Pork fried rice is one of those dishes that brings back memories of late-night takeout runs and family dinners.
But here’s the thing: making this Pork Fried Rice at home is actually easier than you think, and it tastes so much better than anything you can order.
I used to think fried rice was reserved for restaurants with their fancy woks and high-heat burners.
Then one night, I had leftover pork and day-old rice sitting in my fridge, and I decided to give it a shot.
What came out of my kitchen that evening shocked me. The rice was perfectly separated, each grain coated in savory goodness.
The pork was tender and flavorful, and those little bits of egg throughout added the perfect richness.
Now this recipe is on regular rotation at my house. My kids request it weekly, and honestly, I’m happy to oblige because it comes together in less than 30 minutes and uses ingredients I usually have on hand.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Pork Fried Rice
This pork fried rice is a complete meal in one pan, packed with protein, vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down.
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility and simplicity. You can customize it based on what’s in your fridge, making it perfect for using up leftovers and reducing food waste.
- Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast
- Uses leftover rice: Day-old rice actually works better than fresh for the perfect texture
- Budget-friendly: A fraction of the cost of takeout with better flavor and quality
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your taste
- Restaurant-quality at home: Achieve that signature fried rice texture and flavor in your own kitchen
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters tend to love this dish
This pairs beautifully with my green bean casserole for a complete Asian-inspired feast.
Ingredients
The secret to amazing pork fried rice is using quality ingredients and the right type of rice.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old and refrigerated
- 1 lb pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops, diced into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes all the difference when cooking fried rice at high heat. These are the essentials you’ll want to have ready before you start cooking.
- Large wok or skillet (12-14 inches)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Sharp knife for dicing
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl for eggs
- Measuring spoons and cups
Recommended Products for This Recipe
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve found a few products that really elevate the final dish and make the cooking process smoother.
1. Carbon Steel Wok
A proper carbon steel wok gets incredibly hot and distributes heat evenly, which is crucial for achieving that signature smoky flavor and preventing soggy rice.
The high, sloped sides make tossing and stirring effortless. Once seasoned, it develops a natural non-stick surface that improves with each use.
2. Premium Jasmine Rice
The quality of your rice makes or breaks this dish. This authentic Thai jasmine rice has the perfect texture and subtle floral aroma that complements the savory pork and seasonings beautifully.
It separates perfectly when fried and never gets mushy.
3. Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce
Not all oyster sauces are created equal, and this one is worth the investment.
It has a rich, complex umami flavor that adds incredible depth to the fried rice without being overly salty or artificial-tasting. A little goes a long way.
4. Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil
This toasted sesame oil provides that authentic finishing touch with its nutty, aromatic flavor.
Just a small drizzle at the end transforms the entire dish. It’s pure and high-quality, far superior to grocery store brands.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pork Fried Rice
Follow these detailed steps to create perfect pork fried rice with restaurant-quality texture and flavor.
The key is working quickly over high heat and having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.
1. Prepare the Rice
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight
- Break up any clumps with your hands so the grains are separated
- Cold, day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and won’t become mushy when fried
- If your rice is too wet, spread it out and let it air dry for 15-20 minutes
2. Cook the Pork
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s smoking
- Add the diced pork in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan
- Let it sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side
- Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges
- Season with a pinch of salt and white pepper
- Remove the pork from the wok and set aside on a plate
3. Scramble the Eggs
- Reduce heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok
- Pour in the beaten eggs and let them sit for about 10 seconds
- Use your spatula to gently scramble the eggs, breaking them into small, bite-sized pieces
- Cook until just set but still slightly glossy (about 1 minute)
- Remove the scrambled eggs and add them to the plate with the pork
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot wok
- Toss in the diced onion and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning
- Add the peas and carrots and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until heated through and slightly tender
- The vegetables should still have a bit of crunch for the best texture
5. Add the Rice
- Increase the heat to high and add the cold rice to the wok
- Use your spatula to break up any remaining clumps and spread the rice evenly
- Press the rice against the hot surface of the wok to help dry it out and create slight crispiness
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, constantly tossing and turning to prevent sticking
- You want the rice to be heated through and each grain should be separate and slightly toasted
6. Season and Combine
- Return the cooked pork and scrambled eggs to the wok with the rice
- Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over everything
- Toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauces coat every grain of rice evenly
- Add white pepper and adjust salt to taste (remember, soy sauce is already salty)
- The rice should have a beautiful golden-brown color and glossy sheen
7. Finish and Serve
- Remove the wok from heat and toss in the sliced green onions
- Give everything one final stir to distribute the green onions
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (add more soy sauce for saltiness or sesame oil for aroma)
- Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture
- Garnish with extra green onions if desired
Another favorite in my kitchen is this beef stew, which is perfect for cooler evenings.
Tips for The Best Pork Fried Rice
These expert tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every single time. The difference between good fried rice and amazing fried rice is in the details.
- Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will turn mushy. Refrigerated rice that’s at least a day old has the perfect texture.
- Keep the heat high: High heat is essential for that signature smoky flavor and prevents the rice from steaming instead of frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding creates steam and prevents proper browning.
- Prep everything first: Fried rice cooks fast, so have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start.
- Season the pork separately: Adding seasoning to the pork before adding the rice ensures every element is flavorful.
- Break up rice clumps beforehand: This prevents uneven cooking and ensures every grain gets coated in sauce.
- Use the right oil: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for high-heat cooking. Avoid olive oil which has a low smoke point.
- Add sauces to the rice, not the pan: Pour sauces directly onto the rice for better distribution and to prevent burning.
- Taste as you go: Start with less sauce and add more as needed. You can always add more but can’t take it away.
You might also enjoy my garlic shrimp pasta for another quick weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pork fried rice is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes for a complete meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it.
This dish is incredibly versatile and works for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at a larger gathering. The leftovers (if you have any) are fantastic the next day.
- Serve alongside egg rolls and crab rangoon for a full takeout-style spread
- Pair with Asian beef noodle soup for a comforting meal
- Add a side of stir-fry vegetables for extra nutrition
- Top with a fried egg for added richness and protein
- Serve with potsticker soup as an appetizer
- Accompany with spring rolls or sausage rolls for variety
- Add crispy onion rings on the side for texture contrast
- Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil for those who like extra heat
Variations of Pork Fried Rice
One of the best things about fried rice is how easily you can customize it. Here are some delicious variations to try once you’ve mastered the basic recipe.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Replace pork with shrimp for a lighter, seafood version
- Chicken Fried Rice: Use diced chicken breast or thighs instead of pork
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Skip the meat and load up on colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple and cashews for a sweet and savory Thai-inspired twist
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Stir in chopped kimchi for a spicy, tangy Korean variation
- Spam Fried Rice: Cube up some Spam for a Hawaiian-style version that’s incredibly tasty
- Bacon Fried Rice: Swap pork for crispy bacon pieces for a smokier flavor profile
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add sriracha, chili paste, or fresh chilies for serious heat
- Curry Fried Rice: Mix in curry powder and coconut milk for an Indian-inspired version
- Teriyaki Fried Rice: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce and add grilled pineapple
For a lighter option, try my sweet potato soup.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage ensures your pork fried rice stays fresh and delicious for several days. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled fried rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or bags
- Reheating on stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to a hot skillet and stir-fry until heated through (best method for maintaining texture)
- Microwave reheating: Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each
- Oven reheating: Spread on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Add fresh ingredients: Toss in fresh green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil after reheating to refresh the flavors
- Avoid reheating multiple times: Only reheat the portion you plan to eat to maintain quality
Read Also: Classic Beef Chili Recipe
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 26g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While pork fried rice is often considered comfort food, it actually contains several nutritious ingredients that offer real health benefits.
Understanding these can help you appreciate that this dish can be part of a balanced diet.
Pork provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
It’s also rich in B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function. Pork contains important minerals like selenium, zinc, and phosphorus.
- Jasmine rice: Provides energy through complex carbohydrates and contains small amounts of iron and B vitamins
- Eggs: Excellent source of complete protein, vitamin D, and choline for brain health
- Peas and carrots: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function
- Garlic: Contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels
- Onions: Rich in antioxidants and compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties
- Sesame oil: Contains healthy fats and antioxidants that may benefit heart health
- Green onions: Provide vitamin K for bone health and contain beneficial plant compounds
Another nutritious option is my chicken stew.
FAQs About Pork Fried Rice
1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
You can, but the results won’t be as good. Fresh rice contains too much moisture, which makes it sticky and clumpy when fried.
If you must use fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours to dry it out first.
2. What’s the best cut of pork for fried rice?
Pork tenderloin is ideal because it’s lean, tender, and cooks quickly. Boneless pork chops or pork loin also work well.
Avoid fatty cuts like pork shoulder or belly unless you prefer a richer, fattier dish.
3. How do I prevent my fried rice from getting mushy?
The key is using cold, day-old rice and cooking over high heat. Make sure your pan is very hot before adding ingredients, and work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Don’t add too much sauce at once either.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pork and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or tofu. You can also add cashews or edamame for extra protein and texture.
5. What type of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe. If you prefer less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the salt to taste.
Dark soy sauce will give a richer color but isn’t necessary for this dish.
Pork Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked white rice about 800g, day-old and refrigerated
- 12 oz pork tenderloin 340g, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots about 150g, thawed
- 4 green onions white and green parts separated, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet 14-inch wok or 12-inch skillet preferred
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Method
- Combine cubed pork with marinade ingredients (1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar) in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Break up any clumps in the cold rice with your hands or a fork until grains are separated. This is crucial for preventing mushy fried rice.
- Heat wok or skillet over high heat, add 1 tablespoon oil, then scramble the beaten eggs until just set. Remove to a plate and break into small pieces.
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to the wok and stir-fry the marinated pork for 3-4 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove and set aside with eggs.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, then stir-fry garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add peas and carrots, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, then add the rice. Press rice against the wok and let it sit for 30 seconds before tossing to develop crispy bits.
- Return pork and eggs to the wok, pour sauce over everything, and toss vigorously for 2-3 minutes until rice is evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat, stir in green parts of green onions, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- Day-old refrigerated rice is essential – freshly cooked rice is too moist and will become mushy. Cook rice the night before and refrigerate uncovered.
- High heat is crucial for authentic fried rice. Don’t reduce the heat even if it seems too hot – this creates the signature smoky flavor.
- Substitute pork with chicken, shrimp, beef, or leave it out entirely for vegetable fried rice. Tofu works well for vegetarian versions.
- For extra umami, add 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine) when cooking the pork.
- Leftover fried rice keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a hot skillet, not the microwave, for best texture.
- Use long-grain rice like jasmine for the best texture. Short-grain or sushi rice will be too sticky.
- Cut all ingredients before you start cooking – fried rice cooks quickly and you won’t have time to prep while cooking.
- For a spicier version, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha with the sauce.
- Chinese sausage (lap cheong) can be diced and added with the pork for extra flavor.
- If rice sticks to the wok, it’s either not hot enough or you’re stirring too frequently. Let it sit and develop a crust before tossing.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Pork Fried Rice has become one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, satisfying, and delicious.
It’s proof that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice at home.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and flexibility. Once you master the basic technique, you can adapt it endlessly based on what’s in your fridge or your family’s preferences.
I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and rewarding it is to make amazing fried rice at home.
I’d love to hear how your pork fried rice turns out. Leave a comment below with any questions or share your favorite variations.
Recommended:
- Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe
- Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Instant Pot Tortellini Recipe
- One Pot American Goulash Recipe
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
