Fried Rice with Leftovers – Quick & Easy Recipe

This is my go to when I have leftovers! You can use any protein, veggies, and make a tasty leftover fried rice with it! Easy and delicious - what is not to love!

Jump to:

• About the Ingredients
• How to cook Fried Rice with Leftovers (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Fried Rice with Leftovers – Quick & Easy Recipe
• More Delicious Fried Rice Recipes!
• Pin for later!

About the Ingredients

Here's some more info about the ingredients that you may find helpful!

Leftover Fried Rice is made typically made with these ingredients:

• Leftover Cooked Protein - You can use any type of cooked protein! I've done this with beef, chicken, shrimp, fish, pork, bacon, sausages and more!
• Rice - Cooked rice is used in fried rice. Usually this is white rice, but you could switch it up and use brown rice too. I recommend using cooked and chilled rice for your friend rice so you can avoid it turning in to a giant mush when you stir fry everything.
• Eggs - You will want to use lightly beaten eggs. Or if you are lazy like me and want to avoid washing an extra dish, you can also crack the egg straight in to the pan and quick scramble it there.
• Cooking Oil - Fried rice very much requires some sort of cooking oil or fat. This is because fried rice requires high heat, and the heat will burn your rice and other ingredients and cause uneven cooking. Oil will coat your rice so it doesn't burn and it helps prevent the rice from sticking to each other.
• Vegetables: Many veggies that are often used in fried rice include onions, green onions, peas, carrots, and garlic. However, just like seasoning, this is greatly up to your personal preference also! Just keep in mind that cooking times of veggies may vary. For example, broccoli will take longer to cook, so you may want to allow that veggie to cook longer or separately from the other veggies.
  • I often use frozen mixed veggies - they cut down on chopping veggies!
  • Also you can use leftover veggies! Just make sure to add them when you add the cooked protein so they don't get over cooked
• Seasoning: This part is very much customizable. While American restaurants usually use soy sauce to flavor their fried rice, you can use a range of seasoning. For example, sesame oil, oyster sauce, or even one of my favorite when home cooking - white pepper, black pepper, and salt. If you're allergic to gluten, you can use white pepper, black pepper, and salt, or you can use coconut amino instead of soy sauce as a substitute.

How to cook Fried Rice with Leftovers (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked protein (steak, chicken, bacon, shrimp, fish, etc)
• 3 tablespoon cooking oil, separated
• 1 cup mixed veggies (corn, peas, carrots, cabbage, etc.)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups of cooked rice
• 5 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3-4 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black and/or white pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Green onions, chopped (optional)

In a heated wok or pan, add 1 tablespoon cooking oil or fat, and once it's hot, add garlic and veggies. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.

With a spatula, move vegetables to one side of the skillet, if the pan is dry go ahead and add a little more oil. Crack the eggs in to the pan and then scramble.

Add another tablespoon of cooking oil, and then the cooked rice and stir to mix well.

Add protein in to cooking pan, along with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, pepper, and salt to taste, and stir fry everything to blend together. Cook for about 3 more minutes or until well mixed.

Sprinkle chopped green onions (optional) and mix well. Remove from heat and serve!

There are so many combos! Here are some examples!

Here's a prime rib and bacon one:

Salmon and bacon:

Shrimp and salmon:

Storage & Reheat

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Since this recipe often uses leftover proteins or veggies, follow the shortest storage time of your original leftovers (generally up to 3-4 days total from when the protein/veggie was first cooked).
• Reheat: Best reheated in a skillet or wok with a splash of oil over medium heat to restore texture. Microwave in 30-second bursts if needed.
• Freezing: If you want to extend storage, freeze right after cooking. Keeps up to 1 month in freezer bags or airtight containers. Reheat straight from frozen in a skillet.

FAQ

Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but it's best if you let it cool and dry a bit first. Spread it out on a tray for at least 30 minutes before stir-frying so it doesn't get mushy.

What proteins can I add?
Pretty much anything you have leftover! Chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu all work perfectly.

Do I need to use leftover veggies too?
Not necessarily - you can toss in frozen peas, carrots, or any fresh veggies you have on hand.

How do I keep fried rice from getting soggy?
Make sure your rice is day-old or dried out a little before cooking, and cook on high heat so moisture evaporates quickly.

More Delicious Fried Rice Recipes!

If you're anything like me, fried rice is one of those dishes you never get tired of-it's fast, customizable, and always hits the spot. Whether you've got leftovers to use or you're craving something savory and satisfying, these recipes are worth digging into:

• Who doesn't love BACON! If you are a fan, check out my Bacon Fried Rice! Salty, crispy bacon meets mixed veggies, garlic, and rice in this comforting classic. It's smoky, savory, and totally addictive-your taste buds will thank you.
• If you have pork, make some tasty Pork Fried Rice! Strips of marinated pork stir-fried with veggies, eggs, garlic, and soy sauce! This one's perfect when you want something hearty and flavorful that still comes together fast.
• Do you love tomatoes? If you do - try this Tomato Fried Rice - A fresh twist on traditional fried rice! Chopped tomatoes give the dish a slight tang and juicy flavor that pairs beautifully with rice. It's simple, colorful, and so satisfying. I love adding some hot sauce with it too!
• Or keep it simple with my Egg Fried Rice - The ultimate go-to! This version is loaded with eggs, veggies, and garlic for a quick, tasty dish that works as a side!

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