The BEST Fried Rice Toppings!

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious dinner that’s perfect for using up odds and ends from the back of your fridge, you can’t go wrong with fried rice! 

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the very best toppings for fried rice to turn your meal into something extra delicious… 

(By the way, you might also want to check out what to serve with fried rice, herbs and spices for fried rice, and the best sauces for fried rice!) 

Selection of Meats for Toppings

When it comes to fried rice, the type of meat you choose as a topping can make all the difference.

This section discusses various protein options that add flavoursome variety to your dish…

Chicken Options

Chicken is a versatile and lean protein choice for fried rice toppings.

You can use tender shredded chicken or diced chicken breast, which both cook quickly and absorb delicious flavours.

Marinate your chicken in a flavourful sauce, like sweet soy sauce or oyster sauce, before cooking to enhance its taste.

Here are a few chicken topping ideas:

• Shredded chicken with mixed vegetables
• Diced chicken breast with pineapple and cashews
• Chicken and egg stir-fry with spring onions

Beef Variations

Beef can enliven your fried rice with its rich and robust flavours.

Thinly-sliced and marinated flank or skirt steak work particularly well for quick stir-frying.

To keep the beef tender, avoid overcooking it and make sure to cut against the grain. Some beef topping options include:

• Sliced steak with broccoli and garlic
• Cubed beef and bell peppers
• Minced beef with peas and carrots

Pork Possibilities

Pork lends a satisfying savouriness to your fried rice.

Diced or minced pork can be quickly stir-fried and mixed with various vegetables and spices for a delightful meal.

Marinate the pork in hoisin sauce or a soy sauce-based blend to add an extra layer of flavour.

Here are a few pork topping ideas:

• Minced pork with cabbage and bean sprouts
• Diced pork tenderloin with mushrooms and baby corn
• Pork and pineapple stir-fry

Something Different: Bacon and Shrimp

For an unconventional twist to your fried rice, consider using bacon or shrimp as a topping.

Bacon adds a rich and smoky taste, while shrimp provides a delectable seafood flavour.

The combination of the two also works harmoniously and satisfies your taste buds.

When using shrimp, be careful not to overcook them, as they become tough quickly.

Here are a couple of suggestions for some related toppings:

• Crumbled bacon and sautéed spinach
• Shrimp with garlic and asparagus
• Bacon and shrimp medley with diced tomatoes

Vegetables as Toppings

Common Choices: Peas, Carrots and Bell Peppers

When it comes to vegetables for your fried rice, you can’t go wrong with the classic combination of peas, carrots, and bell peppers.

These three veggies are popular for their taste, texture, and vibrant colours.

You can either use fresh or frozen peas and carrots, while bell peppers can be a mix of red, yellow, and green for variety.

Chop them finely and sauté them in a little oil before mixing them into your rice.

Broccoli and Zucchini: The Green Alternatives

Broccoli and zucchini are two more excellent green vegetables to include in your fried rice.

Their subtle flavours blend well with other ingredients and they provide added nutrients.

Cut your broccoli into small florets, and dice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces. You can steam or sauté them before adding them to your dish.

An Aromatic Addition: Scallions, Garlic and Onion

To give your fried rice an aromatic boost, consider adding scallions, garlic, and onion.

Chopped scallions can be sprinkled on top or stirred into your rice, while minced garlic and diced onion should be sautéed until fragrant before being mixed in.

Something Different: Pineapple and Corn

For a more tropical twist, try adding pineapple and corn to your fried rice.

Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy taste, while corn provides a pleasant crunch.

You can use fresh or canned pineapple chunks, and for the corn, you can use either frozen or canned kernels.

Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to your rice! 

Burst of Flavour: Mushrooms

Mushrooms can add a burst of earthy flavour and a unique texture to your fried rice.

You can choose from a variety of mushrooms, such as button, oyster, or shiitake.

Before incorporating them into your dish, slice or chop them and sauté them in a little oil to bring out their flavour.

Then, simply stir them into your fried rice and enjoy!

Fried rice with kimchi

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish consisting of salted and fermented veggies, and it works wonderfully as a topping for fried rice. 

If you’re really into fermented foods then you might want to make your own, but if you’d prefer to take a shortcut, check out this guide to improving store bought kimchi! 

Seasoning to Enhance Toppings

To elevate your fried rice toppings to the next level, the right combination of seasonings is key.

Here are some popular choices you can easily include in your dish:

Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cuisines. It adds depth of flavour and a savoury taste to your toppings.

Drizzle a few teaspoons over your cooked toppings and gently toss everything together to create a uniform coating.

Oil is essential for frying your toppings, but it’s also important to choose oils with complementary flavours.

Sesame oil, for example, provides a rich and nutty aroma, which is excellent for fried rice.

Add a teaspoon or two near the end of cooking to keep the flavours from being lost due to heat.

Cilantro can add a refreshing and herby kick to your dish.

Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves, then sprinkle them generously over your cooked toppings. This will create a delightful contrast against the savoury flavours of your fried rice.

A pinch of salt is all it takes to enhance the taste of your toppings.

Be careful not to overdo it, as too much salt can quickly turn your topping into a salty mess.

Aim for just enough to bring out the natural flavours of your ingredients.

White pepper is a go-to seasoning for fried rice dishes, adding a mild heat and a lovely aroma.

Sprinkle a little bit over your toppings and gently mix them, allowing the pepper to lightly coat each piece.

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and fragrant Chinese sauce that works well with various toppings.

Add a spoonful to your pan when cooking before adding the toppings, and let it caramelize for a minute or two, creating a lovely glaze.

Oyster sauce is another savoury and flavourful option, adding a deep richness to your dish.

Combine a few teaspoons with your toppings in the pan, and stir-fry it all together for a delicious blend of flavours.

Fish sauce adds an unmistakable, punchy umami flavour to any dish.

Use it sparingly, as its potency can easily overpower the other flavours in your fried rice.

A few drops, mixed with your toppings, will provide that lovely depth you’re looking for.

Eggs: A Must-have Topping

Scrambled Eggs

When it comes to topping your fried rice, scrambled eggs are a classic choice.

They not only add a light, fluffy texture to the dish, but also complement the rice by bringing in a boost of protein.

To make perfect scrambled eggs for your fried rice, simply crack a couple of eggs into a bowl, whisk them up with a fork, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

To cook your scrambled eggs, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat.

Pour in the whisked eggs and gently swirl them around the pan until they start to set.

Then, use a spatula to gently fold the eggs over themselves to create lovely large, soft curds.

You don’t want to overcook your scrambled eggs, as they’ll continue to cook slightly when you mix them into the steaming hot rice.

Once you’ve cooked the eggs to your liking, simply mix them into your fried rice and enjoy the delightful combination of flavours and textures.

Fried Egg

A fried egg is another excellent choice for fried rice toppings, adding a slightly different texture and presentation to the dish.

Not only does it look tempting with its golden, crispy edges and gleaming yellow yolk, but it adds a delicious richness to the meal.

To make the perfect fried egg, heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.

Crack an egg into a small dish and then carefully slide it into the hot pan.

Cook for a few minutes until the white is set and the yolk is still runny, or cook longer if you prefer a firmer yolk.

Gently slide a spatula under the egg to lift it from the pan, and place it on top of your fried rice.

Whether you choose scrambled or fried, adding eggs to your fried rice is a simple yet tasty way to elevate your dish, making it even more satisfying and enjoyable.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile and tasty dish that can be flavoured and topped with a variety of ingredients.

To create the best fried rice, you need to follow a few key tips and tricks.

Below are some recommendations to help you achieve a delicious result.

Firstly, cooking the perfect fried rice starts with the rice itself.

Using day-old, chilled rice is key to ensuring your dish doesn’t become too starchy or clumpy.

This will also help to avoid sogginess. If you have leftovers from a previous meal, this is a great opportunity to repurpose them into a scrumptious new dish.

When preparing your fried rice, it’s crucial to heat your pan or wok to just the right temperature.

By heating your oil and pan until they’re smoking hot, you’ll be able to ensure that your rice is cooked quickly and stays light and fluffy.

Your ingredients will also be cooked to perfection without becoming overcooked or mushy.

To learn more about this process, consider watching a video teaching proper wok cooking techniques.

As for fried rice toppings and add-ins, the sky is the limit!

Here’s a quick summary of the best fried rice toppings:

• Protein: diced cooked chicken, pork, beef, prawns, tofu, or scrambled eggs
• Vegetables: peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, spring onions, or bean sprouts
• Herbs and Spices: garlic, ginger, chilli, coriander, or Thai basil
• Sauces: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce

Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations of fried rice toppings. 

Lastly, plating and presentation can make all the difference.

Use a bowl to mould and shape your rice, and position your toppings in a neat and visually appealing way.

A little sprinkle of sesame seeds or a garnish of chopped spring onions can elevate your homemade fried rice to a restaurant-quality dish.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning fried rice dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.