There’s something deeply satisfying about fried rice—especially when it’s cơm chiên. Here, you’ll find the Vietnamese version that’s rich with umami, texture, and tradition. This dish isn’t just a quick dinner—it’s a way to use left overs so food isn’t wasted. 

Whether you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or someone craving a nostalgic meal, this Vietnamese Fried Rice recipe is fast full of flavor. It’s perfect for families of little ones who love rice.

🔍 Why Vietnamese Fried Rice Is Different

Unlike Chinese fried rice, which leans heavily on soy sauce, Vietnamese fried rice gets its signature depth from fish sauce and butter—yes, butter! The result is a savory, slightly sweet, umami-rich dish that’s golden, crispy, and deeply satisfying. Not to mention it’s easy, you probably have the ingredients in the fridge and it’s healthy! 

🍳 Vietnamese Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên): A Easy, all in One-Pan Comfort Recipe 

Fast, flexible, Vietnamese fried rice with ingredients probably already in your fridge.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups day-old jasmine rice cold and dry for best texture
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp neutral oil canola or avocado
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ small onion diced
• 3 eggs beaten
• ½ cup shrimp peeled and deveined (optional)
• ½ cup Chinese sausage lạp xưởng, thinly sliced (or any protein)
• ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn
• 1 tbsp fish sauce can substitute with salt or soy sauce for vegetarian version
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup Chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish

Method

 

1. Prep your rice: Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Break up any clumps with a fork.
2. Cook the aromatics: In a large pan or wok, heat oil and butter. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3. Add proteins: Stir in Chinese sausage and shrimp. Cook until shrimp is opaque and sausage is slightly crispy. (Can use tofu for a vegetarian version)
4. Scramble eggs: Push ingredients to one side. Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
5. Add rice & veggies: Toss in rice and frozen vegetables. Stir-fry everything together.
6. Season: Add fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Stir well to coat.
7. Finish & serve: Garnish with scallions and cilantro. Serve hot with chili sauce or pickled veggies. Add more fish sauce, soy sauce or salt for taste.

Notes

💡 Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

• Use day-old rice to avoid sogginess
• Don’t skip the fish sauce—it’s the soul of Vietnamese flavor
• Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra aroma
• Customize with leftover proteins or veggies

🛍 Affiliate Links

I’ve created a quick list of things you can grab in order to make this meal your dinner. By clicking, you will support my blog so I can continue to pass on these family recipes.

• Jasmine Rice – Essential for authentic texture
• Fish sauce & oyster sauce – Vietnamese pantry staples. This is the brand my family has used for decades.
• Wok or nonstick skillet – For perfect stir-fry technique
• Chinese sausage (lạp xưởng) – Available online or at Asian markets. It’s an adventure to go to an Asian market so I tend to buy multiple and freeze.
• Ceramic rice bowls & chopsticks – For serving with style
• Frozen veggie mix – Quick and budget-friendly