Copycat PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe Made Simple

One of the things I love most about PF Chang’s is how even their simplest dishes, like fried rice, are packed with flavor.

It’s not just rice and veggies—it’s the way the jasmine rice soaks up the savory soy sauce, the eggs bring in richness, and the vegetables add a light crunch.

I wanted to capture that at home, so I came up with this PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe that has become a regular in my kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and one of those meals I know my family will always be excited to eat.

How To Cook PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe Step By Step

PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish made with jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet tasty enough to serve guests.

PF Chang's Fried Rice Recipe
PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Chinese-American
  • Course: Main Dish / Side Dish
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Calories Per Serving: ~320

What Are The Ingredients In PF Chang’s Fried Rice?

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish at home:

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (best if chilled or leftover)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup shoestring carrots
  • ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
  • ½ cup bean sprouts (optional but adds crunch)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon molasses (adds depth like the restaurant version)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water (for moisture if needed)
  • Optional add-ins: cooked chicken or shrimp

Ingredient Notes

  • Jasmine rice is key for that PF Chang’s flavor. Day-old rice works best because it’s firmer and won’t clump.
  • Molasses might sound unusual, but it’s the secret to a deeper flavor profile.
  • You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian.

Step-By-Step Cooking Process

  1. Prep the rice: Make sure your rice is chilled. Freshly cooked rice can get mushy, so leftover rice from the fridge works best.
  2. Scramble the eggs: Heat ½ tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet. Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently until set. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Add another tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add veggies: Stir in carrots, peas, and bean sprouts. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Fry the rice: Add the rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Let it sit for a minute before stirring so it gets that light “fried” texture.
  6. Season it up: Pour in soy sauce, ground mustard, and molasses. Stir well until the rice is evenly coated.
  7. Finish with eggs and green onions: Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and toss everything together. If the rice looks dry, splash in a little chicken broth.
  8. Serve hot: Plate it up and garnish with extra green onions if you like.

What Is The Secret Ingredient To Restaurant Fried Rice?

The secret to PF Chang’s Fried Rice lies in two things: chilled jasmine rice and a touch of molasses. Cold rice ensures the grains stay separate, and molasses adds that restaurant-style depth that keeps you going back for more.

What Type Of Rice Does PF Chang’s Use?

PF Chang’s uses jasmine rice in their fried rice dishes. It’s slightly fragrant, cooks up fluffy, and holds its texture beautifully when stir-fried. Using long-grain rice like jasmine is the key to avoiding sticky, clumpy fried rice.

Is PF Chang Fried Rice Good?

Yes—PF Chang’s Fried Rice is one of the most popular menu items for a reason. It’s savory, lightly sweet, full of texture, and makes a great base for chicken, shrimp, or beef.

The beauty of making it at home is that you can enjoy the same flavor without leaving your kitchen.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

  • Pair it with PF Chang’s-style Mongolian beef or sesame chicken.
  • Serve as a side with grilled teriyaki salmon.
  • Keep it simple and eat it as a main with extra veggies and a drizzle of sriracha.

Personal Touch & Expert Tips

I’ve made fried rice more times than I can count, and here’s what always helps me:

  • Cold rice is best: Freshly cooked rice will clump and turn sticky. Chilled rice fries up beautifully.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if needed so the rice has space to fry instead of steam.
  • Use high heat: A hot pan gives the rice that slightly toasty flavor.
  • Customize it: Swap peas with edamame, or throw in diced chicken for extra protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make PF Chang’s Fried Rice Without Molasses?

Yes, you can skip it, but molasses gives that signature depth. A small dash of brown sugar can work as a substitute.

How Do I Keep Fried Rice From Getting Mushy?

Use day-old jasmine rice and cook over high heat. Break apart clumps before adding to the wok.

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of Jasmine Rice?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Jasmine rice is traditional for this recipe.

Is Pf Chang’s Fried Rice Gluten-Free?

Not always, since soy sauce usually contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I Add Protein To This Recipe?

Definitely! Cooked chicken or shrimp  work perfectly. Just make sure they’re cooked before mixing into the rice.

PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that proves you don’t need takeout to enjoy bold flavor. Once you try making it at home, you’ll see how quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying it can be.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your spin on it. And if you’re like me and can’t get enough of copycat recipes, stick around—I’ve got plenty more to share.

PF Chang's Fried Rice Recipe

Copycat PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe Made Simple

PF Chang's Fried Rice Recipe you can cook in minutes! Fluffy rice, crisp veggies, eggs, and soy sauce come together for a delicious homemade favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice best if chilled or leftover
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ½ cup shoestring carrots
  • ½ cup frozen peas thawed
  • ½ cup bean sprouts optional but adds crunch
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon molasses adds depth like the restaurant version
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water for moisture if needed
  • Optional add-ins: cooked chicken or shrimp

Instructions
 

  • Prep the rice: Make sure your rice is chilled. Freshly cooked rice can get mushy, so leftover rice from the fridge works best.
  • Scramble the eggs: Heat ½ tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet. Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently until set. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the aromatics: Add another tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add veggies: Stir in carrots, peas, and bean sprouts. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Fry the rice: Add the rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula. Let it sit for a minute before stirring so it gets that light “fried” texture.
  • Season it up: Pour in soy sauce, ground mustard, and molasses. Stir well until the rice is evenly coated.
  • Finish with eggs and green onions: Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and toss everything together. If the rice looks dry, splash in a little chicken broth.
  • Serve hot: Plate it up and garnish with extra green onions if you like.
Keyword PF Chang’s Fried Rice Recipe
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Author & Recipe Developer at Naznin's Kitchen
Hello! I'm Naznin Aktar, a home chef and recipe creator at Naznin's Kitchen. Want to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes? Explore Naznin's Kitchen for a collection of recipes that are sure to inspire your inner chef and delight your loved ones.
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