10 Best Sauces for Fried Rice (Easy Fried Rice Sauces)

Fried rice sauce is the key ingredient that elevates a simple plate of fried rice into a burst of flavor.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Asian flavors or looking for something a little different, there is a perfect sauce for every palate.

In this article, we will explore the 10 best sauces for fried rice that are easy to make at home.

From classic soy sauce to spicy sriracha, get ready to enhance your fried rice with these mouthwatering options.

10 Best Fried Rice Sauce Recipes

Let’s dive into the world of fried rice sauces and discover the perfect accompaniment to your next meal!

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is undoubtedly the most popular and widely used sauce for fried rice. With its rich, salty, and savory flavor, soy sauce enhances the taste of fried rice and adds a deep umami flavor. Made from fermented soybeans, soy sauce is often combined with other ingredients like wheat, salt, and water to create a perfect balance of flavors.

Its versatility makes it suitable for various types of fried rice recipes, from vegetable to seafood and meat. Simply drizzle a generous amount of soy sauce over your fried rice and toss to combine for a classic and authentic flavor.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce, as the name suggests, is made from oysters, along with soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes other ingredients like cornstarch or sesame oil. This thick and flavorful sauce adds a unique sweetness and umami taste to fried rice. Its rich and slightly caramelized flavor complements stir-fried vegetables, chicken, beef, and seafood exceptionally well.

When using oyster sauce, a little goes a long way, so a tablespoon or two is sufficient to add a burst of flavor to your fried rice.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet, and tangy sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is made from a variety of ingredients like soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar, resulting in a complex and robust flavor profile.

Hoisin sauce brings a sweet and savory taste to fried rice, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a sweeter flavor profile. Its versatility allows it to pair well with different proteins like pork, chicken, and shrimp. Add a few spoonfuls of hoisin sauce to your fried rice during the stir-frying process for a delightful twist.

Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine and brings a distinct umami flavor to any dish, including fried rice. Made from fermented fish, fish sauce has a strong aroma and a salty yet slightly sweet taste.

When used sparingly, fish sauce can add depth and complexity to fried rice, making it particularly popular in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. It pairs well with vegetables, seafood, and poultry. It is recommended to use just a small amount of fish sauce, as its pungent flavor can easily overpower other ingredients.

Sambal Sauce

Sambal sauce is a chili-based sauce that delivers a spicy kick to fried rice. Made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lime juice, and sometimes shrimp paste, sambal sauce is synonymous with heat and flavor.

It adds a vibrant and fiery taste to fried rice, and the level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference. Whether you prefer a mild or intense heat, sambal sauce is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a spicy twist in their fried rice.

Chili Oil

Chili oil is another popular sauce that adds not only heat but also a unique peppery flavor to fried rice. It is made by infusing oil with dried chili flakes, resulting in a deep red color and a spicy taste.

The intensity of the heat can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes used. Chili oil can be drizzled generously over fried rice to add a fiery kick or used more sparingly for a milder flavor. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and adds a delightful spicy aroma to the dish.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a tangy and savory sauce that originated in England but has become widely popular in different cuisines worldwide.

Made from a blend of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and various spices, this sauce adds a unique depth of flavor to fried rice. Worcestershire sauce pairs well with beef, chicken, and vegetables, imparting a slightly sweet and tangy taste.

A splash or two of Worcestershire sauce will give your fried rice a delightful twist and a complex flavor profile.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a flavorful and sweet sauce often used in Japanese cuisine.

Made from soy sauce, sugar, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and sometimes ginger and garlic, teriyaki sauce offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Its sticky texture and umami taste make it a fantastic choice for marinating meats and vegetables in fried rice.

Teriyaki sauce lends a delightful glaze to fried rice with its caramelized flavor and adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce, a spicy chili sauce originating from Thailand, has gained enormous popularity worldwide for its fiery taste and versatility. Made from red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt, sriracha sauce brings a burst of heat and tanginess to fried rice.

Its balance of flavors makes it an ideal condiment for a wide range of protein options, including tofu, chicken, shrimp, and beef.

A drizzle of sriracha sauce over your fried rice is all you need to spice things up and add an irresistible kick.

Black Bean Sauce

Black bean sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its rich and earthy flavors. Made from fermented black soybeans, garlic, ginger, and various spices, this sauce adds a bold and savory taste to fried rice.

Black bean sauce pairs well with different types of protein, including chicken, pork, and seafood. Its unique flavor profile adds an extra depth to the dish, creating a delightful fusion between the ingredients and the sauce.

FAQs

Which sauce is used for fried rice?

Soy sauce is the most commonly used sauce for fried rice. It adds a rich, salty flavor and enhances the umami taste of the dish. Other sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and teriyaki sauce can also be used to add different flavors to fried rice.

What gives Chinese fried rice its taste?

Chinese fried rice gets its distinct taste from a combination of ingredients and seasonings. Apart from the sauce used, key flavor components include garlic, onions, ginger, and a variety of vegetables and proteins. The use of soy sauce, along with other seasonings like sesame oil, adds depth and richness to the dish.

What can I add to fried rice for flavor?

To enhance the flavor of fried rice, you can add various ingredients and seasonings. Some popular options include diced vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and green onions. Adding protein options like diced chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu can also add depth of flavor. Additionally, spices and herbs like garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and cilantro can be used to add a kick of flavor.

What goes with fried rice?

Fried rice pairs well with a variety of dishes. It can be served as a standalone dish or as part of a larger meal. Some popular options to accompany fried rice include stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy, or protein dishes like teriyaki chicken or sweet and sour pork. You can also serve fried rice alongside Chinese appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings for a complete and satisfying meal. Additionally, adding a side of kimchi or a fresh salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the fried rice.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, these 10 sauces for fried rice offer a wide array of flavors to suit any taste preference. From the classic umami taste of soy sauce to the fiery kick of sriracha sauce, each sauce brings its unique twist to elevate your fried rice to a whole new level.

Feel free to experiment and combine these sauces to create your own flavor combinations and discover the perfect sauce that takes your fried rice from ordinary to extraordinary.