Fried rice is one of those comfort foods that feels universally loved. It’s warm, filling, endlessly customizable, and somehow always better the next day. Traditionally, fried rice requires a hot wok, constant stirring, and careful timing. But what if you could skip all of that and still get fluffy, flavorful fried rice? Enter Dump-and-Bake Fried Rice — the oven-baked, no-stir, hands-off version that’s changing how home cooks approach this classic dish.

This recipe is exactly what it sounds like: you dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, slide it into the oven, and let the heat do the work. No babysitting. No standing over the stove. No worrying about rice sticking or burning. Just simple ingredients, minimal prep, and big flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this oven fried rice recipe is proof that easy food can still taste amazing.

Why Dump-and-Bake Fried Rice Works

Traditional fried rice relies on high heat and quick evaporation to keep the rice from turning mushy. Baking achieves the same goal, just more gently. The oven allows moisture to absorb evenly while the rice grains remain separate and fluffy. Because everything cooks together, the flavors meld beautifully without extra effort.

Another benefit? This recipe uses uncooked rice, which means no leftover rice requirement. That alone makes it a game-changer for weeknight cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients:

Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Frozen peas and carrots
Eggs
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Garlic
Onion powder
Green onions
Salt
Black pepper
Optional protein (chicken, shrimp, ham, or tofu)

Using frozen vegetables keeps prep minimal and ensures even cooking. Sesame oil adds that classic fried rice aroma, while soy sauce provides depth and savory flavor.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Pour the broth over the rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven, carefully uncover, and fluff the rice with a fork.
Push rice slightly to one side and pour beaten eggs into the empty space.
Add frozen peas and carrots over the rice.
Stir everything together, re-cover, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Oven Fried Rice

Use long-grain rice: Short-grain rice releases more starch and can become sticky.
Seal the foil tightly: This traps steam and ensures even cooking.
Don’t skip the uncovered finish: This step keeps the rice from being soggy.
Taste before serving: Adjust soy sauce or salt if needed.

Easy Variations

One of the best things about dump-and-bake fried rice is how flexible it is.

Protein Add-Ins

Diced rotisserie chicken
Cooked shrimp
Cubed ham
Baked tofu

Flavor Twists

Add ginger for warmth
Stir in chili crisp for heat
Finish with a drizzle of hoisin sauce
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for crunch

Vegetable Swaps

Corn
Edamame
Bell peppers
Broccoli florets (chopped small)

Serving Suggestions

Dump-and-Bake Fried Rice works beautifully as a main dish or side.

Serve it with:

Baked teriyaki chicken
Egg rolls or spring rolls
Steamed dumplings
A crisp cucumber salad

It also makes an excellent lunchbox meal and reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is ideal for meal prep.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Add a splash of water and reheat covered to restore moisture.

A Modern Take on a Classic Dish

While fried rice has deep roots in Asian cuisine, this oven-baked version is a modern, home-cook-friendly adaptation. It keeps the spirit of the dish — simple ingredients, minimal waste, and big flavor — while fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles.

Dump-and-Bake Fried Rice isn’t about replacing traditional fried rice. It’s about giving you another option — one that’s reliable, forgiving, and incredibly easy.

Final Thoughts

If you love fried rice but hate standing at the stove, this recipe is for you. It’s approachable, customizable, and nearly foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving comfort food, Dump-and-Bake Fried Rice delivers every time.

Once you try it, you may never go back to the skillet version again.