⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

This Crispy Garlic Butter Fried Rice is simple yet packed with flavor! Made with fragrant garlic, butter, and soy sauce, it’s golden and toasty with slightly crispy bits, just like the best fried rice from your favorite Chinese restaurant. The best part? It’s made in one pan and customizable with your favorite veggies!

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*A bowl of golden-brown fried rice garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, served with a pair of chopsticks.*

Fried rice is one of those dishes that always tastes better the next day, making it the perfect way to use up leftover rice while transforming it into something spectacular. The trick to getting that restaurant-style crispiness? Use day-old rice and let it sit in the pan without stirring too much—this creates those delicious crispy bits that make every bite extra special. Butter adds richness and deepens the umami, while garlic infuses the dish with its irresistible aroma.

What I love most about this fried rice is its versatility. You can keep it simple and classic, or load it up with your favorite proteins and veggies. Toss in some shrimp, tofu, or chicken for extra heartiness, or mix in veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and crunch. Whether youa serve it as a side dish or a main course, this easy fried rice will quickly become a household favorite.

So, the next time you're craving takeout, save yourself the delivery fee and make this at home instead! It’s faster, tastier, and totally customizable—plus, it pairs beautifully with dishes like Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken or Crispy Sesame Honey Glazed Dumplings.

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~320

Ingredients

3 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for umami depth)
½ tsp sugar
¼ tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps

Step 1

In a large skillet or wok, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2

Push the garlic to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Scramble them gently until just set.

Step 3

Add the cold rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper, then toss everything together.

Step 4

Let the rice sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop crispy bits, then stir and repeat.

Step 5

Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp butter, sesame oil, and green onions. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve immediately!

Make it your own!

🍄 Add protein
Toss in shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal.
🌱 Make it veggie-packed
Stir in peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
🔥 Kick up the heat
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicier twist.