3 Frozen Fried Rices That Are (Almost) Better Than Homemade

published Oct 28, 2024
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A bowl of vegetable fried rice from overhead.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: James Park

Rice is a staple in my diet. I eat fried rice at least a few times a week. In fact, I relish the days when I can fire up my wok to turn leftover (especially cold and hard) rice into a delicious fried rice meal. But for the days I don’t have extra eggs or veg on hand, I turn to frozen fried rice. 

Now, it wasn’t always this way. In recent years, grocery stores have really stepped up their frozen rice game, with dozens of options available on shelves today. 

However, not all frozen fried rice is created equal. In fact, many are just mediocre. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite frozen fried rice brands for those nights when time is tight. I promise that you can trust my recommendations — I come from a Thai restaurant family, and fried rice is one of our most popular dishes!

Credit: Ali Domrongchai

1. Trader Joe’s Frozen Chicken Fried Rice 

I’ve historically strayed away from Trader Joe’s Asian-influenced grocery items (because of the store’s historic insensitive marketing for such products), but after my grandpa (yes, my grandpa!) recommended it to me, I couldn’t not give it a try. He told me that it was not only pretty good (especially for frozen), but that it was cheap, too ($2.99 for a 16-ounce bag). As a college student at the time, he was really speaking my language. 

To my surprise, it’s really tasty! It’s packed with edamame, corn, carrots, peas, and seasoned with just the right amount of soy sauce. You can steam it in the microwave, but I prefer my fried rice with some crisp, so I heat it over the wok with a little bit of oil. Serve it with a fried egg, some fresh scallions, and viola! Delicious dinner in mere moments. 

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Frozen Chicken Fried Rice, $3.99 for 16 ounces 

Credit: Target

2. InnovAsian Frozen Vegetable Fried Rice

The key to a good fried rice is firm rice grains, an assortment of vegetables, protein (eggs, chicken, tofu, pork, etc.), and a good balance of seasoning. You don’t want your fried rice to be mushy or too salty (or not salty enough). It’s a balancing act and the InnovAsian Frozen Vegetable Fried Rice does an excellent job doing it all. 

It’s stir-fried with eggs, which means it’s plenty tasty on its own, but would pair exceptionally well with grilled chicken, pork belly, and really anything else your heart desires. Beyond its flavor, I’m also thrilled that it’s affordable (although not as cheap as Trader Joe’s). One 18-ounce bag will last me at least two or three meals. 

Buy: InnovAsian Frozen Vegetable Fried Rice, $4.29 for 18 ounces at Target

Credit: Ali Domrongchai

3. Ajinomoto Chicken Fried Rice

You know those meals that feel gourmet but take absolutely no cooking — just heating? Yeah, the Ajinomoto Fried Rice is one of those. This stuff is great and is my all-time favorite fried rice (aside from homemade). I’ve been eating it for the better part of the last decade, since it first dropped at Costco. 

This Japanese-style fried rice comes in a pack of six for about $12 (each pouch is nine ounces and more than enough for one serving) and is packed with chicken, edamame, peppers, and seasoned with just enough soy sauce to give it its savory-umami flavor. I firmly believe that it’s the best store-bought fried rice money can buy. 

Find it in stores: Ajinomoto Chicken Fried Rice, $14.99 for 6 (9-ounce) bags at Costco

What’s your favorite store-bought frozen fried rice? Tell us about it in the comments below.