Authentic Panda Express Fried Rice at Home

Panda Express Fried Rice is one of those side dishes that quietly steals the spotlight. With tender rice, fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp vegetables, and that unmistakable savory flavor, it is the perfect companion to orange chicken, Beijing beef, or your favorite takeout classics. This copycat version recreates the restaurant’s signature texture and taste using simple ingredients and one key technique that makes all the difference. Once you try it at home, you may find yourself skipping the drive-thru and making fried rice whenever the craving hits.

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Why this recipe works

The key to Panda Express-style fried rice is texture. The rice should be tender but not sticky, lightly seasoned but not overly sauced. Using cold rice prevents clumping, while cooking over medium-high heat helps create that slightly toasted flavor you expect from restaurant fried rice. Scrambled eggs add richness, and the classic peas and carrots mix brings color and sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce.

Panda Express fried rice ingredients

To make the fried rice Panda Express serves, you’ll need:

• Long Grain Rice  – Provides the perfect texture and won’t clump together when fried
• Vegetable Broth – Adds depth of flavor without darkening the rice like soy sauce would
• Salt – Enhances all other flavors while maintaining the signature light color
• Eggs – Add protein and create distinct golden pieces throughout the dish
• Frozen Peas and Carrots – Offer color, texture, and nutrition while being consistently sized
• Green Onions – Provide fresh flavor and visual appeal
• Vegetable Oil – Allows for high-heat cooking without burning
• Sesame Oil – Creates the signature Panda Express aroma and taste

The exact quantities are in the printable recipe card below.

Don’t skip the sesame oil. Buying an entire bottle of toasted sesame oil for half a teaspoon may seem like a waste, but it is an essential flavoring for this dish that you will miss if you leave it out.

How to make Panda Express Fried Rice with egg 

To cook the rice:

1. Measure the rice into a medium stockpot. 
2. Cover the rice with cold water and swirl the pot around a few times. Carefully pour off the water. Repeat until the water is clear. 
3. Add the water and vegetable broth to the washed rice and stir in the salt.

4. Heat over high until the water starts to boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
5. Cook the rice on low for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
6. Uncover and use a fork to fluff up the rice. This step lets the steam escape and prevents the rice from losing its shape.
7. Spread the rice thinly on a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature.
8. Transfer to a bowl, cover with a tea towel, and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.

To make the fried rice:

1. Preheat a large pan or a large wok. The wok’s size and shape make stir-frying easier but unnecessary. Ensure your skillet is large enough so you won’t overcrowd the pan.
2. Add vegetable oil to the pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs until they are frothy.
4. Lightly scramble the eggs in the hot oil, then remove them and place on paper towels to drain.

5. Wait for the pan to return to temperature, then add the frozen vegetables. Stir for 30 or 40 seconds to thaw, then add the rice, breaking apart clumps with your fingers.
6. Shake the pan and stir vigorously for about two minutes. 
7. Add the scrambled eggs, the green onions, and extra pre-cooked protein to the rice mixture in the pan. 
8. Continue stirring until the eggs are warmed through, and serve immediately. 
9. We recommend tasting and adjusting for seasoning; you may want to add soy sauce to this recipe before serving.

Tips for making fried rice at home

• Make sure to prepare everything before you start cooking. This particular dish can be made quickly, so it’s a good idea to chop the green onions, lightly beat the eggs, and measure the veggies before you start cooking. Doing so will help you stay organized and avoid any unnecessary panic.
• Make sure the pan is large enough, and it has enough oil. Don’t forget, you are frying, after all! Without enough heat or oil, you won’t get the right textures or flavors, and the food might stick.
• Ensure any extra vegetables you add are the same size as the peas and carrots. Otherwise, you’ll end up with some undercooked veggies and some overdone.

What to serve fried rice with 

Try serving this Panda Express recipe with other Asian dishes, like:

• Egg Drop Soup
• Egg Foo Young
• General Tso Chicken

Storing and reheating leftovers

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of oil, stirring occasionally until warmed through and the rice regains its texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as fried rice can become dry and lose its texture after thawing.

Frequently asked questions about fried rice

What is fried rice? 

Fried rice is an Asian dish that involves sauteing rice over high heat. Besides the rice, the ingredients for each fried rice dish differ but commonly include vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs. 

Is fried rice healthy?

Eating fried rice daily is unhealthy because of the white rice and oil. Although you can replace white rice with more nutritious brown rice, you can’t significantly reduce the oil you use. 

What is the best rice to use for fried rice?

Chinese medium-grain rice or Jasmine rice are two of the best types of rice to use in this recipe. 

How to dry out rice for fried rice?

If you didn’t prepare rice ahead of time, try quick-drying the rice before cooking:

1. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto two or three baking sheets. 
2. Put the trays uncovered in the freezer for 20 minutes. 

Why is my fried rice mushy?

Mushy fried rice is a common problem. Luckily, there are several ways you can prevent it. 

• Always use cold rice. Letting the rice chill in the fridge for four to eight hours is ideal. Cover the rice with a tea towel so it doesn’t dry out fully.
• Don’t overcrowd your pan and cook over high heat. Too much food can lower the temperature and cause the Panda Express rice ingredients to steam instead of sauteing. 
• Rinse the dry rice until the runoff water is clear before cooking. Doing this will help eliminate excess surface starch that can make your fried rice mushy. 

What to do with leftover fried rice?

Here are two unique ways you can use up any extra fried rice.

• Use as a filling for an omelet. A few spoons of cold fried rice, a fresh slice of green onions, and a little chili sauce inside an omelet is a great way to start the day.
• Make a crispy rice pancake with fried rice, flour, and eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flour and one egg in a big bowl for each cup of fried rice. Add the cold fried rice to the mixture and stir—form half-inch thick pancakes with your hands. Cook the rice pancakes over medium heat until crispy on the bottom, flipping halfway through cooking. Eat them on their own or serve them as a side dish.

More Panda Express copycat recipes

• Cream Cheese Rangoons
• Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Mixed Vegetables
• Panda Express Chow Mein
• Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Panda Express Firecracker Chicken
• Panda Express Super Greens

Favorite Chinese recipes

• Beef Chow Fun
• Chicken Lo Mein
• Chinese Spareribs
• Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Egg Foo Young
• Hunan Chicken
• Sweet and Sour Chicken

Check out more of my easy Chinese recipes and the best fast food recipes here on CopyKat!