Giada’s Make-It-at-Home Fried Rice brings all the flavors I love into one simple, comforting dish. From the nutty sesame oil to the pops of sweet peas, every ingredient adds something special. I adore how the crispy edges of the rice give a satisfying texture to every bite.

This fried rice is perfect for cozy fall evenings or even a last-minute holiday side dish. Serve it with some soy-glazed salmon or enjoy it straight from the pan—it’s that good. The best part? It’s quick to make but tastes like you spent all evening on it!

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
• ½ tsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp chile sauce, such as sriracha
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 bunch of scallions, green and white parts, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, peeled (from a 2-inch piece)
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt
• 3 cups cooked day-old brown rice
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 2 large eggs, beaten

How To Make Giada Make It at Home Fried Rice

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and chile sauce until smooth. Set it aside within reach for when you start cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the vegetable oil followed by the scallions, garlic, ginger, and salt. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, making sure the garlic doesn’t brown.
3. Fry the Rice: Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Toss the rice in the oil with a wooden spoon or spatula until well-coated. Spread the rice into an even layer across the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to crisp slightly. Stir, spread it out again, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it’s fully heated and golden.
4. Add Peas and Sauce: Stir the thawed peas into the rice and pour in the soy sauce mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors and distribute the sauce evenly.
5. Cook the Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the skillet, creating a clear space on the other side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty area and let them cook for about 30 seconds. Use your spatula to gently scramble the eggs until soft curds form.
6. Combine and Serve: Once the eggs are scrambled, stir them into the rice, mixing everything together. Serve the fried rice immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Use chilled rice for better texture: Day-old rice works best because it is firmer and less sticky, giving the fried rice a perfect texture without clumping.
• Enhance the flavor with sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished dish for added nuttiness and a slight crunch that complements the rice.
• Add protein for a hearty meal: Cooked shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu can be added during the final stir-fry to make this dish more filling and versatile.
• Adjust the spice level to your liking: Increase the sriracha or add a dash of chili flakes to customize the heat, or leave it out entirely for a milder version.
• Swap peas for other veggies: Substitute the peas with diced carrots, corn, or even bell peppers to add different colors, textures, and flavors to the dish.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Recipes:

• Giada Slow-Cooker Saffron Rice with Chicken Sausage
• Giada Skinny Chicken Parm
• Giada Mussels with Fennel and Italian Beer