Fried rice isnt only a staple in Chinese food, but, for many of us, its a quick meal to serve up on busy days. Its relatively easy to make as is since its recommended that you use leftover rice thats been sitting in your refrigerator for a day or two, but you can also opt for frozen or instant rice, too.
From there, its all up to you. Soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil are all great seasonings to start with. Additionally, you can also toss in vegetables, like peas, carrots, and onions for depth. Proteins, like shrimp, chicken, or pork also work phenomenally in the finished product.
However, theres an even easier way to make fried rice, and it comes in the form of frozen or boxed brands from the grocery store. There are tons of different options out there, some of which are certainly better than others. (Spoiler alert: Trader Joes is obviously high on the list.) Keep reading to find our top picks for grocery store fried rice brands, ranked from worst to best.
This Great Value Chicken Fried Rice is a dish the entire family is sure to enjoy. This frozen meal includes tender chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and a variety of vegetables already blended and ready to heat and eat.
365 by Whole Foods Market Chicken Fried Rice
Like Trader Joes, the 365 by Whole Foods Market is regarded as a top-notch supermarket brand. From proteins to produce, its Chicken Fried Rice makes itself known as a huge winner, thanks to its easy instructions and simple filling. It has sake and soy-marinated chicken (!), scrambled eggs, and veggies, like peas, carrots, and peppers.
You can heat it up either in the microwave or on the stovetop, each of which only take around six minutes maximum. Just note that its suggested to add in a neutral oil when cooking on the stovetop, like vegetable or olive oil.
Since this option already contains chicken, you wont have to do much if you to amplify the flavor. The packaging suggests topping it off with a fried egg (though you can also opt for sunny side up if you love a runny yolk), along with a splash of sesame oil and your favorite chili paste.
From its breezy cooking process to its delicious taste, this is a really solid option to have in your freezer, which is why it landed so high on our list — not to mention, its marinated chicken is super unique and impressively authentic. Amazon shoppers provided glowing reviews, too, describing it as a “hidden gem,” “flavorful,” and “delicious.”
Tai Pei Chicken Fried Rice
If youve ever gotten home after a long, busy day, and cant even fathom the thought of cooking up something in your fridge, Tai Pei Chicken Fried Rice is a great staple. Affordably priced (at Walmart, its around $3.30 for an 11-ounce container at the time of this writing), this recipe has white meat chicken, vegetables, and oyster sauce-flavored rice for an added flavor kick.
The packaging states that this option is best cooked in the microwave, so you dont have to think about cleaning up any pans. Once you pop open the tub, you just microwave it with the lid on for four and a half minutes, then let it cool for two. After that, youre good to go — like we said, its just that easy.
Although some shoppers rave about its yummy flavor, others note that the chicken didnt heat up too well, finding that it was a bit tough, which is primarily why it received our number eight spot. “Chicken is cut too large and I almost choked on it,” wrote one dissatisfied Walmart buyer.
Freshness Guaranteed (Walmart) Chicken Fried Rice Meal Review
FAQ
Is frozen rice good for fried rice?
What is the difference between egg fried rice and special fried rice?
What is the best rice for fried rice?
How long does frozen egg fried rice last?
Where can I buy frozen fried rice?
Buy now on Amazon. The perfect frozen fried rice is one that is flavorful and jam-packed with delicious ingredients. It’s also important that the frozen rice is cooked evenly so you don’t have any frozen clumps or crunchy bits. In the end, frozen fried rice are a great option for a quick and easy meal.
Is rice gluten free?
Rice is naturally gluten free food. It is generally considered a safe food choice for those with celiac disease or for those with gluten intolerance. However, rice may come in contact with other gluten-containing grains during processing, or in the bulk section of your grocery store, or at a restaurant. For those with celiac disease, it is best to double check ingredient labels to be sure that what you are eating is truly gluten-free and look for products labelled or certified as gluten-free. When uncertain, contact the manufacturer to get more information.
Does Whole Foods sell frozen fried rice?
The 365 by Whole Foods Market frozen fried rice has chicken, edamame, carrots, and peas in a garlic soy sauce. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s not too heavy but still satisfying.
What are the best frozen fried rice brands?
Some of the best frozen fried rice brands include 365 by Whole Foods Market, Grain Trust, P.F. Chang’s Home Menu, Trader Joe’s, and Tai Pei. Read on for a buyer’s guide for the best frozen fried rice brands along with our top picks of the 5 best ones: