Pork Fried Rice That Tastes Like Takeout (But Better)
There’s a reason pork fried rice is the first thing I think of when I’ve got leftover rice in the fridge and zero interest in a complicated dinner. It’s fast, it’s flexible, and it magically turns a handful of simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came in a steamy takeout container with extra soy sauce on the side.
This version leans into everything that makes fried rice craveable: cold rice that fries up with a little chew, savory pork, scrambled egg ribbons, and crisp-tender veggies. The best part? You can make it with leftover pork chops, tenderloin, or even that last bit of roasted pork from Sunday dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate leftover upgrade. Yesterday’s rice becomes today’s best dinner.
- One pan, minimal cleanup. A big skillet or wok does the job.
- It’s customizable. Swap proteins, add heat, sneak in extra veggies.
- It’s faster than takeout. By the time you’d place an order, you’re already eating.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic, restaurant-style pork fried rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 1 to 1½ cups cooked pork, diced (leftover pork chop, tenderloin, roast, etc.)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or avocado), divided
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots are classic; frozen works great)
- 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds that “takeout” depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
- Salt & pepper, as needed
Optional add-ins
- A pinch of white pepper
- Ginger, minced
- Sriracha or chili crisp
- A handful of bean sprouts
- Extra egg (because why not?)
Swaps and Notes
- No leftover pork? Use ham, chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- No oyster sauce? Skip it, or add a tiny pinch of sugar with soy sauce for balance.
- Rice matters. Day-old rice fries better because it’s drier. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a tray and chill it 20–30 minutes.
- Frozen veggies are your friend. No need to thaw—just toss them in.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pork Fried Rice
- Prep everything first. Fried rice moves fast. Dice the pork, chop onions, slice green onions, and have sauces ready.
- Scramble the eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Pour in eggs and scramble quickly until just set. Remove to a plate.
- Cook the aromatics and veggies. Add the remaining oil. Sauté onion for 1–2 minutes, then add garlic (if using) and mixed vegetables. Cook until the veggies are warmed through and the onions are soft.
- Fry the rice. Add cold rice to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and spread it out so it can crisp slightly. Let it cook undisturbed for 30–60 seconds, then stir. Repeat once or twice.
- Add pork and sauces. Stir in diced pork, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Toss until everything is evenly coated and hot.
- Finish and serve. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir in sesame oil and sliced green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Tips for Success
- Use high heat once ingredients are in the pan—fried rice should fry, not steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If doubling, cook in batches.
- Let the rice sit. Those brief “don’t touch it” moments create flavor and texture.
- Season gradually. Soy sauce varies in saltiness, so add a little, taste, then adjust.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pork fried rice is a meal on its own, but it’s also amazing alongside simple sides:
- Pair with a crunchy salad like a cucumber-sesame quick salad (and a squeeze of lime).
- Serve with dumplings, egg rolls, or a light soup.
- Want a fun dinner spread? Add something crowd-friendly like These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast for a “snack dinner” vibe.
If you’re planning a comfort-food week, you can also rotate in easy family favorites like This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit for a totally different (but equally cozy) rice night.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
Based on 4 servings; exact nutrition varies by pork cut and sauce amounts.
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbs: ~48g
- Fat: ~16g
- Sodium: varies (soy sauce is the main driver)
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Best in a hot skillet with a tiny splash of water or oil to loosen the rice.
- Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture is best fresh. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re building a lineup of easy, satisfying meals (and a little dessert because balance), try these next:
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- And when you want an effortless dessert dip that disappears fast: This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings
Final Thoughts
Pork fried rice is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you pulled off something special—even when it’s really just smart use of leftovers and a hot pan. Keep this one in your back pocket for busy nights, fridge-cleanout days, or anytime you want that takeout comfort without the delivery fee.
If you try it, tell me how you made it your own—did you add extra veggies, spice it up, or use a different protein? And if you want more weeknight dinner wins like this, follow along for the next recipe drop.
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