Cooking fried rice on a griddle can feel intimidating for beginners, but with the right technique, it becomes one of the most rewarding dishes you can make. A good Griddle Fried Rice Recipe starts with the right rice texture, balanced flavors, and a few key steps that ensure that irresistible fried crunch.
The secret to truly exceptional fried rice lies in using day-old rice. It allows each grain to fry perfectly without clumping, absorbing the savory-sweet sauce beautifully. Paired with fresh vegetables, the flavor is fresh yet deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of the meal, this griddle fried rice recipe will help you achieve that golden, restaurant-style perfection right in your own backyard.
My Personal Experience With This Griddle Fried Rice Recipe
When I first started cooking fried rice on my griddle, I struggled with getting the right texture sometimes it turned mushy, sometimes it stuck to the surface. But once I learned the day-old rice trick, everything changed.
Now, I prepare my rice the night before, store it properly, and the next day I can make fried rice in minutes. The griddle gives it an unbeatable smoky edge and crisp bite.
I also love how versatile this recipe is. Sometimes I keep it simple with just vegetables and eggs, other times I add chicken, shrimp, or pork. No matter how I make it, the result is always delicious, and my guests can’t get enough.
Ingredients Required for Griddle Fried Rice Recipe
Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Griddle Fried Rice
- 4 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice (rinsed before cooking)
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon or 1 cup chicken broth (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for storing rice overnight)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Whites of 3–4 green onions, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tsp MSG (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Diced chicken, shrimp, or pork (pre-cooked)
Kitchen Utensils Required
- Outdoor griddle or flat-top grill
- Rice cooker (optional but recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Sheet pan for chilling rice
- Knife and cutting board
Preparation & Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight rice rest)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding overnight rest)
How to Make Griddle Fried Rice
Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Griddle Fried Rice in a delicious way.
1. Cook & Chill the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice 2–3 times to remove excess starch. Cook in a rice cooker with chicken bouillon or broth for extra flavor. Spread cooked rice on a lightly oiled sheet pan, level it evenly, and refrigerate overnight to dry out.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, ½ tsp MSG (optional), and 1 tsp sugar. Stir well and set aside.
3. Heat the Griddle & Start Vegetables: Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sauté diced red bell pepper and the white parts of green onions until slightly softened but still crisp. Push to the side.
4. Fry the Rice: Add more oil to the griddle, spread the cold rice evenly, and let it fry for a minute before stirring to create texture. Mix in the vegetables.
5. Cook the Eggs & Combine: Melt butter in an empty space on the griddle, crack the eggs, scramble, and chop them. Mix eggs into the rice-vegetable mixture.
6. Add Sauce & Serve: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the rice. Stir-fry until all grains are coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce if desired. Serve hot, garnished with green onion tops.
Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Griddle Fried Rice
Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Griddle Fried Rice deliciously
1. With Teriyaki Chicken
We’ve done this countless times, and the sweet-salty teriyaki glaze over Mashed Potatoes with the savory fried rice is just unbeatable.
2. As a Side for Hibachi Steak
The griddle makes it easy to cook your steak and fried rice side-by-side, and trust me, those juices mingling with the rice? Next-level flavor.
3. With Garlic Butter Shrimp
Toss shrimp in garlic butter right on the griddle, then mix them into or serve alongside the rice for a quick surf-and-turf feel.
4. Topped with a Fried Egg
We love cracking an extra egg right before serving. The runny yolk adds richness that makes each bite more indulgent.
5. With Stir-Fried Vegetables
Adding bok choy, snap peas, or carrots on the side not only makes the plate colorful, but it adds a nice crunch.
6. Wrapped in Lettuce Leaves
It’s fun, hands-on, and refreshing. We’ve done this for backyard parties and people love it.
7. Paired with Sweet Chili Sauce
A little drizzle on top or on the side adds just the right kick of heat and tang.
8. Stuffed into Bell Peppers
We once had leftovers and filled halved bell peppers with the fried rice, baked them, and it turned into a whole new dish.
9. With Korean BBQ
The smoky flavors from grilled short ribs pair incredibly well with the lightly crisp rice.
10. As a Base for Asian-Style Burritos
Wrap fried rice with grilled meat, veggies, and sauce in a tortilla. We tried it once now it’s a regular request from friends.
Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Griddle Fried Rice Recipe
Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.
1. Use day-old rice
Cold rice works best. Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky.
2. Rinse your rice before cooking
Wash it 2–3 times to make it less starchy and sticky.
3. Spread rice out to cool
After cooking, lay it flat on a pan so it dries a bit before going in the fridge.
4. Have everything ready
Cut veggies, crack eggs, and mix sauce before you start. Cooking goes fast on a griddle.
5. Don’t overcook veggies
Keep a little crunch for better texture and taste.
6. Use high heat
This helps give the rice a nice fried texture and flavor.
7. Add butter for flavor
A small pat of butter makes the rice rich and tasty.
8. Mix the sauce well
You want every bite of rice to have that yummy flavor.
9. Taste before serving
Add more soy sauce if you like it saltier.
10. Try new add-ins
Chicken, shrimp, or even pineapple can make your fried rice special.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Griddle Fried Rice Properly?
If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a hot griddle or in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture and flavor.

Griddle Fried Rice Recipe
Cooking fried rice on a griddle can feel intimidating for beginners, but with the right technique, it becomes one of the most rewarding dishes you can make. A good Griddle Fried Rice Recipe starts with the right rice texture, balanced flavors, and a few key steps that ensure that irresistible fried crunch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice (rinsed before cooking)
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon or 1 cup chicken broth (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for storing rice overnight)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Whites of 3–4 green onions, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tsp MSG (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Diced chicken, shrimp, or pork (pre-cooked)
Instructions
1. Cook & Chill the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice 2–3 times to remove excess starch. Cook in a rice cooker with chicken bouillon or broth for extra flavor. Spread cooked rice on a lightly oiled sheet pan, level it evenly, and refrigerate overnight to dry out.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, ½ tsp MSG (optional), and 1 tsp sugar. Stir well and set aside.
3. Heat the Griddle & Start Vegetables: Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sauté diced red bell pepper and the white parts of green onions until slightly softened but still crisp. Push to the side.
4. Fry the Rice: Add more oil to the griddle, spread the cold rice evenly, and let it fry for a minute before stirring to create texture. Mix in the vegetables.
5. Cook the Eggs & Combine: Melt butter in an empty space on the griddle, crack the eggs, scramble, and chop them. Mix eggs into the rice-vegetable mixture.
6. Add Sauce & Serve: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the rice. Stir-fry until all grains are coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce if desired. Serve hot, garnished with green onion tops.
Notes
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a hot griddle or in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320
FAQs on this Copycat Griddle Fried Rice Recipe
When you give this Griddle Fried Rice Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
We’ve tried it, but fresh rice usually turns out mushy on the griddle. Day-old rice gives the best texture.
2. Do I need a rice cooker for this recipe?
Not at all. We use one because it’s easy, but you can cook rice on the stovetop and still get great results.
3. What’s the best oil to use on the griddle?
We like vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor if used in small amounts.
4. Can I make this without soy sauce?
Yes, but you’ll need another seasoning base. Coconut aminos or tamari work well if you’re avoiding soy.
5. How do I stop the rice from sticking?
Make sure your griddle is hot and lightly oiled before adding the rice. Also, let it fry for a minute before stirring.
6. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely. We’ve made it with chicken, shrimp, pork, and even leftover steak all work beautifully.
7. How do I keep veggies from overcooking?
We cook them quickly over high heat so they keep their crunch.
8. What kind of rice works best?
We love jasmine rice for its aroma, but long-grain white rice works too.
9. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If reheating, use a hot griddle or skillet.
10. How can I make it spicier?
We sometimes add chili flakes, sriracha, or a splash of spicy soy sauce for extra heat.
This Griddle Fried Rice Recipe delivers that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors while giving each grain a delicious fried texture. With a little preparation the night before, you’ll be serving restaurant-quality fried rice right from your griddle.
If you try this recipe, share your version in the comments and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite proteins. Your next cookout might just feature the best fried rice your friends have ever tasted!
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