Chinese-Style Fried Rice: Light, Savory, and Fragrant
Chinese-Style Fried Rice, also known as Chinese Fried Rice, is one of the most popular fried-rice variations originating from traditional Chinese cuisine. It is known for its light and savory flavor, non-spicy taste, and fragrant aroma from garlic and sesame oil. Unlike Indonesian fried rice, this version does not use sweet soy sauce, resulting in a lighter color—typically yellowish or pale brown, instead of dark brown.
This dish is widely served in Chinese restaurants and is highly favored thanks to its simple ingredients, delicious flavor, and nutritious toppings of eggs, vegetables, and proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or smoked meat.
What Makes Chinese Fried Rice Special?
- Light, savory flavor with aromatic sesame oil.
- Each grain of rice is separated — not sticky or mushy.
- No sweet soy sauce, so the flavor is clean and balanced.
- Can be made healthier by adding vegetables and lean protein.
- Easy and fast to cook—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cold cooked white rice | 1 large bowl |
| Cooking oil | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp |
| Eggs | 1–2 |
| Chicken/shrimp (optional) | 50–70 g |
| Carrots, diced | 2 tbsp |
| Sweet corn / green peas | 2 tbsp |
| Spring onion, chopped | 1 stalk |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Soy sauce | 1–2 tsp |
| Salt, pepper, seasoning | To taste |
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
| Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550–780 kcal |
| Protein | 18–22 g |
| Fat | 12–18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 75–85 g |
How to Make Chinese-Style Fried Rice
Cooking Steps
- Prepare cold cooked rice to ensure firm texture.
- Heat cooking oil in a wok and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add eggs and scramble until half cooked.
- Add chicken or shrimp and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add the rice and mix well over high heat.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
- Add carrots, peas, or corn and mix evenly.
- Stir in sesame oil and spring onions shortly before turning off the heat.
- Serve hot immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with pickled cucumbers or fresh salad.
- Top with fried shallots or smoked meat slices.
- Add chili sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with clear soup for a complete Chinese meal experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
✔ Use cold rice or leftover rice for perfect texture
✔ Stir-fry on high heat for aroma and dryness
✔ Add sesame oil last to keep the fragrance strong