Japanese Fried Rice is a simple and delicious dish that brings together fluffy rice, tender bits of meat or seafood, fresh vegetables, and a mild touch of soy sauce. The rice gets wonderfully coated and slightly crisped, making every bite full of flavor and texture. It’s a great way to enjoy a quick meal packed with familiar tastes and a little bit of crunch.
I love making Japanese Fried Rice when I want something satisfying but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. The best part is that it’s easy to customize—whether you add eggs, green onions, or whatever veggies you have on hand, it always comes together perfectly. I usually let the rice cool a bit before frying so it gets nice and separated without turning mushy.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of pickled ginger or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a bit of extra flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels like comfort food but is still light enough for any day of the week. Whenever I make it, it reminds me of those quick lunches I used to enjoy after school—simple, tasty, and quick to finish so I could get back to playing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Japanese short
- grain rice: This rice is stickier and more tender, perfect for this dish. If you can’t find it, use jasmine rice, but keep in mind it will be less sticky.
- Eggs
- Eggs add texture and richness. I like adding an extra fried egg on top—it makes the dish feel special. For a vegan option, just skip the eggs or use scrambled tofu.
- Green onions
- Use both white and green parts; the white adds a mild onion flavor when cooked and the green adds freshness at the end. If you don’t have them, chives are a good substitute.
- Soy sauce
- This gives a nice salty umami taste. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce salt. Tamari works well for gluten-free needs.
- Mirin
- It’s optional but adds a touch of sweetness and depth. If you don’t have mirin, a splash of sugar or a little sweet white wine can work.
How Do I Make the Fried Rice Fluffy and Not Sticky or Mushy?
The key is to use rice that’s cooled or, ideally, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clumpy. Here’s how to get fluffy rice:
- Cook rice ahead of time and spread it on a tray to cool quickly.
- Refrigerate the rice to firm up the grains.
- Before frying, break up any clumps gently with your fingers or a fork.
- Cook on medium-high heat with a bit of oil, stirring often but not constantly, so the rice warms evenly and gets a little bit of crisp.
This technique helps keep the rice grains separate and makes for a better texture in your fried rice. I always make my rice the day before if I can—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large frying pan or wok – I use this because it heats quickly and gives the rice a nice stir-fry texture.
- Spatula – helps you toss and mix the rice and veggies without breaking the grains.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping the carrots and green onions easily.
- Measuring spoons – to keep your soy sauce and mirin amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add diced cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein and a hearty meal.
- Use chopped mushrooms to add a meaty, earthy flavor that pairs well with the soy sauce.
- Mix in edamame or corn for a bit of sweetness and extra texture.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or drizzle a little sesame oil at the end for a richer taste.
Japanese Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably cooled or day-old)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp mirin (optional, for slight sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 fried egg (sunny side up), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Japanese Fried Rice recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Most of that time is hands-on cooking, making it a quick and easy meal to prepare. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, it’s best to have the rice cooled or prepared a day ahead for the best texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare your ingredients:
Dice the carrots, thaw peas if needed, and slice green onions, keeping white and green parts separate for flavor layering.
2. Cook vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and diced carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
3. Add peas and eggs:
Stir in the peas and cook for another minute. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Gently scramble the eggs until mostly cooked.
4. Mix rice with veggies and eggs:
Combine the eggs and vegetables, then add the cooled rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
5. Season the fried rice:
Add soy sauce, mirin (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the rice and vegetables.
6. Finish and serve:
Stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. Transfer the rice to a serving plate and shape into a mound. Top with a sunny side up fried egg and garnish with the remaining green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice for Japanese Fried Rice?
Yes, but it’s best to let the rice cool completely and dry out a bit first. Spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate for a few hours to prevent it from becoming mushy when fried.
What Can I Substitute for Mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, you can use a small splash of rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar, or simply add a tiny bit of sugar to your soy sauce to mimic the sweetness mirin provides.
How Should I Store Leftover Japanese Fried Rice?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to restore texture, adding a little oil if needed. Avoid microwaving for best results.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like mushrooms, shrimp, chicken, or bell peppers to customize your fried rice to your taste and make it more filling.