American Fried Rice is a brilliantly playful dish that brings together tender jasmine rice, juicy ham and chicken, a ketchup-scented stir fry, and classic American breakfast sides like sausages, crispy bacon, and sunny garnishes. Whether you’re familiar with this delightful Thai-American fusion or discovering it for the first time, American Fried Rice delivers layers of savory and subtly sweet flavors that are impossible to resist. This recipe is especially comforting when you’re craving something nostalgic yet uniquely international, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile with every bite.

American Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in American Fried Rice plays a special role, giving the dish its color, body, and playful character. With a handful of staples and a couple of tasty extras, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Jasmine rice (3 cups, cooked and day-old): Day-old rice is essential for perfect fried rice—dry and easy to separate, ensuring each grain stays fluffy.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): This provides a neutral base that lets all the flavors shine without overpowering.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds that wonderful, familiar kick of aroma at the very start of cooking.
Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Gives a sweet, mellow undertone that balances rich and savory notes.
Diced ham (1/4 cup): Offers a salty bite reminiscent of classic diner fare and breakfast favorites.
Cooked diced chicken (1/4 cup): Adds a heartier protein and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): The secret to that signature red tint and subtle tangy sweetness.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers depth, savoriness, and the perfect hint of salt.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Tames the tang and salt, bringing all elements into harmony.
Frozen peas and carrots (1/4 cup): Add color and a gentle bite, making each forkful more fun.
Eggs (2): Scrambled right in, these give the American Fried Rice its classic silky, rich texture.
Cooked sausages (2, sliced): For that unmistakable all-day breakfast feel and a pop of smokiness.
Cooked bacon (2 slices): A treat for crunchy, salty fans—few things say “American” like crisp bacon.
Raisins (1/4 cup): The unexpected sweet surprise that makes every plate feel a bit special.
Sliced cucumbers and tomato wedges (for garnish): Bright, fresh, and cooling—these balance the whole dish.

How to Make American Fried Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and give them a quick sauté until you smell that irresistible fragrance—about 1 to 2 minutes. This builds a base of flavor that will soak into every bite of your American Fried Rice.

Step 2: Add the Proteins

Next, stir in the diced ham and chicken. Cook these together for about 2 minutes. The meats will start to crisp a little at their edges, picking up all that savory aromatic flavor from the garlic and onion. It’s already smelling like a cozy breakfast, but even better!

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Move everything to one side of the skillet to make a space in the center. Crack in the eggs and scramble them gently until they’re just set but still soft. Once ready, fold the eggs into the meat and aromatics so they’re perfectly mingled—this is what gives American Fried Rice its signature richness.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Add your day-old jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or spoon. Stir well to coat the grains with all those savory flavors in the pan. The rice should be evenly distributed for the best mix of taste and texture.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Pour in the ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar, and keep stirring until the rice turns a lovely reddish hue and everything is well combined. This step is key for that sweet-savory signature—taste and adjust seasoning here if you crave it a bit sweeter or saltier.

Step 6: Add Veggies and Raisins

Tip in the frozen peas and carrots, continuing to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. These just need to warm through and add bursts of color and flavor. Right before turning off the heat, stir in the raisins. They’ll puff up a little and infuse some gentle sweetness—an unforgettable twist for this dish.

Step 7: Add Sides and Serve

Spoon the American Fried Rice onto plates, neatly arranging the sliced cooked sausages and crispy bacon beside each portion. Top with cool cucumber slices and juicy tomato wedges. Get ready—every forkful has something exciting!

How to Serve American Fried Rice

Garnishes

A classic American Fried Rice always feels extra special when adorned with bright, fresh garnishes. Fan out slices of cucumber and plump tomato wedges along the side of the plate. Not only do they liven up the color, but their crispness also provides the perfect palate cleanser between bites.

Side Dishes

If you want to go the extra mile, pair your American Fried Rice with a zesty salad or a lightly dressed cabbage slaw. These sides offer crunch and freshness. Some folks even add a fried egg on top, letting that golden yolk run onto the rice—pure joy!

Creative Ways to Present

Try packing the fried rice into a bowl and inverting it onto the plate for a chef-style touch, then arrange the bacon, sausage, and vegetables around the mound. You can also serve it in individual bowls with all the toppings nestled on top, letting everyone dig in and stir it up for themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store your American Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days without losing that comforting texture and flavor. Just make sure to store garnishes and sides separately for the freshest results.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze American Fried Rice! Portion it into individual freezer bags or airtight containers, pressing out excess air first. Label and freeze for up to one month—great for busy weeknights or surprise cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra oil to help revive those fluffy grains. Stir until hot all the way through. If you’re in a hurry, a minute or two in the microwave will work—just cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I substitute the meats for something vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ham and chicken for tofu cubes or even mushrooms. Just make sure to sauté them well for extra flavor—American Fried Rice adapts beautifully!

My rice is sticky. How can I prevent that?

Using day-old, chilled rice is key. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry out before using.

Is American Fried Rice spicy?

Typically, it’s not spicy at all; the distinguishing flavors are sweet, savory, and tangy thanks to the ketchup and soy sauce. If you love heat, though, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes will jazz things up without losing the original character.

Can I use different vegetables?

You sure can! Peas and carrots are traditional, but corn, bell peppers, or even pineapple can add new bursts of color and flavor to your American Fried Rice. Let your fridge inspire you.

What’s the story behind American Fried Rice?

This dish is a delicious example of East-meets-West. It originated in Thailand, likely inspired by American tastes, and was meant to resemble a Western-style breakfast or lunch with rice at its heart. It’s now a beloved staple in Thai diners and abroad!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something joyful about making and sharing American Fried Rice. It’s easy, incredibly comforting, and always a conversation starter at the table. Go ahead—gather your favorite people, whip up this colorful plateful, and watch the smiles appear. You’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

American Fried Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A fusion dish that combines the flavors of American and Thai cuisine, American Fried Rice is a hearty and satisfying meal packed with a variety of meats and flavors. This colorful and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup diced ham
1/4 cup cooked diced chicken

Sauce and Seasonings:

2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 eggs
2 cooked sausages, sliced
2 slices cooked bacon
1/4 cup raisins
Sliced cucumbers and tomato wedges for garnish

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Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Sauté aromatics: Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
Cook meats: Stir in ham and chicken, cook for 2 minutes.
Scramble eggs: Push ingredients to one side, crack in eggs, scramble, then mix with meat.
Add rice: Stir in the rice, breaking up clumps, and mix well.
Season: Add ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar, mix until rice is coated.
Add vegetables: Stir in peas, carrots, cook until heated through.
Final touches: Stir in raisins, remove from heat.
Serve: Serve with sausages, bacon, cucumber, and tomato.