How to Add Flavor to Fried Rice (14 Best Ways)

Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice.

It’s also a quick and easy dish to make at home.

If you’re looking for ways to add more flavor to your fried rice, you’ve come to the right place.

In this blog post, I’m sharing 14 ways to add flavor to fried rice.

From adding protein to using fresh herbs, these tips will take your fried rice from good to great!

Read Also: 30 Fried Rice Toppings Ideas

How to Add Flavor to Fried Rice?

There are many ways to add flavor to fried rice. One way is to add soy sauce, which will give the rice a savory flavor. Another way is to add garlic or ginger, which will give the rice a spicy flavor. You can also add vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and peas, to the rice for added flavor.

However, there are tons of other options!

So, if you’re wondering what to add to fried rice for flavor, here are 14 great options:

1. Add Extra Protein

Not only is protein going to make your meal more filling and satisfying, but it will also add a ton of flavor.

Cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef are all great options to add to your fried rice.

I usually have some cooked chicken on hand in the fridge, so I just chop it up and add it in.

If you don’t have any cooked meat on hand, you can easily cook some up quickly in a separate pan.

Just make sure it’s well-seasoned before adding it to the rice.

2. Use Fresh Herbs

I don’t know about you, but I often have herbs growing in my kitchen windowsill.

Cilantro, basil, and scallions are some of my favorites to use in fried rice.

Not only do they add a ton of flavor, but they also give the dish a nice pop of color.

If you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, you can also use frozen ones.

Just be sure to chop them up finely before adding them to the pan.

3. Add Extra Crunch

If you don’t mind some crunch in your fried rice, adding some diced onion, celery, or red pepper is an easy way to add some extra flavor.

I usually do this when I’m making fried rice for myself, as it’s a quick and easy way to add some extra vegetables into the dish.

Just add them in when you’re stir-frying the rice, and they’ll cook through in no time.

You can also experiment with other vegetables, like green beans or peas.

Just remember to chop them up into small pieces so they’ll cook evenly.

4. Add Salt and Umami Flavor

Some sauces are all excellent ways to add a little extra flavor to your dish.

I usually use soy sauce, as it is the most familiar to most people.

However, fish sauce and Braggs Liquid Aminos are both great options as well.

Simply add a few drops of whichever sauce you choose to the fried rice while it is cooking.

This will help to enhance the flavors of the dish and make it even more delicious.

5. Add a Touch of Sweetness

I sometimes like to add some sweetness to my rice to offset the savory flavors.

This is especially nice if you’re using a lot of savory ingredients, like soy sauce or fish sauce.

A touch of sweetness can really brighten up the dish and make it more exciting to eat.

One of my favorite ways to add sweetness is with honey.

I just drizzle a little bit on top of my rice and it does the trick.

You could also use brown sugar or even pineapple tidbits.

6. Stir in A Beaten Egg

Eggs go surprisingly well with rice dishes, and they can really help to boost the flavor of fried rice.

Simply beat an egg and then stir it into the rice as it’s cooking.

The egg will cook quickly and will add a rich, creamy flavor to the dish.

You can also add in some chopped green onions for extra flavor.

I like to use this method when I’m making fried rice for guests, as it really elevates the dish and makes it more special.

7. Toss in Some Frozen Peas and Carrots

Why not add some beautiful color, as well as some extra nutrition, to your fried rice?

Just toss in a handful or two of frozen peas and carrots.

They’ll cook right along with the rice, and they’ll add a lovely pop of color.

You could also add other frozen vegetables, such as corn or green beans.

If you’re looking for even more flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili sauce to the rice while it’s cooking.

This will give it a nice boost of flavor that will really make it stand out.

8. Use Different Types of Oils

There are tons of oils you can use to fry your rice.

Each oil has a different flavor profile that will change the taste of your fried rice.

For example, vegetable oil is a neutral oil that won’t add any extra flavor to your dish.

Peanut oil, on the other hand, will give your fried rice a nutty flavor.

Sesame oil is another option that will add a bit of an Asian flair to your dish.

If you’re looking for something a little different, try using one of these oils the next time you make fried rice.

9. Cook Your Rice in Chicken Broth or Beef Stock

Instead of using plain water to cook your rice, opt for chicken broth or beef stock.

This will add an extra layer of flavor to your fried rice.

I like to use low-sodium broth so that I can control the amount of salt in the dish.

You could also use vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian.

Another easy way to add flavor is to cook the rice in bacon fat or rendered chicken fat.

This adds a ton of flavor and makes the dish more savory.

If you want to keep it healthy, you can use olive oil or avocado oil instead.

10. Experiment with Adding Different Spices

We all have some spices that we can’t live without, so why not experiment with adding them to your fried rice?

I usually like to add ginger, garlic, and chili pepper flakes.

These three spices pack a powerful flavor punch that can really elevate your dish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add in some other spices like cumin or turmeric.

Just be careful not to go overboard – a little goes a long way with these strong flavors.

Once you’ve added your spices, give the rice a good stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Then, let it cook for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together.

And that’s it!

You’ve just made yourself a delicious and flavorful plate of fried rice.

11. Top With Roasted Nuts

Something magical happens when you get a little bit of crunch in every bite of fried rice.

And while chopped up bacon or sausage bits can do the job, I often prefer using roasted nuts like cashews or peanuts.

They add a lovely flavor to the dish, and you can even get them in different flavors like honey-roasted or salt-and-pepper.

Just be sure to chop them up pretty finely so that they don’t overpower the rice.

12. Add Some Heat

If you like some heat in your food, then this is an easy way to add some flavor to your fried rice.

1. Just drizzle on some chili garlic sauce or Sriracha sauce.
2. The spice from the sauce will give the fried rice an extra zing.

If you want, you can also mix in a little bit of the sauce with the rice before you start frying it.

This will help to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.

13. Add Some Brightness

A little brightness has never hurt anyone, and it can really help to liven up a dish like fried rice.

I like to top mine with either shredded coconut or chopped green onions.

Both of these ingredients add a bit of sweetness, freshness, and color to an otherwise bland dish.

If you want to get really fancy, you could even toast the coconut before topping the rice.

However, be sure not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a mouthful of burnt bits.

14. Serve with A Side of Curried Chickpeas

Although you’re not technically adding anything to your rice dish directly, serving it with a side of curried chickpeas is an easy way to give it a flavor boost.

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and they absorb flavor really well, so they’re the perfect addition to this dish.

Plus, they cook quickly, so you can have them ready in no time.

1. Simply sauté some onions and garlic in a pan with some olive oil.
2. Add in a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) and a tablespoon or two of curry powder.
3. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chickpeas are heated through.
4. Serve on the side of your fried rice for an extra protein and flavor boost.

What Seasoning Do You Add to Fried Rice?

When it comes to seasoning your fried rice, there are a few key ingredients you’ll want to use. These include soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and salt. You can also add in some green onions, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to give it a bit more flavor.

What Spices Can I Add to Fried Rice?

There are a lot of spices that you can add to your fried rice. Some of the most common ones include garlic, ginger, onion, black pepper, white pepper, cumin, and chili pepper. You can also add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, or even Worcestershire sauce.