Ketchup Fried Rice (No Soy Sauce Needed!)
Ketchup Fried Rice is a simple, flavorful dish made with everyday ingredients—garlic, eggs, green peas, and, of course, ketchup. Unlike traditional fried rice, this recipe skips soy sauce entirely, offering a sweet-savory twist that’s quick, comforting, and budget-friendly.
I first discovered ketchup fried rice while exploring Hong Kong-style recipes—and I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Ketchup? In rice? But once I gave it a try, I was instantly hooked. It reminded me of something nostalgic yet new, like a childhood comfort food I never knew I was missing.
Since then, it has become my go-to lazy day meal. I make it with leftover rice, throw in whatever veggies I have on hand, and it always hits the spot. It’s also one of the easiest ways to whip up a warm, filling dish when you’re low on ingredients but still craving something satisfying.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No soy sauce needed – Perfect for anyone avoiding soy or wanting a lighter alternative.
- Uses pantry staples – You likely already have everything you need.
- Customizable – Add protein like chicken or shrimp, or more veggies if desired.
- Fast & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Kid-friendly – Sweet-savory flavor profile loved by both kids and adults.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups cooked rice (fresh or leftover)
- 2–3 tablespoons ketchup
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil
👩🍳 Instructions
Prep the ingredients:
Mince garlic, chop green onions, beat the eggs, and prepare the green peas. Have the rice ready (cold leftover rice works best).
Cook the eggs:
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Pour in beaten eggs and stir until mostly cooked.
Add rice:
Add the rice to the eggs. Break up any clumps and stir-fry until the rice is heated and fluffy.
Add garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Season with ketchup and salt:
Add ketchup and salt. Stir well until the rice turns a uniform reddish color.
Add vegetables:
Toss in green peas. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they’re cooked through.
Finish with green onions and pepper:
Add chopped green onions and a pinch of black pepper. Give everything a final toss.
Serve hot and enjoy!
That’s it—your ketchup fried rice is ready!
❓ FAQs
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Yes! Any cooked grain will work, though white rice is traditional for this recipe’s texture and flavor.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it’s completely vegetarian. You can make it vegan by omitting or substituting the eggs.
Can I add meat or tofu?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even sausage for added protein.
What kind of ketchup works best?
Standard tomato ketchup works perfectly. Avoid spicy or BBQ-style ketchup unless you’re going for a unique flavor twist.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just scale the ingredients proportionally and use a large pan to ensure even cooking.
Ketchup Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 green onions chopped
- ½ cup green peas
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups cooked rice fresh or leftover
- 2 –3 tbsp ketchup
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 –2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Prep: Mince garlic, chop green onions, beat eggs, and have rice ready.
- Cook eggs: Heat oil, scramble eggs until mostly set.
- Add rice: Stir in rice, break clumps, and fry until heated through.
- Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Season: Add ketchup and salt. Mix until evenly colored.
- Add veggies: Stir in green peas and cook until tender.
- Finish: Add green onions and black pepper. Toss and serve hot.
