Perfect Easy Pork Fried Rice (30 Minute Recipe)

Pork Fried Rice is a staple of Chinese and hibachi grill restaurants across the country. And this pork fried rice recipe uses juicy tenderloin and frozen veggies for an easy alternative to takeout. Learn how to make pork fried rice in just 30 minutes!

Add the flavors from your favorite Chinese restaurant in your own home kitchen with this simple rice recipe! This dish makes a great recipe to feed your entire family – and is better than Chinese takeout! 

If you’ve been searching for a great fried rice recipe, this is it. And no, it’s not good fried rice – it literally is the best.

I love using simple ingredients to make this easy fried rice that tastes better than anything I’ve ever ordered! 

I’m a huge fan of Chinese food because of the great flavors and taste. So when I realized that easy recipes like this rice dish could be made in my own kitchen, I was so excited to get started! 

The next time that you need easy meals and recipes to plan out the weekly dinner menu, add this rice dish to your radar! We eat it as a main dish, but you can use it as a side dish, too! 

Pork Fried Rice 

Not only is it easy to replicate your favorite takeout dishes right at home, but you can make adjustments as needed, so it comes out exactly how you like.

And because this recipe for pork fried rice makes such a large amount, you can feed the whole family or have leftovers for lunch at a fraction of the cost! 

We also have a classic fried rice recipe ready in just 30 minutes, or try a unique twist with hot dogs!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Meat – While pork fried rice is typically made with Char Siu, or Chinese barbecued pork, you can use whatever cut is easily accessible. 
  
  Even leftover pork chops would work! I took a whole tenderloin and marinated it in an Asian-inspired BBQ sauce, then cooked it on the outdoor grill. 
  
  You could also use smoked tenderloin if you’d like.
  
• Veggies – Feel free to swap out the peas and carrots for other stir-fry veggies like bell peppers, corn, finely chopped broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
  
• Rice – Jasmine rice is the best variety to use for this dish. Be sure to cook it ahead of time and let it cool before adding it to the pan. 
  
  Otherwise, it may become sticky and clumpy from the residual heat. 
  
  It doesn’t have to be completely chilled first, but add a few minutes to the cooking time if using leftovers from the refrigerator. 

You can also add other ingredients to this recipe as well. It might change a lot of the flavor, but that can be a good thing!

Adding sugar snap peas, diced red onion, bok choy, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, and even scrambled eggs is a great option to pair with the rice and cooked pork.

Don’t forget seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and anything else that you are craving! 

How to Make Pork Fried Rice at Home

• Get ingredients prepped and ready.

Both the rice and the pork will need to be cooked and cooled ahead of time — at least a few hours, but the night before is even better. 

Store both in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start this recipe for pork fried rice.

• Use a wok.

A curved skillet is ideal for any stir fry as the high, sloped sides cook all the ingredients evenly at high heat.

The shape also makes it easy to stir and toss the ingredients together quickly.

• Cook onions and garlic first.

This softens the veggies and brings out their natural sweet flavor. Be gentle with the garlic — it only needs a minute or two before it burns.

Once fragrant, add the remaining ingredients, tossing and cooking until everything is well combined and warmed through.

• Add some heat!

Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you want to feel the flames on your tongue, mix in some Sriracha or hot chili oil.

I recommend starting with a small amount and seeing how the pork fried rice tastes. You can always add more, but it’s harder to tone it down when there’s too much!

Prep Ahead

• Make rice the night before
• Cook and chop pork 
• Scramble eggs
• Mix sauce together 

Serving Suggestions

Want more restaurant-inspired dinner ideas? Panda Express Broccoli Beef and Cheesecake Factory Bang Bang Shrimp are sure to hit the spot, and you can easily serve them alongside this pork fried rice recipe.

I also have a Crockpot Mongolian Beef recipe that is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. 

Or, try One-Pan Chicken Teriyaki with vegetables for a complete meal without any extra dishes!

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Use a standard Skillet to scramble the eggs, but use a Wok to make this recipe for pork fried rice.
• Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• Wood Turner – My most used spoon or spatula in my kitchen! It’s amazing for sautéing vegetables and browning meat.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover pork fried rice can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

This dish also freezes really well and can be stored for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Add leftovers back to a skillet on the stove and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. 

Add a splash of water as needed for moisture or pop a lid on top to create steam.

Pork Fried Rice Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Originally published April 2021, updated and republished December 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.