Soy Sauce Fried Rice is the most classic and humble dish in Chinese cuisine. The rice is loose and fluffy, coated in a rich, savory soy sauce, and paired with scallions and egg. Every bite is full of umami—simple yet deeply satisfying. The secret lies in the heat and the ratio of soy sauce.
🌴 Ingredients:
· 2 bowls of day-old cooked rice (loose and fluffy)
· 2 eggs (beaten)
· 2 stalks of scallions (chopped)
🌴 Aromatics:
· 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
🌴 Seasonings:
· 2 tbsp light soy sauce (about 20ml, the soul of the dish)
· 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce (about 5ml, for color)
· A pinch of sugar (to enhance flavor)
· A pinch of white pepper powder
· Salt, to taste
· Cooking oil, as needed (lard works even better)
🌴 Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice
Use day-old rice and break up any clumps with your hands. ⚠️ Note: Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and will make the fried rice mushy. I’ve tried it, and it turned into a sticky mess. - Scramble the Eggs
Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Heat oil in a pan, scramble the eggs until just set, and set aside. ⚠️ Note: Keep the eggs soft; they will cook again later. - Stir-fry the Rice
Add a little more oil to the pan and sauté the garlic (if using) until fragrant. Add the rice and stir-fry over medium-high heat. Press and break up the rice until it’s loose and slightly dry. ⚠️ Note: Be patient and dry out the moisture for the best texture. I’ve tried low heat, and the rice just got wetter. - Combine and Serve
Add the scrambled eggs, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir-fry over high heat until the sauce coats the rice evenly. Finally, sprinkle with scallions, stir a few times, and serve. ⚠️ Note: Pour the soy sauce around the edge of the hot pan to release its aroma. I’ve tried pouring it directly on the rice, and it made the color uneven and some parts too salty.
💡 Tips:
The key to Soy Sauce Fried Rice is “loose rice, rich soy sauce flavor.” Use day-old rice for the best texture. Scramble the eggs first and set them aside. Pour the soy sauce around the edge of the pan to release its aroma. Add the scallions at the very end.
If you enjoy this simple and savory fried rice, you should also try my Egg Fried Rice. For more dim sum and snacks, check out my Rice, Noodles & Dim Sum category.
❤️ Click the homepage for more delicious recipes!