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This single serving Fried Rice recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and is made with simple, everyday ingredients. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Flexible: Use whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
- Budget-Friendly: A great way to use leftover rice and reduce waste.
- Scales Well: Double the recipe to serve two or more.
I love this recipe because it turns basic ingredients into something truly satisfying. The rice gets lightly crisp in spots, the egg adds richness, and the vegetables bring color and texture.
I usually use brown rice, as shown in the photos, but white rice works just as well. It’s a simple dish I reach for often because it always delivers great flavor in every bite.
Enjoy on its own or serve with Cashew Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, Salmon Rice Bowl, or Pork Stir Fry for a complete meal.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy fried rice recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and enhances flavor.
- Onions and Garlic: These build flavor in the dish, so don’t skip them.
- Cooked Rice: Use white or brown rice—whatever you have on hand. Cooked quinoa works too.
- Egg: One large egg adds protein and gives the dish that classic fried rice taste.
- Frozen Vegetables: I usually use peas and corn, but any frozen vegetables will work. Use what you have. Leftover veggies can also be added to Chicken Tortilla Soup or Vegetable Soup.
- Soy Sauce, Salt, and Black Pepper: These season the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt.
Tip: No leftover rice? No problem.
You can easily make a fresh batch using our single serving recipes:
Just be sure to let the rice cool before adding it to the pan—this helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
Recipe Variations
Fried rice is easy to customize with different flavors and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:
- Kimchi: Stir in chopped kimchi and a little gochujang for heat and bold flavor.
- Hawaiian: Add pineapple chunks and diced ham for a sweet and savory mix.
- Breakfast Style: Use breakfast sausage and extra eggs—top with hot sauce if you’d like.
- Curry: Mix in curry powder and vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for a warm, spiced option.
How To Make Fried Rice
To make fried rice, start by melting butter in a medium skillet and sautéing the chopped onions and garlic until they soften. Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through for about 30 seconds.
Push the rice to the edges of the pan to create a space in the center, then crack in the egg and scramble it until almost set. Mix the egg into the rice, add the frozen vegetables, and cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes. Finish by seasoning with soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Want to add protein? Try our Shrimp Fried Rice or Chicken Fried Rice—both follow a similar method.
Expert Tips
- Keep Frozen Vegetables on Hand: They’re perfect for small households—easy to portion and won’t spoil quickly.
- Use Fresh If You Prefer: Swap in fresh vegetables like broccoli or finely chopped carrots if that’s what you have.
- Customize It: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling and suited to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, just use a larger skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan for the best texture.
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy fried rice recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Fried Rice For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon salted butter
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¾ cup cooked brown rice or cooked white rice
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup corn
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- salt to taste (optional)
- pepper to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cooked rice and cook for 30 seconds. Push the rice mixture to the edges of the pan.
- Crack the egg into the center and scramble until nearly set. Stir it into the rice mixture.
- Add peas and corn, and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
- Stir in soy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Keep Frozen Vegetables on Hand: They’re perfect for small households—easy to portion and won’t spoil quickly.
- Use Fresh If You Prefer: Swap in fresh vegetables like broccoli or finely chopped carrots if that’s what you have.
- Customize It: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling and suited to your taste.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
It tasted good but I felt it needed something extra – perhaps some minced ginger. But serving size was just right.