Chinese Special Fried Rice Restaurant Style

A good plate of Chinese special fried rice is all about balance. Every grain of rice should be separate, the vegetables crisp, the eggs soft yet fully mixed in, and the seasoning just enough to bring everything together without overpowering the dish.

Using cold, day-old rice makes all the difference. Fresh rice is too soft and sticks together, but chilled rice stays firm and fries up perfectly.

A hot pan is just as important—it keeps the ingredients from steaming and gives the rice that signature, slightly smoky taste you’d expect from a restaurant.

This recipe breaks it down step by step, making sure every detail is covered. No complicated techniques, just simple methods that work every time. Once you try it, you’ll never need takeout again.

Table of Contents

Chinese Special Fried Rice Restaurant Style Recipe

Ingredients

For The Rice

2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice (preferably a day old)
1 tsp vegetable oil (to prevent sticking)

For The Eggs

2 large eggs
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp oil

For The Vegetables & Aromatics

½ cup carrots, diced small
½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen, thawed)
¼ cup white onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separate)

For The Seasoning

1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
½ tsp white pepper powder
½ tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

Cook jasmine rice a day ahead if possible, then let it cool in the fridge overnight. This helps the rice firm up and prevents it from getting mushy when fried. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
Heat a wok or large pan over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and scramble the eggs with ¼ tsp salt until just set but still slightly soft. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Add another 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Toss in the diced carrots first, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes, then add the peas, onions, and garlic. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Increase the heat to high and add the cold rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps, ensuring each grain gets coated in oil and separates beautifully. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
Pour in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Mix quickly and evenly, coating the rice in the sauce.
Push the rice to one side of the wok and pour in 1 tsp sesame oil. Immediately return the scrambled eggs to the wok and break them up into smaller pieces. Stir everything together.
Add the white parts of the green onion, tossing them into the rice for a mild oniony bite. Stir-fry for another minute to let all the flavors meld.
Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Give the rice one final toss and turn off the heat.
Serve immediately while hot and fresh, just like in a restaurant!

Tips For Making Perfect Chinese Fried Rice

Making restaurant-quality Chinese fried rice at home is easy if you follow a few key tips.

Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice is too soft and sticky. Leftover rice from the fridge fries up perfectly with separate grains.
Keep the Heat High: A very hot pan prevents sogginess and adds a slight smoky flavor.
Use the Right Oil: Neutral oils like vegetable, peanut, or sesame oil work best. Avoid olive oil, as it has a strong flavor.
Cook Ingredients Separately: Fry eggs, vegetables, and rice separately before combining to keep the right texture.
Don’t Overload the Pan: Too many ingredients at once will cool the pan down, making the rice mushy instead of crispy.
Add Soy Sauce Gradually: Pour soy sauce around the edges of the pan, not directly on the rice, to get an even coating without making the dish wet.
Finish with Sesame Oil: A small amount at the end enhances the aroma and adds depth to the flavor.

Variations Of Chinese Fried Rice

Fried rice is flexible, and you can switch up ingredients to suit your taste.

Chicken Fried Rice: Add diced, cooked chicken for extra protein.
Shrimp Fried Rice: Toss in cooked shrimp for a seafood version.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Load up on bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, and other veggies.
Beef Fried Rice: Thinly sliced beef adds a rich, meaty taste.
Egg Fried Rice: Keep it simple with just eggs and green onions.
Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
Pineapple Fried Rice: A touch of sweetness from pineapple chunks gives it a tropical twist.

What To Serve With Chinese Fried Rice?

Chinese fried rice pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options:

Sweet and Sour Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
General Tso’s Chicken
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Hot and Sour Soup
Egg Drop Soup
Spring Rolls
Steamed Dumplings
Spicy Szechuan Tofu

How To Store Chinese Fried Rice?

If you have leftovers, storing them properly keeps the rice fresh and safe to eat.

Cool the Rice Quickly: Let it cool at room temperature for no longer than 1 hour.
Store in an Airtight Container: Keep it in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.
Use Within 3 Days: Fried rice stays good for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat Properly: Warm it in a hot pan with a little oil or in the microwave, stirring in between to heat evenly.

Can You Freeze Chinese Fried Rice?

Yes, fried rice freezes well if stored correctly.

Let it Cool First: Hot rice creates excess moisture, leading to freezer burn.
Use Freezer Bags or Containers: Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label with Date: Use within 1 month for the best taste and texture.
Reheat Without Thawing: Heat directly from frozen in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

What Is The Secret To Chinese Fried Rice?

The key to authentic Chinese fried rice is technique and ingredients.

Cold Rice: Fresh rice clumps together, while cold rice stays separate and fries evenly.
High Heat: Keeps everything crispy instead of soggy.
Wok Cooking: A wok spreads heat quickly and adds smoky depth.
Layered Seasoning: Adding soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil in the right order makes a difference.
Minimal Stirring: Toss gently to avoid breaking the rice.

How Long Can Chinese Fried Rice Sit Out?

Fried rice should not sit out for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90°F, refrigerate it within 1 hour to prevent bacterial growth.

Why Can’t You Eat Leftover Fried Rice?

Leftover fried rice is safe if stored and reheated properly, but if handled incorrectly, it can cause food poisoning.

Bacillus cereus bacteria can grow if rice is left at room temperature too long. This bacteria survives cooking and can cause stomach issues.
Spoiled rice may have an off smell, slimy texture, or unusual color. If you notice these signs, throw it away.
Improper reheating might not kill harmful bacteria. Always heat thoroughly before eating.