Baked Fried Rice

This baked fried rice recipe contains all the flavor without the fuss. It’s a hands-off, flavor-packed variation that will quickly become a new family-favorite meal.

It doesn’t get much easier than fried rice. Or does it? This recipe is for everyone who loves classic chicken fried rice but often forgets to make rice ahead of time. Day-old rice is, after all, a quintessential ingredient to making homemade fried rice, right? Not anymore.

Unlike stovetop recipes that are prepared in a wok or a flat-top griddle and require day-old rice to achieve perfectly fluffy (never mushy) fried rice, our baked fried rice is a dump-and-go recipe made entirely in the oven with just one dish. Simply combine and layer the ingredients together in a lightly greased 13×9-inch dish, cover and bake.

Our recipe features a combination of ham and bacon, but you can adapt the recipe to include just about any protein your heart desires. Try tender juicy chicken, crispy baked tofu, succulent shrimp or even extra veggies. No matter your choice, this baked fried rice will become a go-to for busy weeknights and meal-prep sessions.

Baked Fried Rice Ingredients

• Long-grain white rice: We love using long-grain white rice for this fried rice recipe because it cooks up wonderfully fluffy, with no stickiness.
• Chicken broth: Pick up your favorite brand of chicken broth from the store, or use homemade chicken broth if you have it.
• Asian condiments: A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce and mirin infuses the baked fried rice with an iconic blend of sweet and savory Asian flavors.
• Aromatics: Garlic and yellow onions add depth and complexity to the fried rice’s flavor and aroma.
• Frozen vegetables: Our go-to mix of veggies for homemade fried rice includes carrots, peas and shelled edamame. If you enjoy corn, you can choose a frozen vegetable medley that includes it.
• Salt and pepper: A touch of each helps season the rice perfectly and enhance all the flavors in the recipe.
• Bacon and ham: We love using a 50/50 blend of thick-cut bacon and ham. Both heat through and cook quickly when finely diced, adding tons of wonderful flavor and richness to the rice.
• Eggs: Eggs are an optional addition that we think is worth an extra pan. While the fried rice bakes, quickly scramble the eggs with a bit of melted butter and then stir them into the rice before serving.
• Sesame oil: A light drizzle of sesame oil finishes the baked fried rice with an intoxicating aroma that will make you want to dive right in with your fork.
• Green onions: These are the perfect garnish, adding a bit of fresh color and mild onion taste to the baked fried rice.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish, combine the rice, broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, garlic, onion, peas and carrots, edamame, pepper and salt. Mix and spread into an even layer. Scatter the top with the chopped bacon and diced ham, then cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Bake covered, then uncovered

Bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil (don’t throw it away) and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the bacon and ham are lightly browned and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Remove from the oven and loosely cover again with foil. Let the baked fried rice rest for 10 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Rice can vary by brand, so keep a close eye on the rice during the final stages of cooking to ensure the liquid is fully absorbed or that the rice does not dry out too much.

Step 3: Scramble the eggs

Scramble the eggs while the fried rice rests. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then add the eggs. Cook undisturbed for 30 seconds, then gently stir and fold the eggs with a rubber spatula, forming small curds as they cook. Continue to cook until completely set.

Step 4: Fluff and serve

To serve, uncover the fried rice and top it with the scrambled eggs. Next, stir and fluff until the eggs, bacon and ham are evenly incorporated into the rice. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions.

Baked Fried Rice Variations

• Try other types of rice: Choosing the right type of rice is essential for this recipe. Long-grain white rice is the best choice because it cooks up wonderfully fluffy. In a pinch, basmati rice will also work. Do not use short-grain rice (sushi rice), as it will make the fried rice very sticky and clumpy. Additionally, jasmine rice is also not recommended, as it tends to come out a little soft and mushy.
• Add chicken: This would be a wonderful leftover chicken recipe or a way to use rotisserie chicken. Either way, warm the meat gently in the microwave while the rice finishes cooking in the oven. Then scatter the chopped chicken over the rice, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Add shrimp: Choose small, uncooked shrimp and sprinkle them evenly over the rice after uncovering it for the first time. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.
• Make it vegetarian: Add diced baked tofu pieces on top of the fried rice as it rests, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff and stir the tofu into the fried rice before serving. Opt for vegetable broth rather than chicken broth.
• Swap in fresh vegetables: You can use fresh vegetables in this recipe instead, if desired. If using fresh veggies, add 1/4 cup chicken broth to the recipe.
• Use other kinds of vegetables: Feel free to experiment with any frozen vegetables you enjoy—just try to keep the total amount of vegetables as close to 2 cups as possible. Frozen corn, diced red bell pepper, bamboo shoots, chopped broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, pea pods or mushrooms are all options you could experiment with.

How to Store Baked Fried Rice

Baked fried rice should be stored in an airtight food storage container and kept refrigerated.

How long does baked fried rice last?

Baked fried rice is best enjoyed within three or four days. Here are more tips for storing leftover rice safely.

How should you reheat baked fried rice?

To reheat the rice, warm individual portions in the microwave in a covered microwave-safe container. To rehydrate the rice, add a splash of water or broth before warming.

Baked Fried Rice Tips

Can I make baked fried rice with brown rice?

Yes, you can make this baked fried rice with long-grain brown rice if desired. That said, you will likely need to either increase the amount of chicken broth or increase the bake time to ensure the rice fully cooks, since brown rice typically takes a bit longer to become tender than brown rice. For the best results, consult the rice packaging for guidance, and check the rice often, adding more liquid or extending the baking time as needed.

What should you serve with baked fried rice?

Baked fried rice is an all-in-one meal that really does not need any other accompaniment. That said, you can pair baked fried rice with other Asian-inspired favorites you enjoy to create a takeout-style feast for the whole family. Try your hand at making homemade baked egg rolls or crispy pan-fried dumplings, or add a protein boost with Asian chicken thighs or ginger soy pork chops as a main course.

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