Quick and Tasty Fried Rice Recipes for Weeknight Meals

You can never go wrong with a good old plate of wok-charred fried rice! It doesn’t matter if it’s chicken, shrimp, kimchi, or tofu— it all holds equal potential. These amazing fried rice recipes are exactly what you need. 

Fried rice is the ultimate weeknight meal miracle. All you need is leftover rice, eggs, vegetables, and whatever you already have on hand. Once you crank up the pan or wok, everything comes together in a flash! It’s simple and humble food, but it’s the details of the process that transform everyday pantry ingredients into something incredible.

Here is a collection of our delicious fried rice recipes that are perfect for an easy weeknight meal. They are family-friendly but satisfying enough to be served on their own. In each recipe, you’ll also find tips and techniques on how to cook perfect fried rice that is tastier than takeout. So don’t miss out on those.

What’s more? Fried rice really can be great for dinner, lunch, or breakfast!

Quick and Tasty Fried Rice Recipes

1. Japanese Fried Rice (Yakimeshi)

This classic Japanese fried rice is all about utilizing the pantry ingredients and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and soy sauce. In this basic recipe, I have scrambled eggs, ham, and chopped green onion to pair with the day-old rice. But you can always add in 1-2 veggies like frozen peas or carrots, and switch out different proteins like Chinese sausage or chicken. So many variations you can do with this easy template!

👉🏼 Get Easy Japanese Fried Rice Recipe.

2. Japanese Garlic Fried Rice

Garlicky and buttery, this Japanese Garlic Fried Rice topped with garlic chips is perfect even for a Friday date night! I recommend using only Japanese short-grain rice instead of long-grain rice like jasmine rice as it would yield a stickier consistency. Serve the garlic fried rice with succulent grilled shrimp, miso soup, and a glass of your favorite wine.

👉🏼 Get Japanese Garlic Fried Rice Recipe.

3. Salmon Fried Rice

Fried rice is the best kind of meal to transform any leftovers! In this case, if you have any salted salmon or baked salmon from the previous night’s dinner in the fridge, turn it into a delicious fried rice dish the next day! Plenty of flavor to a meal in under 30 minutes.

👉🏼 Get Salmon Fried Rice Recipe.

4. Chashu Fried Rice

The umami flavor and toothsome texture of chashu pork belly in this fried rice is unbeatable. I also like drizzling in a little sesame oil at the end to give it a fragrant nutty aroma. To serve, fill a rice bowl with the fried rice and flip it onto the serving plate to release. You’d get beautifully dome-shaped fried rice just like how they would have done at the restaurant.

👉🏼 Get Chashu Fried Rice Recipe.

5. Kimchi Fried Rice

When you crave for something easy yet spicy, reach for the jar of kimchi in the refrigerator and make this fabulous fried rice with your leftover cooked rice. Topped with a fried egg, sesame seeds, Korean seaweed, and scallion, you get a great dinner in no time!

👉🏼 Get Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe.

6. Shrimp Fried Rice

Wok charred fried rice with sweet succulent shrimp and fluffy egg. Need we say more?

👉🏼 Get Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe.

7. Japanese Fried Rice with Edamame, Tofu, and Hijiki Seaweed

This fried rice is a copycat recipe for Trader Joe’s popular Japanese Fried Rice with Edamame, Tofu, and Hijiki Seaweed. But dare we say the homemade version is so much better and healthier! The shredded carrot adds a pop of color too. You can cut down on the saltiness or the sweetness to suit your taste. It’s gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan-friendly too.

👉🏼 Get Japanese Fried Rice with Edamame, Tofu, and Hijiki Seaweed Recipe.

8. Chicken Fried Rice – Inspired by Midnight Diner

Cooked with sweet and tangy ketchup-based sauce, this classic Chicken Fried Rice is a favorite among the children. You can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs work best as they stay moist and tender. As a result, the fried rice has all the right notes, and we know it will be an instant hit with your family!

👉🏼 Get Chicken Fried Rice Recipe.

9. Pickled Mustard Greens Fried Rice

This Pickled Mustard Greens Fried Rice—known as Takana Chahan—is a popular regional dish from Kyushu. Thanks to the tangy pickle, it’s packed with comfort and plenty of umami. Add a fluffy scrambled egg for extra protein and color. It takes only 5 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cook time.

👉🏼 Get Pickled Mustard Greens Fried Rice Recipe.

Storing and Reheating Fried Rice

Fried rice is really best eaten the day it’s made (think the wok-charred flavor), but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat the fried rice in the microwave or in a skillet over the stovetop. If needed, sprinkle a tablespoon of water to revive the moisture.

More Easy Weeknight Meal Ideas

• Teriyaki Salmon
• Beef and Green Pepper Stir-Fry
• Stir Fry Vegetables (Yasai Itame)
• Instant Pot Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice)
• 15 Easy Japanese Salads

Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Quick and Tasty Fried Rice Recipes

5 from 1 vote

Chicken fried rice, kimchi fried rice, or garlic fried rice— it all holds equal potential. These amazing yet easy fried rice recipes are exactly what you need. 

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

• ▢ Japanese Fried Rice (Yakimeshi)
• ▢ Japanese Garlic Fried Rice
• ▢ Salmon Fried Rice
• ▢ Chashu Fried Rice
• ▢ Kimchi Fried Rice
• ▢ Shrimp Fried Rice
• ▢ Japanese Fried Rice with Edamame, Tofu, and Hijiki Seaweed
• ▢ Chicken Fried Rice – Inspired by Midnight Diner
• ▢ Pickled Mustard Greens Fried Rice

Japanese Ingredient Substitution: If you want substitutes for Japanese condiments and ingredients, click here.

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

• Select the fried rice recipes you want to make from the list above.
• Follow the detailed instruction in each post (tips and substitutions included).
• Make and enjoy the fried rice recipes at home.
• Share in the comment below to let us know your favorite. And if you enjoy the recipe(s), please consider giving us a 5-star rating!

Author: Nami

Keyword: easy, fried rice, rice

©JustOneCookbook.com Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any website or social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

Did you make this recipe?If you made this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #justonecookbook! We love to see your creations on Instagram @justonecookbook!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 5, 2020. It’s been republished on October 22, 2023.