it ready for lunch or dinner in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeks.
16
Fried rice traybake
Minimise clean up with this one-pan approach to fried rice. It's an ingenious way to prepare a budget meal that's loaded with flavour and nourishing goodies. Perfect for batch cooking for quick lunches the next day.
17
Cheat's bbq pork and kimchi fried rice
Combining microwave rice, pork scotch fillet steaks, fermented kimchi and veggies, this quick and tasty pork fried rice will become your new go-to meal. This recipe offers a speedy, easy dinner that's bursting with taste.
18
Satay beef with broccoli fried rice
Infused with the nutty richness of satay sauce, this quick and easy dish pairs perfectly with the crunch of broccoli, showcasing the potential for fried rice to be a protein-packed, nourishing meal. Use microwave rice and frozen veg for an even speedier bite.
19
Simple egg fried rice
Master the basics with this simple egg fried rice, a staple for any weeknight dinner. Ideal for batch cooking, it transforms pantry staples and frozen veg into a family meal that's both budget-friendly and customisable. Use cold day-old rice for the best texture and add whatever veggies you have on hand.
20
Special fried rice with prawns and chicken
This special fried rice, brimming with prawns and chicken is set to become your new go-to. It's the ultimate easy dinner that's sure to please, with the convenience of batch-cook and freeze capabilities. Tweak the recipe with seasonal produce or whatever's left in your fridge for a loaded rice dish that's as versatile as it is tasty.