How to Make the Best Fried Rice

Fried rice is less a recipe and more a philosophy: Take rice, add what you love and make it sizzle. Whether it’s the savory comfort of shrimp fried rice, the extra crisp of hibachi-style fried rice, the bold spiced depth of Indo-Dutch fried rice or the fiery bite of kimchi-infused fried rice, the beauty lies in this dish’s versatility. 

Some versions lean into umami-rich sauces, while others thrive on the heat of chiles or the crunch of fresh vegetables. What ties them all together? Cooked rice, a hot pan and a fearless approach to bold flavors. In this guide, we’ve got four distinct takes to inspire you—but feel free to riff, remix and make them your own. 

RICE TO KNOW:

• Fresh or Day-Old Rice? While many recipes swear by day-old rice for the perfect texture, freshly cooked rice can absolutely hold its own. Just spread it out on a plate or small baking sheet to let it cool slightly before frying (which will help avoid dreaded clumps).

• The Right Pan for the Job: Our 10" Hybrid Wok, 12" Hybrid Wok and 14" Hybrid Wok are all dreamboats for making crispy fried rice, but for a smoky, hibachi-style fried rice, you’ll want to pull out your Hybrid Double Burner Griddle. Only have a 12" Hybrid Fry Pan on hand? That works just fine, too.

• Contain the Sizzle: Great fried rice comes with a bit of spattering oil—it’s part of the charm. Keep your kitchen clean by using a splatter screen when cooking with your wok or fry pan.

Now that you've got the tips, here are four recipes you'll want to put into regular rotation:

1. Shrimp Fried Rice

Fried rice may be simple, but achieving that perfect crisp and balanced seasoning takes a little know-how. Thankfully, Dean Arpapornnopparat of LA’s Holy Basil packs his fried rice expertise into this recipe for two (any more than that, and he recommends wiping out the wok and starting fresh). Start by cooking jumbo shrimp until just tender in your 12" or 14" Hybrid Wok, then quickly scramble eggs until they're barely set, with crisp edges. A bold mix of shrimp paste, three soy sauces, oyster sauce and a touch of sugar creates a rich, savory base. The result? Fried rice that’s savory and layered with flavor in every bite—proof that this humble dish can be nothing short of extraordinary.

P.S. Looking to cook with sustainable shrimp? Look for the Marine Stewardship Council’s blue MSC label or ask your fishmonger.

2. Korean Kimchi Fried Rice

Chopped kimchi brings bold, tangy heat to fried rice, transforming simple ingredients into something vibrant and satisfying. This recipe is as good for date nights as it is for after-work dinners, thanks to its quick prep and punchy flavors. A full cup of kimchi gets folded into golden rice, infusing every bite with a balance of heat and pickled flavor. Unlike traditional fried rice, here the eggs are cooked separately, fried until the edges are crisp and the yolks are perfectly runny.

3. Hibachi-Style Shrimp Fried Rice

If you’ve ever been captivated by the sizzle and flair of hibachi chefs and wondered how their fried rice tastes so good (or how they manage those knife tricks), this hibachi-style shrimp fried rice is your answer. Your Hybrid Double Burner Griddle is the star of the show, offering a wide, flat surface perfect for searing shrimp and getting the rice irresistibly crisp. The recipe yields a generous batch, ideal for family-style dinners or casual gatherings where the food is as much a highlight as the company.

4. Indo Dutch Fried Rice with Chicken Satay

The Netherlands has embraced the Indonesian dish nasi met saté (or nasi goreng met saté) as one of its national favorites. In Holland, it’s easy to find pre-packed nasi vegetable bundles—leeks, cabbage, carrot and red onion—along with nasi goreng seasoning blends featuring cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, turmeric, white pepper and garlic. For a DIY approach, you can mix your own spices and grab a bag of coleslaw mix to mimic the base. This fried rice is vibrant and veggie-forward, paired with juicy chicken skewers, a spicy peanut sauce and a generous sprinkle of fried onions for a great finishing crunch.

Now get out there and fry one on!