Japanese Fried Rice
Japanese Fried Rice is a simple but flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick meal. It usually features fluffy white rice mixed with bits of egg, green onions, and sometimes…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Japanese Fried Rice is a simple but flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. It usually features fluffy white rice mixed with bits of egg, green onions, and sometimes small pieces of meat or vegetables, all tossed in soy sauce for a slightly salty kick. The rice gets a nice, light crispiness from being stir-fried just right, which makes every bite satisfying.
I love making this recipe when I want something warm and comforting without too much fuss. One little trick I like is to use day-old rice because it keeps its texture better and doesn’t get mushy. Adding a splash of sesame oil at the end gives it a lovely nutty aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell inviting.
The great thing about Japanese Fried Rice is how easy it is to change it up based on what you have in the fridge. Whether you toss in leftover chicken, tofu, or just stick with veggies and egg, it always turns out tasty. I usually enjoy it on its own for a light dinner or serve it alongside some simple miso soup for a cozy, homemade meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Japanese short-grain rice: Using day-old rice is key. Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky, but chilled rice grains separate better for frying. If you don’t have short-grain, medium-grain rice works fine too.
Shrimp: Shrimp adds a sweet, chewy bite but you can swap it for chicken, tofu, or even just extra veggies to keep it simple and plant-based.
Eggs: Eggs give a nice soft texture and richness. Scramble some into the rice and top with a fried egg for extra flavor. You can skip the fried egg if you prefer.
Soy sauce & mirin: Soy sauce is the main salty flavor. Mirin adds a bit of sweetness, but you can leave it out or add a pinch of sugar if you don’t have mirin.
Sesame oil: A small drizzle of sesame oil adds a lovely nutty aroma. If you don’t have any, vegetable oil works, but sesame oil really makes a difference in flavor.
How Can You Get the Perfect Fried Rice Texture?
The secret to great fried rice is not mushy rice and vibrant mix-ins. Here’s how:
- Use chilled, day-old rice for best texture.
- Cook veggies and protein first to develop flavor.
- Scramble eggs separately or push veggies aside to cook eggs evenly.
- Cook on medium-high heat and keep stirring to avoid sticking without overcooking.
- Break up rice clumps gently with your spatula.
These steps help keep the rice grains separate and keep the mix-ins fresh and colorful. Avoid pouring sauce all at once – add it gradually and toss to coat gently for balanced flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for quick, even stir-frying and getting that slight crisp on the rice.
- Spatula – helps you toss and break up rice clumps easily without squashing the grains.
- Small frying pan – for cooking the sunny-side-up egg separately with crisp edges.
- Measuring spoons – to get the soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil just right for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shrimp for diced chicken or pork for a different protein boost that still cooks quickly.
- Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra color, texture, and mild earthiness.
- Use tofu instead of meat to make a vegetarian version; pressing the tofu first helps it hold its shape.
- Season with a little grated ginger or garlic for a fragrant kick that lifts the flavors.
How to Make Japanese Fried Rice with Shrimp and Egg
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and diced carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack the two eggs into the empty side and scramble gently until just cooked but still soft.
4. Add the Rice:
Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir everything together so the rice mixes well with the vegetables and eggs.
5. Add Shrimp and Peas:
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with the green peas and sliced green onions. Mix everything evenly.
6. Season the Fried Rice:
Pour in the soy sauce and mirin (if using). Stir carefully to coat all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice and toss briefly. Remove the pan from the heat.
8. Cook the Sunny-Side-Up Egg:
In a separate small pan, fry an egg sunny-side up until the edges are slightly crispy but the yolk remains runny.
9. Serve:
Plate the fried rice and top it with the sunny-side-up egg. Garnish with some additional sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Japanese Fried Rice!
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, but it’s best to let freshly cooked rice cool completely and dry out a bit to prevent sogginess. Spreading the rice on a tray and chilling it in the fridge for at least an hour works well before frying.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
You can easily swap shrimp with diced chicken, pork, tofu, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to refresh the texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the shrimp and use tofu or extra veggies. Make sure to use vegetarian-friendly soy sauce if you want to avoid fish products sometimes found in some brands.