Quick answer
What makes this recipe work
This is the weeknight fried rice method that works: cold cooked rice, high heat, small chicken pieces, and tamari instead of soy sauce. It is built for leftovers and keeps the cost low without feeling sparse.
Cook mode
Prep bench
Scaled cost
£6.50
Checked
0/7
Prep the pan
Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat until very hot.
- - Use certified gluten-free tamari, not standard soy sauce.
- - Check stock powders, spice mixes, and bottled sauces if adding extras.
- - Use a clean wok and utensils if your kitchen also cooks wheat noodles.
Ingredients
- 300 g Cooked ricecold rice works best
- 250 g Chicken breastdiced small
- 2 whole Eggs
- 2 tbsp Tamaricertified gluten-free
- 120 g Frozen peas
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger
Equipment
- Wok or large frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
Method
- 1
Prep the pan
2 minHeat a wok or large frying pan over high heat until very hot.
- 2
Cook the chicken
5 minAdd a little oil, then stir-fry the diced chicken until cooked through and lightly golden.
- 3
Add aromatics
1 minAdd garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds, keeping everything moving so it does not catch.
- 4
Fry the rice
4 minAdd the cold rice and peas. Break up clumps and fry until the rice is hot and separate.
Cold rice gives better texture and avoids a sticky pan.
- 5
Finish
3 minPush the rice aside, scramble in the eggs, then toss through tamari. Serve immediately.
Budget swaps
- Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh stir-fry packs.
- Double the rice and peas if you need to stretch to six servings.
- Use chicken thigh instead of breast when it is cheaper.
Substitutions
- Use leftover roast chicken to cut the cook time.
- Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Use coconut aminos if you cannot tolerate soy.
Serve with
- Cucumber salad
- Chilli crisp
- Steamed broccoli
Storage
- Cool quickly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours.
- Not ideal once egg is added, but leftovers can be frozen for one month.
- Reheat until piping hot throughout. Add a splash of water if the rice feels dry.
FAQs
Is fried rice gluten-free?
The rice is naturally gluten-free, but regular soy sauce usually contains wheat. Use certified gluten-free tamari.
Can I use microwave rice?
Yes. Chill it first if possible, or break it up well before frying.
