House Special Fried Rice Recipe : Quick Dinner Idea
Today, we’re going to make my perfect fried rice. This house special fried rice recipe is packed with chicken, shrimp, sausage, and colorful veggies—all stir-fried to perfection in a savory soy-garlic sauce. It’s the comfort food that’s quick to make, deliciously satisfying, and sure to become a regular at your dinner table.
The reason fried rice tastes different in a restaurant than the kind you have at home, it’s usually thanks to these very intense wok burners that look like rocket fuel, great seasoning, and emulsified rice. Every grain is gonna be covered in a light slick of oil, and then high heat. That’s the flavor we’re trying to cultivate by using these intense woks over here.
This is going to be chicken fried rice, just like the one my mom makes in her restaurant, the one I grew up in. The first step is to marinate the chicken with a technique we call velveting. Velveting is a technique for preparing proteins for stir-fries. It really improves their texture, keeps them really moist, and gives them a nice bouncy texture.
Is Rice Healthy? A Nutritional Perspective
Rice, especially in dishes like house special fried rice, often gets a bad reputation in diet conversations, but it’s a great source of energy and essential nutrients when eaten in moderation.
Benefits of Rice:
- Energy-Boosting Carbs: Rice provides complex carbohydrates that fuel your body and brain.
- Low in Fat: Plain rice is naturally low in fat and cholesterol-free.
- Gluten-Free: Great for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Versatile Nutrient Base: You can boost its nutritional value by pairing it with lean proteins and plenty of vegetables.
Brown Rice vs. White Rice:
- White Rice: Softer texture and easier to digest. Enriched versions provide iron and B vitamins.
- Brown Rice: Higher in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Helps in better digestion and longer satiety.
Healthy Tips for Fried Rice:
- Use less oil and opt for healthy fats like sesame or avocado oil.
- Add more vegetables to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Replace white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to cut down on salt.
Prep & Cook Time
| Task | Time |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Ingredients for House Special Fried Rice
Proteins:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast (diced)
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage (sliced)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup white onion (chopped)
Base & Aromatics:
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
How to Make House Special Fried Rice
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping your vegetables, dicing your cooked chicken, and peeling the shrimp. If your rice is freshly cooked, let it cool completely or spread it on a tray to dry out slightly. Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice.
Step 2: Cook the Proteins
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until it’s lightly browned. Then add the diced chicken and shrimp. Stir-fry everything for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp is pink and fully cooked. Remove the proteins and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same wok. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the chopped onions and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Turn the heat to high and add your cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break apart any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry everything together for about 2–3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors.
Step 5: Pour in the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Pour this sauce over the rice. Stir-fry vigorously so the sauce is evenly distributed. The rice should turn golden and smell amazing.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked proteins back into the wok along with chopped green onions. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This house special fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A side of egg rolls or spring rolls
- Hot chili oil or sriracha for extra heat
- A bowl of clear chicken broth for a comforting combo
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
1. Use Day-Old Rice
Freshly cooked rice can be too moist. Using day-old rice helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture.
2. High Heat = Better Flavor
Cooking on high heat gives the rice a slight crisp and enhances the smoky flavor known as “wok hei.”
3. Customize Your Proteins
Don’t have shrimp or sausage? You can swap them with beef strips, pork, tofu, or even leftover roast chicken.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients.
Variations of House Special Fried Rice
1. Spicy Fried Rice
Add sliced Thai chilies or a teaspoon of chili garlic paste to the sauce for extra heat.
2. Vegetarian Version
Skip the meats and add tofu or extra veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
3. Hawaiian Style
Add diced pineapple and ham for a tropical twist.
4. Egg Fried Rice Twist
Scramble 2 eggs in the wok before adding rice for a richer, more authentic flavor.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized bags for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry with a splash of water to revive texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Special Fried Rice
Q1: What makes it a “House special fried rice?
A: The term “house special” typically means the fried rice includes a combination of premium proteins like chicken, shrimp, and sausage, along with vegetables and a unique house-style sauce. It’s meant to showcase the best flavors in one dish.
Q2: Can I make this fried rice vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can skip the meat and seafood and use tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Load up on veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and broccoli for a hearty vegetarian version.
Q3: What type of rice is best for fried rice?
A: Day-old jasmine rice is ideal because it’s slightly dried out, which helps avoid mushy fried rice. Fresh rice can work too, but spread it out on a tray to cool and dry before using.
Q4: How do I keep fried rice from becoming soggy?
A: Use cold, day-old rice, don’t overdo the sauces, and stir-fry on high heat. These steps help prevent the rice from absorbing too much moisture.
Q5: Can I use other types of proteins?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute with beef, pork, tofu, or even rotisserie chicken. The recipe is flexible and easy to customize with what you have on hand.
Q6: Is the house special fried rice spicy?
A: The base recipe is not spicy, but you can easily make it spicy by adding chili garlic paste, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chilies.
Q7: How can I make it healthier?
A: To lighten it up, use brown rice instead of white rice, reduce the oil, and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce and lean protein options.
Q8: Can I meal prep house special fried rice?
A: Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to freshen it up.
Conclusion
This house special fried rice recipe is an easy way to recreate the restaurant experience at home. It’s savory, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it again and again. No need for takeout when you can make this special fried rice yourself in under an hour!
