Sausage Fried Rice

This Sausage Fried Rice Delight brings together succulent crumbled pork sausage, vibrant veggies, and fragrant jasmine rice in a single skillet. Each bite combines the savory notes of soy and garlic with the subtle sweetness of peas and carrots, delivering a satisfying harmony of flavors.

Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe makes an ideal weeknight meal. Swap in chicken or tofu for variety, add extra chili for heat, or toss in fresh cilantro for brightness—either way, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

• 4 pork sausage links, casings removed and crumbled

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté onion (white parts of green onions) and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.

3. Add frozen peas and carrots; cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour beaten eggs into the empty side; scramble gently until just set.

4. Stir in day-old rice, breaking up any clumps. Return cooked sausage to the pan and toss to combine.

5. Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil evenly over the rice mixture. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, ensuring every grain is coated and heated through.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in green parts of sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Sausage Fried Rice is a Crowd-Pleaser

One of the best things about sausage fried rice is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a great option for all kinds of eaters. Whether you like your dish mild or spicy, meaty or vegetarian, this recipe can be tailored to meet your needs. The combination of pork sausage, peas, carrots, and onions provides a hearty base, while the fluffy rice and scrambled eggs add a wonderful texture that makes this dish feel complete. It’s quick to make, uses common pantry ingredients, and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Another great feature of sausage fried rice is its simplicity. There’s no need for complicated steps or special techniques. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to use up leftovers—especially day-old rice, which is often the key to achieving the perfect texture for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, whereas rice that’s been sitting in the fridge has the right texture for stir-frying. This makes sausage fried rice a great option for meal prep or for using up leftover rice from a previous meal.

Tips for Making the Best Sausage Fried Rice

While this dish is already easy to prepare, a few simple tips can help take it to the next level. First, don’t skimp on the seasoning. The soy sauce is the star here, adding a rich umami flavor to the rice. However, don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste, as the soy sauce alone may not be enough to bring out the full flavor of the dish. For extra depth, try adding a dash of oyster sauce (optional) or a splash of fish sauce. This will enhance the overall richness and complexity of the flavor profile.

Another key tip is to make sure you’re using day-old rice. Fresh rice can become mushy and sticky when fried, which makes it harder to achieve that perfect texture. Day-old rice is drier, which helps the grains separate during the stir-fry process, giving you that ideal fried rice texture. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature before using it in the recipe.

The sausage adds both flavor and substance to the dish, but you can also experiment with different types of meat. While pork sausage is traditional, chicken sausage, beef, or even a meat-free version using plant-based sausages can all work well. You can also swap in other vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, corn, or even broccoli can be added to give the dish more variety and color. The key is to keep everything balanced and flavorful, so feel free to experiment with your favorite combinations.

Healthier Variations of Sausage Fried Rice

While sausage fried rice is already a satisfying and filling meal, you can make it even healthier by tweaking a few ingredients. For instance, consider using brown rice instead of white jasmine rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice overall. If you’re aiming for a low-carb or gluten-free option, cauliflower rice can be a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as cauliflower rice cooks much faster than regular rice.

For a lighter version, you can swap out some of the sausage for leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken. If you want to keep it vegetarian or vegan, plant-based sausages or tofu make excellent substitutes. To add more vegetables, throw in some spinach, kale, or zucchini—these options will increase the nutritional value of the dish while keeping it just as delicious. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of oil used for stir-frying or opt for a healthier oil, like avocado oil, to further reduce the calorie count.

Sausage Fried Rice for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Sausage fried rice is a fantastic option for meal prep. Since it stores well in the fridge and reheats easily, it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time for busy lunches or dinners. After cooking, simply divide the fried rice into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, you can either reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to bring back some of the original flavor.

This dish is also great for using up leftovers. If you have extra cooked rice from another meal or leftover sausage from a different recipe, sausage fried rice is the perfect way to make those ingredients work for you. It’s an incredibly resourceful dish that helps minimize food waste while creating a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge by throwing in whatever vegetables or protein you have available.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Sausage fried rice is a meal on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes to create a more elaborate spread. Serve it alongside a simple soup, like miso soup or hot and sour soup, for a more filling meal. If you prefer lighter sides, a simple cucumber salad with a light dressing or some steamed broccoli would complement the fried rice well.

For a complete Asian-inspired dinner, consider adding some egg rolls or spring rolls to the meal. The crispy, crunchy texture of these appetizers provides a nice contrast to the soft, savory rice. You can also serve sausage fried rice with some pickled vegetables on the side, adding a tangy note that balances out the richness of the fried rice.

Conclusion: A Simple Dish with Endless Possibilities

Sausage fried rice is one of those recipes that can easily become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum taste. Whether you’re looking to use up leftovers or create a delicious one-pan meal, this dish is the perfect solution. With its balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs, it’s an all-in-one meal that’s as convenient as it is delicious. Plus, the ability to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs means that sausage fried rice can work for virtually anyone. So the next time you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal, turn to this sausage fried rice recipe—you won’t be disappointed.