The Most Popular Type of Fried Rice, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:52
In the heart of bustling street food markets and amidst casual dinners at home, fried rice serves as a beloved comfort dish across various cultures. Its popularity stems not only from its delicious taste but also from its ability to adapt; different ingredients can transform simple rice into a cornucopia of flavor. Knowing the preferred versions can be quite beneficial, from planning a menu to understanding regional preferences. On this site, everyone has the chance to voice their preferences by voting for their favored versions of fried rice. As votes accumulate, a current and dynamic ranking emerges, reflecting the collective opinion. This process not only makes it easier for new visitors to see which types are most appreciated but also stirs a community-driven dialogue about all the savory possibilities that fried rice has to offer.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Fried Rice?

  1. 1
    86
    votes
    This is the most popular type of fried rice in China and is made with ingredients such as ham, shrimp, and egg. It is also known as Yangzhou chao fan and is named after the city of Yangzhou.
    Yangzhou fried rice is a popular Chinese dish that originated in Yangzhou, a city in the Jiangsu province of China. It is a stir-fried rice dish that is known for its flavorful combination of ingredients and balanced taste.
    • Main Ingredients: Steamed rice, eggs, cooked shrimp, Chinese ham, green peas, carrots, scallions
    • Flavoring: Light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil
    • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes chicken bouillon powder
    • Cooking Method: Stir-fried
    • Texture: Each grain of rice should be separate and not clumped together
  2. 2
    9
    votes
    Thai fried rice
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Thai fried rice

    Thai chefs
    This type of fried rice is popular in Thailand and is made with vegetables, egg, and often has a bit of spice to it. It is also known as khao phat and is usually served with a wedge of lime.
    Thai fried rice, also known as Khao Pad, is a popular dish in Thai cuisine made with cooked rice stir-fried in a wok. It is typically made with a combination of ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu, mixed with vegetables and seasoned with Thai spices and sauces. The dish is known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic qualities.
    • Rice: Long-grain jasmine rice is commonly used for Thai fried rice.
    • Protein: It can be made with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a combination of these.
    • Vegetables: Commonly includes onions, carrots, peas, and scallions.
    • Seasonings: Thai seasonings like fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Thai chili paste are used for flavor.
    • Eggs: Fried rice is typically mixed with beaten eggs during the cooking process.
  3. 3
    23
    votes
    This is a popular type of fried rice in Korea and is made with kimchi, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It is a spicy dish and often served with a fried egg on top.
    Kimchi fried rice is a popular Korean dish that combines cooked rice with kimchi and a variety of other ingredients. It is known for its tangy and spicy flavors, making it a favorite among kimchi enthusiasts. The dish is typically stir-fried in a hot wok or pan, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
    • Main ingredients: Cooked rice, kimchi, vegetables, and protein (such as meat or tofu)
    • Spiciness: Medium to high, depending on the amount of kimchi and additional spicy ingredients
    • Texture: A combination of soft rice and crispy edges
    • Flavor profile: Tangy, slightly sour, spicy, and umami
    • Cooking method: Stir-frying in a wok or pan
  4. 4
    8
    votes

    Pineapple fried rice

    Thai cuisine
    This type of fried rice is popular in Thailand and is made with pineapple, vegetables, and often has a bit of sweetness to it. It is usually served in a pineapple shell for presentation.
    Pineapple fried rice is a Thai-style fried rice dish that typically includes cooked rice stir-fried with a combination of diced pineapple, shrimp or chicken, vegetables, and various seasonings. The dish is often served inside half a pineapple, adding a tropical and visually appealing touch.
    • Main Ingredients: Cooked rice, pineapple, shrimp or chicken
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, fish sauce, curry powder
    • Vegetables: Onions, carrots, peas, bell peppers
    • Garnishes: Cashews, raisins, green onions
    • Optional Additions: Eggs, tofu
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    Shrimp fried rice is a popular type of fried rice in many countries, including China, Japan, and Thailand. It is made with shrimp, vegetables, and egg and often has a slightly smoky flavor.
    Shrimp fried rice is a savory and flavorful dish that features cooked rice stir-fried with pieces of succulent shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings. It is commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai restaurants. This dish provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
    • Main Ingredients: Shrimp, rice, vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and onions)
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
    • Cooking Method: Stir-frying
    • Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    This type of fried rice is popular among vegetarians and is made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. It is a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish.
    Vegetable fried rice is a classic dish that features stir-fried rice combined with a variety of vegetables. It is a popular vegetarian option and an excellent way to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal.
    • Main ingredients: White rice, mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, and broccoli), onions
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
    • Additional ingredients (optional): Tofu, eggs for non-vegan versions
    • Cooking method: Stir-frying
    • Serving style: Hot
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Chicken fried rice
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Chicken fried rice is a popular type of fried rice in many countries, including China, Japan, and the United States. It is made with chicken, vegetables, and egg and often has a slightly sweet flavor.
    Chicken fried rice is a delicious and popular dish that combines stir-fried rice with tender pieces of chicken, along with various vegetables and seasonings. The dish originated in China and has become a staple in many Asian cuisines.
    • Main Ingredients: Chicken, rice, vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, onions)
    • Cooking Method: Stir-frying
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger
    • Additional Protein Options: Shrimp, beef, tofu
    • Garnish Options: Green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    Indonesian nasi goreng
    Gunawan Kartapranata · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Nasi goreng is a popular type of fried rice in Indonesia and is made with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp paste, sweet soy sauce, and chili. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is often served with a fried egg on top.
    Indonesian nasi goreng is a popular type of fried rice from Indonesia. It is a flavorful dish made with cooked rice stir-fried with a variety of ingredients including vegetables, meat, and/or seafood. The rice is typically seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, shrimp paste, chili, garlic, and other spices, giving it a rich and aromatic taste.
    • Main Ingredients: Cooked rice, vegetables, meat and/or seafood
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, shrimp paste, chili, garlic, and various spices
    • Flavor: Rich, savory, and aromatic
    • Texture: Tender rice grains with crunchy vegetables and meat/seafood
    • Spiciness: Can be mild to spicy depending on personal preference
  9. 9
    6
    votes

    Japanese fried rice

    Japanese chefs
    Japanese fried rice, also known as chahan, is a popular type of fried rice in Japan. It is made with ingredients such as soy sauce, mirin, and sometimes green onions or seaweed.
    Japanese fried rice, known as 'Yakimeshi' in Japan, is a popular type of fried rice that combines a medley of vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. It is often cooked with day-old rice, making it an excellent way to use up leftovers. The dish is typically prepared on a teppan (iron griddle) or a large frying pan, and it is known for its savory and umami-filled flavors.
    • Main Ingredients: Rice, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn), proteins (such as chicken, shrimp, beef), eggs
    • Seasonings: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger
    • Texture: Light and fluffy rice grains, tender vegetables, and well-cooked proteins
    • Flavor Profile: Savory, umami-filled, and subtly seasoned
    • Cooking Method: Stir-frying on a teppan or large frying pan
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Singaporean fried rice is a popular type of fried rice in Singapore and is made with ingredients such as shrimp, egg, and curry powder. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is often served with a wedge of lime.
    Singaporean fried rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that originates from Singapore, a Southeast Asian nation known for its diverse culinary traditions. It is a popular type of fried rice that combines a unique blend of flavors, textures, and ingredients.
    • Ingredients: Cooked rice, shrimp, chicken, eggs, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers), garlic, onions, soy sauce, and various spices.
    • Flavors: The dish has a harmonious balance of savory, umami, and slightly spicy flavors. It is often seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste to give it a distinctive taste.
    • Aromatics: Garlic and onions are commonly used to add aromatic flavors to the dish.
    • Technique: The dish is prepared by stir-frying the ingredients over high heat in a wok or a large frying pan. This imparts a smoky flavor and helps to maintain the texture and separate grains of the rice.
    • Texture: The rice grains are lightly fried until they are slightly crispy on the outside while still remaining fluffy on the inside. The inclusion of various ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, and vegetables adds a variety of textures.

Missing your favorite type?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular type

  1. Flavor
    The flavor of the fried rice is a crucial factor. A delicious and flavorful fried rice can easily become a crowd favorite.
  2. Ingredients
    The ingredients used in the fried rice also play a significant role. Different types of vegetables, meats, seafood, and sauces can add unique flavors to the dish.
  3. Texture
    The texture of the fried rice should be just right - not too mushy or crunchy. A perfect balance of textures can make the dish more palatable.
  4. Presentation
    The way the dish is presented can also impact its popularity. A well-presented dish can be more visually appealing and tempting.
  5. Availability
    Finally, the availability of the ingredients required to prepare the dish can influence its popularity. If some ingredients are difficult to find or expensive, the dish may not be as popular as others.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of fried rice. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1562 views
  • 177 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular type of fried rice

Fried rice is a popular dish that is enjoyed all around the world. It is believed to have originated in China, where it was a way to use up leftover rice. Today, there are countless variations of fried rice, each with its unique blend of flavors and ingredients. One of the most popular types of fried rice is the classic Chinese-style fried rice, which typically includes diced vegetables, eggs, and meat such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. Other popular variations include Thai-style fried rice, which often features a spicy kick, and Japanese-style fried rice, which typically includes soy sauce and mirin. No matter the variation, fried rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that has become a staple in many cultures around the world.

Share this article