Copycat Panda Express Fried Rice
Fluffy fried rice with scrambled egg, peas, carrots, bean sprouts and green onion, just like the Panda Express side. Made with day-old rice in about 15 minutes.
Panda Express fried rice is simple and that is why people love it: fluffy rice, soft scrambled egg, peas, carrots, bean sprouts and green onion, seasoned with soy sauce.
The trick is using cold, day-old rice. Fresh rice is too wet and clumps in the pan, while cold rice fries into separate, slightly toasty grains.
Serve it with our copycat orange chicken for a full Panda plate at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Uses leftover rice
- Tastes like the restaurant side
- Meatless and budget friendly
Ingredient Notes
Rice: Cook jasmine or long-grain white rice a day ahead and refrigerate it uncovered for an hour, then covered. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a sheet pan and chill it for 30 minutes.
Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce gives the classic flavor. Use low-sodium if you are watching salt.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Copycat Panda Express Fried Rice
Scramble the eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and scramble for 1 minute until just set. Move them to a plate.
Fry the rice
Add the remaining oil and heat until shimmering. Add the rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes until hot and lightly toasted.
Add the vegetables
Add the peas and carrots and bean sprouts and stir-fry 2 minutes.
Season
Drizzle the soy sauce around the edge of the pan and toss. Add the sesame oil, white pepper and salt.
Finish
Stir in the eggs and green onions and cook 1 minute more. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cold rice is the key to fluffy, separate grains.
- Use the largest pan you have so the rice fries instead of steams.
- Pour the soy sauce around the hot edge so it sizzles and adds flavor.
- Add diced cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Mushy rice | Use cold, day-old rice. |
| Rice sticking | Heat the oil until it shimmers before adding the rice. |
| Too salty | Add the soy sauce a little at a time and taste. |
Substitutions
- White rice: Brown rice or cauliflower rice.
- Bean sprouts: Shredded cabbage or diced celery.
- Soy sauce: Tamari for a gluten-free version.
What to Serve With It
- Copycat Panda Express orange chicken
- Air fryer shrimp
- Garlic butter steak bites
- Air fryer chicken wings
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Keep for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Stir-fry in a hot pan with a splash of water for 3 minutes, or microwave covered for 1 to 2 minutes.
Tools That Make This Easier
- Carbon steel wokHigh heat for real stir-fried rice.Check price on Amazon
- Wok spatulaTosses and scrapes rice easily.Check price on Amazon
- Rice cookerPerfect rice for tomorrow's fried rice.Check price on Amazon
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Copycat Panda Express Fried Rice
Fluffy fried rice with scrambled egg, peas, carrots, bean sprouts and green onion, just like the Panda Express side. Made with day-old rice in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Fried rice
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and scramble for 1 minute until just set. Move them to a plate.
- Add the remaining oil and heat until shimmering. Add the rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes until hot and lightly toasted.
- Add the peas and carrots and bean sprouts and stir-fry 2 minutes.
- Drizzle the soy sauce around the edge of the pan and toss. Add the sesame oil, white pepper and salt.
- Stir in the eggs and green onions and cook 1 minute more. Serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 330 kcal
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Total Fat
- 13 g
- Saturated Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 3 g
- Sodium
- 820 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Panda Express fried rice?
White rice, scrambled egg, peas, carrots, bean sprouts and green onions, seasoned with soy sauce.
Why do you use day-old rice for fried rice?
Cold rice is drier and firmer, so the grains stay separate and fry instead of turning mushy.
Can I make fried rice with fresh rice?
Yes. Spread it on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes to dry it out first.
How do I make it a full meal?
Add 1 to 2 cups of diced cooked chicken, shrimp or steak along with the vegetables.
