5 Trending Fried Rice Recipes on TikTok

Who loves rice more than Pinoys? From breakfast to midnight snack, no meal is complete without the starchy staple. You also can’t call it a Filipino kitchen if you don’t find a rice cooker on the counter and at least a couple of kilos of grains secured like gold. And among the many ways locals serve it on the dining table, fried rice reigns supreme. It’s a terrific solution to salvage carbs from last night. Plus, it acts as a versatile canvas to use up leftover ulam and ingredients, specifically those nearing their best-by date.

Fried rice isn’t just about sinangag anymore. Although garlic fried rice never fails to satisfy (especially as a silog!), everyone appreciates more variety. Where to look for inspiration? TikTok! A quick scroll of the For You page reveals a trove of creative ideas to upgrade day-old rice. Here’s a roundup of easy options to cook today. 

1. Egg Fried Rice

Do you need fried rice in five minutes? Egg fried rice is the no-brainer choice! This dish is a terrific example of how to keep it simple but still deliver on taste. You only need four essential ingredients to make this golden masterpiece: beaten eggs, cooked rice, soy sauce, and Knorr Broth Cubes. That fourth component is an easy way to introduce more linamnam to this simple dish.

To achieve that slightly firm, al dente texture, use leftover or day-old cooked rice straight from the fridge. The result is close to what you’ll get from authentic Chinese restaurants. Although it’s already filling on its own, try it with veggies and quick-cooking proteins like shredded longganisa.

2. Kimchi Fried Rice

K-Drama fans will instantly recognize this striking red fried rice, typically topped with a runny egg. Cooking kimchi fried rice is so much easier than you think. Plus, it doesn’t require hard-to-find and budget-wrecking ingredients – you only need a few Korean pantry staples and some refrigerator leftovers.

A typical kimchi rice recipe calls for kimchi, gochujang, mushrooms (try enoki!), cooked rice, and leftover bacon or diced Spam from breakfast. Of course, the key to making this dish taste extraordinary is to use the best kimchi you can find. Don’t skip the fried egg – its richness complements the fermented cabbage’s tang and spice. For a protein boost, you can also toss in some minced meat, pork belly strips, or tofu. Garnish with shredded nori (roasted seaweed sheets) for added umami. 

3. Pineapple Fried Rice

If you are team pineapple on pizza, this rice recipe is right up your alley. Reminiscent of yang chow, this fruit-enhanced dish features the same list of ingredients but comes in a sweeter profile. The best part? This pineapple fried rice cooks in just half an hour.

For an all-in version, gather onions, garlic, pineapple chunks, day-old rice, green peas, and beaten eggs. For heft, include roasted cashews, plump shrimp, and chicken breast strips. Toss all ingredients in a hot pan or wok and season generously with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of Knorr Liquid Seasoning. If possible, use fresh pineapples and serve the rice in the hollowed-out fruit for a fun tropical presentation.

4. Ketchup Fried Rice

Ketchup is one of the kid-friendliest condiments on the planet. And if you want to encourage your child to eat more, try this five-ingredient rice dish. In a hot wok, combine garlic, onions, cooked rice, ketchup, and bacon. Done! 

Standard recipes call for tomato ketchup, but good ol’ banana will taste just as amazing! The mild sweetness in the condiment will please even the pickiest eaters. Don’t skip the bacon; its rendered fat will introduce more flavor to the rice. But go ahead and take this chance to sneak more vegetables into your kid's diet. Consider tossing in sweet corn kernels, broccoli, carrots, and peas.

5. Strawberry Fried Rice

What do you do when you have extra strawberries? You try a trendy berry-infused fried rice, of course! To make some for baon, just toss together onions, fresh strawberries, cooked rice, cottage cheese, and soy sauce.

Adding cheese to this “berry” unique dish makes it slightly firmer and easy to mold. Plus, it lends a creamy, savory profile no kid can resist. Take inspiration from Japanese bento boxes when packing the rice. Create fun edible shapes or animals, then serve them with colorful veggies, microgreens, and a simple omelet. Cuteness overload!

These are just five of the many fried rice recipes trending on TikTok. Step up your carb game by trying these for your next instant meal. You’ll never look at the humble white grain the same way again. Stop scrolling and grab your pan now!