There’s just something magical about firing up the Blackstone griddle and hearing that first sizzle as the ingredients hit the hot surface. That moment sparked my love for making fried rice outdoors. I made this recipe the first time during a backyard cookout when I wanted to serve something fast, satisfying, and universally loved. The result? A smoky, golden-brown fried rice bursting with flavor—and not a single grain left behind.

Fried rice on the Blackstone griddle is more than a side dish. It’s an experience. With plenty of surface area to work with, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s layered with flavor, texture, and a little bit of backyard showmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle enthusiast or a beginner looking to expand your cooking game, this is one recipe you’ll want to master.

Why I Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest—fried rice is comfort food at its finest. But when you move the cooking process outdoors onto a Blackstone griddle, it gets even better. The large flat-top surface allows each grain of rice to get that signature sear, giving the dish its signature texture and smoky depth.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of simplicity and flavor. You can throw it together with leftover rice, some chopped veggies, and a few sauces. Or, you can level it up with shrimp, chicken, or steak. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and perfect for gatherings.

This isn’t your soggy takeout rice. Blackstone fried rice delivers a crisp, savory bite every time. It’s ideal for meal prepping, weekday dinners, or even a weekend cookout. And the best part? You get to cook everything in one spot—right on the griddle—making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients for Fried Rice on Blackstone Griddle

Fried rice is all about layers of flavor, and that starts with quality ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. Use what you have on hand, or follow this classic combination for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Rice:
Cold, day-old rice is ideal. Jasmine or long-grain white rice works best. Freshly cooked rice can turn mushy on the griddle.

Vegetables:
A simple mix of diced carrots, peas, onions, and green onions brings both color and crunch. You can also toss in bell peppers, corn, or even chopped cabbage.

Protein (Optional):
Popular choices include diced chicken, shrimp, steak, bacon, or tofu. Cook these first and set aside before frying the rice.

Eggs:
A few eggs scrambled directly on the griddle add richness and that classic fried rice texture.

Sauces:
Soy sauce is essential. Add oyster sauce for depth and sesame oil for a hint of nutty aroma. A splash of hoisin or teriyaki can bring a sweet-savory balance.

Seasonings:
Fresh garlic, ground pepper, and a pinch of salt. You can also add red pepper flakes or chili garlic paste for heat.

Oil:
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil are perfect. Sesame oil should only be added at the end for flavor.

How Much Time Will You Need

You’ll be surprised how quickly this recipe comes together once your ingredients are prepped.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes

If your rice is already cooked and chilled, the cooking process itself is incredibly fast. This is why fried rice is so often a go-to recipe—it delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.

How to Make This Fried Rice on Blackstone Griddle

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get that perfect sear, just the right texture, and bold, satisfying flavor.

Step – 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you heat up the griddle, make sure everything is chopped, measured, and within reach. This includes pre-cooked rice (cold from the fridge), diced vegetables, proteins, eggs, and sauces. Cooking moves fast on the griddle, so you want to have everything ready to go.

Step – 2: Preheat the Griddle
Turn on your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Drizzle a bit of oil and spread it around using a spatula or grill scraper. Let the surface get hot—it should shimmer slightly.

Step – 3: Cook the Protein (if using)
If you’re using raw meat or seafood, cook it first. Add a little oil, then your protein. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until done, then move it to the cooler side of the griddle or a separate tray.

Step – 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add a bit more oil, then toss in the onions, carrots, peas, and any other veggies. Stir frequently and cook until they’re slightly softened but still vibrant. About 3–5 minutes.

Step – 5: Scramble the Eggs
Move the veggies to one side. Crack the eggs directly onto the griddle. Scramble them with a spatula until just cooked through. Then mix them into the vegetables.

Step – 6: Add the Rice
Spread your cold rice onto the griddle. Break up any clumps using your spatula. Let it sit for a minute to develop some crispiness before stirring. Cook the rice until it’s heated through and beginning to brown in spots.

Step – 7: Combine Everything
Mix the veggies, eggs, protein, and rice together. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Toss everything until the rice is evenly coated and beautifully golden.

Step – 8: Taste and Finish
Taste your fried rice. Add extra soy sauce or pepper if needed. Finish with chopped green onions and a little more sesame oil for fragrance.

Step – 9: Serve Hot
Transfer the rice to a platter and serve immediately. It’s best enjoyed hot off the griddle with steam still rising from the surface.

Substitutions

Sometimes you don’t have the exact ingredients on hand—but don’t worry, fried rice is incredibly flexible.

Short on Day-Old Rice?
Spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for an hour. You want it as dry as possible.

No Oyster Sauce?
Use a mix of soy sauce and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Or substitute hoisin sauce for a sweeter profile.

No Sesame Oil?
Try a touch of toasted peanut oil or even coconut oil for a unique twist.

Want It Vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. Tofu works wonderfully too.

No Soy Sauce?
Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.

These swaps let you adapt the recipe based on dietary needs or what’s already in your pantry, while still keeping the essence of the dish intact.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Rice

Want to take your fried rice meal to the next level? Serve it with one of these delicious side dishes:

Garlic Butter Shrimp
Juicy, buttery, and packed with flavor, this makes an indulgent pairing with fried rice.

Asian Cucumber Salad
Cool and refreshing, this salad cuts through the richness of the rice.

Egg Drop Soup
Light, savory, and classic. This traditional soup makes your meal feel restaurant-worthy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Fried rice might be a humble dish, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautifully presented. The goal is to serve it hot, fragrant, and looking irresistible.

A great way to present your fried rice is by molding it into a neat dome using a small bowl. Pack the rice gently into the bowl, invert it onto the plate, and lift the bowl off to reveal a perfectly shaped mound. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds. If you’re serving a crowd, spread it over a large platter with protein layered on top and lime wedges on the side for a burst of brightness.

For a family-style dinner, place the griddle-cooked fried rice in a large cast iron skillet or a bamboo bowl, so it retains heat while looking rustic and inviting. Don’t forget a drizzle of soy or extra sesame oil on top just before serving.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Every time you make fried rice on the Blackstone, it can get better. Here are some insider tricks that elevate your dish:

Use cold, dry rice: Day-old rice that has dried out in the fridge gives the best texture. Avoid freshly cooked rice unless you cool and dry it thoroughly.

Don’t overcrowd the griddle: If you’re making a large batch, cook in stages. Overcrowding cools the surface and causes steaming instead of searing.
Season in layers: Season your protein, veggies, and rice as you go. This builds a more complex and balanced flavor.
Add a splash of water if sticking: If the rice sticks too much, a quick splash of water or broth and a scrape can loosen everything without losing flavor.

Try finishing with butter: A pat of butter at the end adds a luxurious richness that takes your fried rice from good to unforgettable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though fried rice is simple, a few common missteps can impact your results. Keep these in mind:

Using warm or wet rice: This leads to mushy, clumpy fried rice. Always use cold, dry rice.

Skipping the prep: The cooking process is fast on the Blackstone, so prep everything ahead of time.
Too much sauce: It’s tempting to pour in extra soy sauce, but over-saucing can make the rice soggy and overly salty. Add slowly and taste as you go.
Neglecting the high heat: You need the griddle hot to achieve that delicious, slightly crispy texture on the rice.

Not using enough oil: Fried rice needs a bit of oil to develop its signature texture. Skimping on oil can cause sticking or dry rice.

How to Store It

Fried rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.

Refrigeration: Let the rice cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Place cooled fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or griddle with a splash of oil or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving, which can make the rice rubbery.

FAQ

Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
It’s possible, but not ideal. Fresh rice is too moist and tends to clump. For best results, chill the rice first or use leftovers.

What’s the best oil for cooking fried rice on a griddle?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are best. Sesame oil should be used sparingly at the end for flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the meat and add tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure all other sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I add pineapple or other fruit?
Yes! Pineapple adds a sweet contrast to the savory rice. Dice it and cook it lightly before mixing in.

Fried Rice on Blackstone Griddle