Easy Gluten Free Fried Rice

This versatile and flavorful gluten-free fried rice recipe has the classic taste of fried rice but uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying and gluten-free culinary experience.

A bowl filled with gluten free fried rice sitting on a tea towel with chopsticks resting on top of the bowl.

Chinese food is one of my favorite types of food to eat. Most Chinese dishes, like regular fried rice, use traditional soy sauce and vegetable oils making it not gluten-free and not the healthiest. This gluten-free version uses basic ingredients like long grain rice and colorful veggies for an easy recipe that is sure to be a family favorite.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Substitutions
Step by Step
Frequently asked questions
Tips and notes
Variations
What to serve with
What pan is best for cooking fried rice?
Storing and reheating
Recipe

Ingredients

Substitutions

Rice- Any long-grain rice will work. I like to use brown rice but you can use regular white rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice. I prefer to use fresh rice but you can use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice.

Coconut aminos- If you don't have coconut aminos then you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce.

Frozen peas and carrots- I like to use frozen peas and carrots but you can use fresh carrots and peas or snow peas. If you don't have peas and carrots, you can use whatever vegetables you like. You could even use leftover vegetables from a previous meal.

Bell Peppers- I like using a red bell pepper but you could use a green bell pepper, orange bell pepper, or yellow bell pepper.

Dried Ginger- If you don't have dried ginger or if you prefer, you can use fresh grated ginger.

Avocado oil- You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or any neutral oil.

Step by Step

A skillet pan with onions and garlic in it.

A skillet pan with onions, peas, carrots, and red bell peppers in it.

A skillet pan with onions, peas, carrots, red bell peppers and rice in it.

A skillet pan with onions, peas, carrots, red bell peppers, rice, and a fried rice sauce in it.

A skillet pan with onions, peas, carrots, red bell peppers and rice in it pushed to the sides of the pan and whisked eggs in the center of the pan.

A skillet filled with gluten free fried rice.

Cook your rice in a pot or rice cooker according to the package.
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil to medium heat, then add in your onions.
Let the onions cook for 2-3 minutes then add in your minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Then add your frozen peas, carrots, and bell peppers to the hot pan.
After 5 minutes of cooking, add your cooked or cold rice if you're using leftover or pre-cooked rice.
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and ginger. Add it to the skillet and combine.
Push the rice to the edges of the skillet leaving a hole in the center of the pan.
In a small bowl whisk together the eggs then add the beaten eggs to the hole in the pan.
Let the eggs sit for 1-2 minutes then scramble the eggs right in the center of the pan.
Once the eggs are cooked, combine the scrambled egg with the rice and serve.
Optional- top your fried rice with green onions and or sesame seeds. Also, for a little kick, you can add red pepper flakes and sriracha.

Frequently asked questions

Is fried rice usually gluten-free?

No. Traditional fried rice often contains regular soy sauce, which is a common source of gluten.

Does soy sauce contain gluten?

Traditional soy sauce typically contains gluten. Soy sauce is traditionally made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. The wheat component in soy sauce is what contains gluten.

Is rice completely gluten-free?

Rice, in its natural and unadulterated form, is naturally gluten-free. It does not contain gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their related grains. This makes rice a safe and staple food for individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those following a gluten-free diet.

Is Trader Joe's fried rice gluten-free?

No. Their vegetable fried rice contains soy sauce making it not gluten-free.

Tips and notes

If you are making your rice fresh, be sure to rinse your rice before cooking it. Rinsing your rice before cooking helps not only remove dirt, dust, chemicals, and debris, but it also helps to rinse excess starch which makes your rice fluffy and prevents it from sticking and getting mushy.

You can make your rice ahead of time if you like. If you're making rice for another meal you can make extra and store it in the refrigerator to use the next day for your fried rice.

Variations

The best part about this recipe is that it is so versatile. There are so many ways you can change it up to make multiple easy dinner options for a busy weeknight. Get creative and mix and match ingredients to create your own unique gluten-free fried rice recipes.

Here are some of my favorite ways to change up :

Chicken Fried Rice: Add diced chicken breast or chicken thigh to your fried rice for extra protein. Cook the chicken first before adding vegetables and rice.
Shrimp Fried Rice: Shrimp adds a delicious seafood twist to your fried rice. Make sure the shrimp is peeled and deveined, and cook it before adding it to the rice.
Beef Fried Rice: Thinly sliced beef, like flank steak or sirloin, can be used to create a savory beef fried rice. Marinate the beef with gluten-free soy, gluten-free tamari, or coconut aminos before stir-frying.
Pork Fried Rice: Lean pork cuts, such as pork loin or tenderloin, can be sliced thinly and added to your fried rice. Marinate the pork with gluten-free soy sauce or a gluten-free marinade of your choice.
Tofu Fried Rice: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use cubed tofu as the protein source. Extra-firm tofu works well, and you can marinate it in gluten-free soy sauce or your favorite gluten-free sauce before cooking. If you want to make this vegan be sure to omit the eggs.
Pineapple Fried Rice: Add a tropical twist to your gluten-free fried rice by incorporating pineapple chunks. The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple complements the savory rice and vegetables really well.
Mango Fried Rice: For a touch of sweetness, incorporate diced mango into your fried rice. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is amazing!
Cashew Fried Rice: Roasted cashews add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to your fried rice.

What to serve with

Gluten-free fried rice can be a delicious and satisfying side dish or dish on its own, but if you're looking to create a well-rounded meal or serve it as part of a larger spread, here are some tasty dishes to serve with your fried rice:

Spring Rolls: Gluten-free spring rolls are a fantastic side dish to have with your fried rice. Serve the spring rolls with a gluten-free dipping sauce like honey sriracha sauce.
Gluten-Free Dumplings: Gluten-free dumplings, either steamed or pan-fried, make for a great side dish or appetizer.
Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken or Salmon: Grilled or baked teriyaki chicken or salmon with a gluten-free teriyaki sauce makes for a delicious main dish to serve alongside your fried rice.
Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Chicken: Crispy gluten-free chicken in a tangy sweet and sour sauce that will go nicely on the side of your fried rice.
Honey Sriracha Shrimp: Tender shrimp coated in a sweet honey and spicy sriracha sauce pairs perfectly with this fried rice.

What pan is best for cooking fried rice?

The best pan for making fried rice is a large, flat-bottomed, non-stick skillet or a wok. Each has its advantages, and your choice may depend on your personal cooking preferences and the equipment you have available. Both non-stick skillets and woks can produce delicious fried rice, so use the one that you are most comfortable with and that suits your kitchen setup.

Storing and reheating

Storing gluten-free fried rice is similar to storing traditional fried rice. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the quality of the fried rice may degrade over time, especially in terms of texture, but it should remain safe to eat if stored properly. Storing it in smaller portions can also help reduce the number of times you need to reheat the entire batch, which can further maintain its quality.

Here are some guidelines for storing your fried rice:

How do I store fried rice?

Cool it Down: Allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the rice soggy.

Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the fried rice to an airtight container, such as a food-safe glass or plastic container. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can cause the rice to dry out or absorb unwanted odors.

Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the fried rice within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.

Can I freeze fried rice?

If you want to store the fried rice for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled fried rice in an airtight container, making sure there is minimal empty space to reduce the chance of freezer burn. Alternatively, you can portion the rice into individual serving sizes before freezing for easier reheating. If you have a food saver you can also vacuum seal your fried rice before freezing.

How do I thaw frozen fried rice?

When you're ready to use your frozen fried rice, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly, preferably overnight. This helps maintain the rice's texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.

How do I reheat fried rice?

You can reheat fried rice in a skillet or a microwave. In a skillet, add a bit of oil and heat the rice over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. In the microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's hot.