2 Super Easy 10-Minute Fried Rice Recipes

A pair of fast, plant-based fried rice recipes you can make in about ten minutes each, using pantry staples and one hot pan. These versions focus on high heat, quick-cooking vegetables, and bold seasoning so dinner comes together without fuss. For a light beverage to pair, try one of these chia seed smoothie recipes while you cook.

Pantry essentials and simple prep for fast results

Keep cooked, chilled rice on hand (day-old or refrigerated freshly cooked). Use neutral oil with a high smoke point, soy sauce or tamari, and small-quick veggies like peas, carrots, and scallions. Press and cube extra-firm tofu if using it. Chop ingredients to similar sizes so everything heats evenly during the short cook time. A wide skillet or wok and a hot burner will make the difference between steamed rice and true fried rice.

Recipe 1 — Simple Veggie Fried Rice (10 minutes)

Ingredients (serves 2): 3 cups chilled cooked rice, 2 tbsp oil, 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables, 2 green onions sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, pinch of black pepper.

Steps: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add garlic and the white parts of the scallions, stir 15 seconds. Toss in frozen vegetables and spread rice into the pan; let sit 30–45 seconds to brown, then stir and break up clumps. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, toss to coat, finish with scallion greens and pepper. Serve immediately. For more quick meal ideas to round out the plate, see these nutribullet smoothie recipes that pair well with light dinners.

Recipe 2 — Curry Tofu Fried Rice (10 minutes)

Ingredients (serves 2): 3 cups chilled cooked rice, 1 cup crumbled extra-firm tofu, 1 tbsp curry powder, 2 tbsp oil, 1/2 cup peas, 1 small carrot diced, 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos, 1 lime wedge, fresh cilantro to finish.

Steps: Heat oil on high, add tofu and let it brown without stirring for 1–2 minutes, then crumble and stir. Sprinkle curry powder over tofu, stir until fragrant. Add carrots and peas, then rice; press and let sections sear briefly before stirring. Splash in soy sauce and squeeze lime over the top before serving. Finish with cilantro for brightness.

Speed tips and make-ahead hacks

Use frozen mixed vegetables to skip chopping and to cool the pan. Microwave rice for 30 seconds if it’s too hard, then separate grains with a fork. Mix sauce ahead (soy sauce plus a dash of oil and a pinch of sugar) and store in a jar so you can pour and toss in seconds. Cook tofu in a separate small pan and add at the end to preserve crispness.

Conclusion

If you want more quick fried rice inspiration, this roundup offers two fast methods and extras to tweak flavors for weeknight dinners; you can also compare technique and seasoning ideas with the original two super-easy 10-minute fried rice recipes for additional variations. For a tested, speedy veggie fried rice that focuses on simple veggies and timing, this best 10 minute veggie fried rice recipe is a useful reference for technique and timing.