This Trader Joe’s-style Fried Rice is a quick and easy recipe, which is made with leftover rice and a simple soy sauce-based sauce. It’s the perfect 30-minute meal, a better-than-takeout classic for a busy weeknight.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Fried Rice Ingredients
A simple list for a classic, takeout-style meal at home.
- 4 cups cooked and chilled rice (day-old rice is perfect!)
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper
How To Make Trader Joe’s Fried Rice
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly fast and delicious one-pan meal.
- Scramble the Egg: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the whisked egg and cook until scrambled. Remove the egg from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add the carrots, onion, and peas. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Fry the Rice: Increase the heat to high. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Immediately add the chilled rice, green onions, soy sauce, and optional oyster sauce. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally and allowing the rice to rest in between stirs so it can crisp up on the bottom.
- Combine and Serve: Add the scrambled egg back into the pan and stir to combine everything. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Taste and season with extra soy sauce if needed. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
For perfect, non-clumpy fried rice every time.
- How to get perfect, non-clumpy fried rice? The number one secret to great fried rice is using cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked, warm rice is too moist and will steam in the pan, leading to a clumpy, mushy result. Cold, dry rice grains stay separate and fry up perfectly.
- Can I use fresh rice? If you must use fresh rice, spread it out in a thin layer on a baking sheet and place it in the refrigerator or even the freezer for 20-30 minutes to help it dry out and chill quickly.
- Can I add other proteins? Yes! This is a fantastic base recipe. You can add diced, cooked chicken (like Trader Joe’s Grilled Chicken Strips), sautéed shrimp, or some crispy, pan-fried tofu for an easy protein boost.
- Trader Joe’s Shortcuts: For the ultimate easy meal, use a bag of Trader Joe’s frozen rice (cooked according to package directions and chilled) and a bag of their frozen mixed vegetable medley (carrots, peas, corn).
What To Serve With Fried Rice
Simple sides to complete your takeout-at-home experience.
This fried rice is a complete one-pan meal, but it’s also great as a side dish served with:
- Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken
- Simple potstickers or spring rolls
- A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad
How To Store Fried Rice
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Let the fried rice cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the fried rice in a hot, lightly oiled skillet, stirring frequently until it’s heated through and slightly crisped up again. You can also use the microwave.
Trader Joe’s Fried Rice Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 13 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
A traditional wok is ideal because its shape allows for easy tossing and high-heat cooking. However, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet—especially cast-iron—is a fantastic alternative that will give you a great crispy texture on the rice.
It’s optional, but highly recommended. Oyster sauce adds a deep, savory, umami flavor that is a key component of many classic fried rice dishes.
Yes, easily. To make it vegetarian, simply ensure you’re using a vegetable-based broth if you cook your rice that way. To make it vegan, you can omit the egg or use a plant-based egg substitute, and substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or a little extra soy sauce.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Flatbread Pizza Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Trader Joe’s Fried Rice Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Asian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes420
kcalAn easy, better-than-takeout fried rice recipe perfect for using up leftover rice and creating a quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked and chilled rice
2 large eggs, whisked
2 medium carrots, diced
1 small white onion, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 green onions, sliced
3-4 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp butter, divided
Optional: 2 tsp oyster sauce, 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
Directions
- Heat 1/2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scramble the egg; remove and set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet. Sauté the carrots, onion, and peas for 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Increase heat to high. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp butter. Add the chilled rice, green onions, soy sauce, and optional oyster sauce. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, letting the rice crisp up between stirs.
- Add the scrambled egg back to the pan and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old rice is the most important secret to perfect, non-sticky fried rice.
- A very hot pan is key to getting that slightly crispy, “fried” texture on the rice.
- This is a great “clean out the fridge” recipe; feel free to add other leftover cooked vegetables or proteins.
- Don’t be afraid to let the rice sit in the hot pan for a minute without stirring to develop some nice crispy bits.
