Easy & Delicious Pork Fried Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe
Ditch the takeout menus and get ready to enjoy the best Easy Pork Fried Rice you’ve ever tasted, all made in a single pan! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ingredients in your fridge and creates a flavorful, satisfying meal. For the complete takeout experience, pair this fantastic fried rice with sesame chicken egg rolls!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Pork Fried Rice
- Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fried Rice
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pork Fried Rice
- Expert Tips for the Best Fried Rice
- What to Serve Alongside Your Fried Rice
- Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Fried Rice
- Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Rice
- More Delicious Takeout-Inspired Recipes
- Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting and magical about perfectly cooked fried rice. The symphony of crisp vegetables, the savory richness of eggs, the tender pork, and the fluffy rice creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.
Takeout is tempting, and the convenience is understandable, but mastering fried rice at home is surprisingly achievable. You might even say goodbye to those takeout menus for good! The key is the age of the cooked rice – a simple yet vital element. The secret? Day-old rice!
Using day-old rice ensures perfectly plump, separate grains of fried rice. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and tends to clump, while older, cooler rice is drier and less likely to stick together.
Equipped with this recipe, you’ll effortlessly recreate the flavors and comfort of takeout in your kitchen. The best part? You can customize it to your preferences. It’s a win-win situation!
Why You’ll Love This Pork Fried Rice
- One-pan wonder: Just like my Bacon and Egg Fried Rice, this recipe is made entirely in a single pan, meaning minimal cleanup.
- Quick and easy: Cooled leftover rice is the MVP of this recipe, saving cooking time and frying up better than fresh rice due to its lower moisture content.
- A complete meal: This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a satisfying and fulfilling main course.
- Fridge-cleaning champion: Grab your favorite protein and any vegetables lurking in your fridge for this takeout classic.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fried Rice
Here’s your guide to crafting the perfect takeout-inspired dish, with a balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
- Butter: The secret to amazing fried rice. Butter adds a rich depth to the flavor profile.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs contribute a velvety texture and extra richness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while achieving that signature umami flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory touch. If unavailable, use oyster sauce or combine soy sauce with honey or brown sugar.
- Pork tenderloin: Freeze for 10 minutes for easier, even cubes.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness. White onions or shallots can be substituted.
- Veggies: Frozen peas and carrots work great, but use whatever you have! Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, bean sprouts, and mushrooms are all delicious options.
- White rice: Day-old rice is ideal for its drier, less sticky texture. For a healthier twist, use cauliflower rice like in my Cauliflower Fried “Rice” with Pineapple recipe.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Pro Tip: Dice your vegetables and pork into small pieces to help them caramelize and cook evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pork Fried Rice
Making fried rice is simple. Everything is cooked in the same skillet or wok, in stages. Similar to making chicken stir-fry, having all ingredients ready *before* cooking is crucial.
- Scramble the eggs: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Scramble the eggs until cooked to your desired doneness, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the stir-fry sauce: Whisk together the soy sauce and hoisin sauce in a small bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the pork: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the diced pork and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, then add the onions, garlic, peas, and carrots. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir-fry the rice: Add the cooked and cooled white rice to the skillet along with the reserved sauce and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Fold in the eggs: Gently fold in the scrambled eggs.
- Garnish and serve: Once everything is thoroughly heated through, turn off the heat. Garnish with sliced scallions and sprinkle with white sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation and added texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: This is essential for the perfect texture. Drier rice prevents mushiness.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop everything beforehand. Stir-frying is fast-paced!
- High Heat Stir-Fry: Use high heat for quick cooking and to retain the vibrant colors and flavors. Aim for “wok hei” – that smoky flavor!
- Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook ingredients in batches for even cooking and caramelization.
- Customize: Add your favorite ingredients or substitutions. Experiment with different vegetables or proteins.
What to Serve Alongside Your Fried Rice
I love to enhance this dish with more veggies, like 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy or Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Spicy Garlic Sauce. For the full takeout experience, serve with Air Fryer Egg Rolls or Easy Scallion Pancakes with Soy Dipping Sauce.
Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Fried Rice
Here are a couple of options to reheat your leftover fried rice, ensuring it’s just as good as the first day.
- Skillet or wok: Refrying is the tastiest option. Add a bit more butter to the pan before adding the fried rice. Stir until heated through evenly, adding a splash of water or broth for moisture if needed. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- Microwave: Place the fried rice in a microwave-safe container and cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave in short, 30-second intervals for up to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Rice
Can I use freshly cooked rice for pork fried rice?
I highly recommend using day-old rice for the best results. However, a quick trick to drying out freshly cooked rice is to spread it onto a baking sheet and stash it in the fridge while you prep your other ingredients.
Can I use other types of meat or protein?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu, or a combination of meats to suit your preferences. Just ensure that whatever protein you choose is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the fried rice.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
To prevent the rice from sticking, use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned wok. Make sure the pan is adequately heated before adding the ingredients, and stir continuously while cooking to keep the rice moving.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Thaw them before adding them to the dish, and keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release more water during cooking, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How can I add extra flavor to my pork fried rice?
You can enhance the flavor of fried rice by using various seasonings and sauces. Add minced ginger for a zesty kick, or try adding a dash of sesame oil or chili sauce for a spicy twist. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite combination.
More Delicious Takeout-Inspired Recipes
Toss those takeout menus and find inspiration with homemade versions of everyone’s favorite takeout recipes:
- Chinese Garlic Green Beans
- Air Fryer Cream Cheese Wontons
- 30-Minute Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Quick Chicken Chow Mein
- Pork Potstickers with Citrus-Soy Dipping Sauce
- Drunken Noodles with Chicken
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Easy Pork Fried Rice Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe for making delicious pork fried rice at home!
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 cup small diced yellow onions
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 5 cups cooked and cooled white rice (about 2 cups uncooked)
- Sliced scallions, for garnishing
- White sesame seeds, for garnishing
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon butter to a large skillet or wok set over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the eggs and scramble until cooked to your desired doneness. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Set it aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the diced pork and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter then add the onions, garlic, peas and carrots and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the rice and reserved sauce and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through then fold in the scrambled eggs.
- Garnish the fried rice with scallions and sesame seeds then serve.
Notes
- Day-old rice really is best for this recipe in order to prevent the rice from clumping together.
- The easiest way to cut pork tenderloin is to freeze it for 10 minutes then use a very sharp knife to cut it into small cubes.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 409kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 124mg
- Sodium: 613mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 2625IU
- Vitamin C: 7mg
- Calcium: 53mg
- Iron: 2mg