Types of Fried Rice: 29 Classic and Unique Recipes

Fried rice is one of the best things you can make when you’ve got leftover rice in the fridge and no idea what to make for dinner. I often cook extra rice just for the excuse of making fried rice.

It was actually one of the first dishes I learned to cook, so it holds a special place in my heart; a constant in my kitchen for as long as I can remember.

Over time, especially after living abroad, I learned there are so many types of fried rice, from the Chinese and Southeast Asian classics I grew up with to Japanese, Korean, and some fun, unique twists.

Most fried rice recipes take 30 minutes or less, often with ingredients you already have on hand. And if you’d like to dig deeper into exactly how to make the best fried rice at home, I share all my secrets in my fried rice tips post.

Ready to clear out the fridge? I've listed some of the best fried rice recipes from my kitchen, and a few from my favorite bloggers. Whether you're craving a takeout classic or something completely new, there's a fried rice here for you.

But first...let's talk a little bit about what makes each type of fried rice different. The basic method is pretty much the same: stir-fry day-old rice over high heat with proteins, veggies, and aromatics. What sets them apart are the seasonings and little touches that each cuisine is known for.

Chinese Fried Rice

Fried rice is believed to have originated in Yangzhou, China, and it’s still a takeout favorite today. It’s the foundation that most other styles are built on. The seasoning stays simple with light soy sauce and white pepper so the smoky “wok hei” (breath of the wok) can really shine.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Make this classic Shrimp Fried Rice in less time than it takes to order takeout! It’s loaded with juicy shrimp, sweet green peas, carrots, scrambled egg, and plenty of fresh scallions, all seasoned simply with soy sauce and white pepper.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) Fried Rice

The sweet, savory Chinese BBQ pork adds so much flavor that you barely need anything else, making Char Siu Fried Rice one of my favorite ways to use up leftover Char Siu.

Egg Fried Rice

Sometimes the simplest fried rice is the most satisfying. This traditional Egg Fried Rice by Red House Spice keeps things light and fluffy with just eggs, garlic, scallions, light soy sauce, and white pepper.

Yangzhou Fried Rice

Also known as “house special” fried rice at Chinese restaurants, Yangzhou Fried Rice is colorful and packed with char siu, shrimp, egg, carrots, and peas. This recipe by Made With Lau comes from a Cantonese restaurant chef who has been cooking for over 60 years, so you know it’s the real deal!

Classic Beef Fried Rice

This Classic Beef Fried Rice by The Woks of Life features a perfect balance of hearty beef, egg, onion, and peas for a touch of sweetness.

Chicken Fried Rice

This Easy Chicken Fried Rice recipe by Valentina's Corner is going to rock your world! A perfect combo of chicken and veggies in basmati rice.

East Asian Fried Rice

As fried rice traveled from China to its East Asian neighbors, each country put its own spin on it. Japanese and Korean versions usually use short-grain or medium-grain rice for a slightly chewier bite. Think buttery hibachi-style and tangy, spicy kimchi fried rice

Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi adds a burst of yummy flavor to any dish and pairs perfectly with rice. Pinch of Yum shares this incredible Kimchi Fried Rice recipe featuring rice (or cauliflower rice!), veggies, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili paste, kimchi, and topped with a runny yolk waterfall.

Japanese Fried Rice

You don't need a fancy Teppanyaki grill to whip up this simple and savory Japanese Fried Rice. This recipe by Pickled Plum takes only 18 minutes from start to finish!

Salmon Chahan (Japanese Salmon Fried Rice)

Leftover grilled salmon? Don’t let it go to waste! This Salmon Fried Rice by Just One Cookbook is a home-style favorite made with salted salmon, eggs, and scallions. The seasonings are kept light, so the salmon really shines.

Omurice

A comforting Japanese favorite! This Omurice by Just One Cookbook features ketchup-seasoned chicken rice wrapped in a soft, creamy omelette. It’s a beloved diner and home-cooked classic in Japan, and kids absolutely love it.

Japanese Garlic Fried Rice

Garlic lovers, this one’s for you! This Japanese Garlic Rice by No Recipes is a teppanyaki (hibachi) restaurant classic, with a double dose of garlic from crispy garlic chips and rich garlic butter. A splash of soy sauce caramelizes in the pan for a lovely toasty flavor.

Southeast Asian Fried Rice

Southeast Asia is my home turf, so these types of fried rice are close to my heart. Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines each have their own twist on fried rice. Malaysian and Indonesian versions lean on the bolder side, each with their own deep, aromatic flavors. Thai fried rice is a bit lighter but still fragrant with a hint of fish sauce. Filipino sinangag is simple, all about the garlic and deeply satisfying.

Pineapple Fried Rice

This Pineapple Fried Rice is packed with incredible flavor and aroma from the curry powder and turmeric. The raisins and pineapple chunks add sweetness and texture to this amazing dish.

Indonesian Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)

A little sweet, a little savory—this easy Indonesian Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) with shrimp and a fried egg is quick to make and seriously satisfying.

Nasi Goreng Kampung (Malaysian Fried Rice)

“Kampung” means village in Malay, and this spicy fried rice gets its name from the simple ingredients villagers had on hand. This Malaysian Fried Rice by El Mundo Eats is packed with crispy fried anchovies and chilies, and it’s ready in about 15 minutes.

malaysian fried rice nasi goreng kampung

Thai Crab Fried Rice

Crab Fried Rice is arguably the most popular fried rice in Thailand, with restaurants that serve nothing else! This version by Hot Thai Kitchen is simple, letting the crab meat shine alongside garlic, egg, and a light touch of fish sauce.

Tom Yum Fried Rice

Love tom yum soup? This Tom Yum Fried Rice by Thai-Foodie packs all those sour, spicy, citrusy flavors into a quick weeknight dinner. It’s made with tom yum paste, shrimp, mushrooms, and tomatoes, finished with lime and fresh cilantro.

Nasi Goreng Pattaya

A mamak stall favorite in Malaysia! Nasi Goreng Pattaya is fried rice with chicken, shrimp, and a touch of ketchup, all wrapped up in a thin, fluffy omelette. Think of it as Malaysia’s version of Japanese omurice. This version by Huang Kitchen is served with cucumber, tomato, and a drizzle of chili sauce on top.

Filipino Garlic Fried Rice

Garlic Fried Rice is a Filipino favorite side dish. It's simple and does not contain many other ingredients, allowing the flavor of the garlic to shine through. Check out this recipe by Curious Cuisiniere!

Khao Pad American (Thai Style American Fried Rice)

Despite its name, you’ll only find American Fried Rice in Thailand! This fun Thai creation was made with American tastes in mind. This version by Umami Days is seasoned with ketchup, fish sauce, and lime, plus raisins for a sweet surprise. It’s served with a fried egg and American favorites like hot dogs, fried chicken, or Spam.

Hawaiian & American Fried Rice Recipes

Fried rice traveled across the Pacific too, picking up some delicious new flavors along the way. In Hawaii, Spam is a beloved pantry staple, so naturally, Spam fried rice is a classic. On the mainland, American-style fried rice leans into comfort food like bacon and even Southern flavors.

Spam Fried Rice

My Mum would make this Spam Fried Rice for our lunch on lazy afternoon weekends. All you need is a can of Spam, some leftover rice, a handful of basic pantry staples, and lunch (or dinner) is sorted!

Bacon Fried Rice

This Bacon Fried Rice is loaded with delicious smokey goodness. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, which makes it perfect for weeknights or even breakfast!

Hawaiian Fried Rice

This Hawaiian Fried Rice by Simply Stacie features big chunks of ham and pineapple, with some additional veggies. Stacie even includes a simple sweet and sour sauce recipe that you can pair with the fried rice to take it over the top!

Cajun Fried Rice

A Southern twist! This Cajun Fried Rice by Louisiana Cookin’ is loaded with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, smoky andouille sausage, and mixed veggies. It’s finished with a spicy mayo drizzle for an extra kick.

Unique Fried Rice Recipes

Master a few fried rice basics (all covered in my fried rice tips post), and you’ve got creative license to make your own! Here’s some inspiration to get you started.