If you're anything like most people in Myanmar, mornings often start with a plate of fried rice. It’s quick, filling, and just hits the spot when you don’t feel like heading to a tea shop. But fried rice isn’t just for breakfast! It’s also a go-to for those times when you need a simple lunch or an easy dinner after a long day. Whether you’re a fried rice lover or cooking for someone who is, here are five delicious ways to keep your fried rice game exciting and tasty.

One thing to keep in mind with fried rice: the rice itself should be nice and fluffy, not too hard. You can get this texture by using rice cooked with less water rather than steamed rice, and it’s always better if the rice has cooled a bit before frying. Hot rice tends to stick to the pan, and that’s a mess we’d all rather avoid! Gently mix the rice with some salt and seasoning beforehand, and you’re good to go. Let’s jump into these tasty recipes that you can whip up any time of the day.

(1) Myanmar Tea Shop-Style Fried Rice

Ever crave that delicious fried rice you get at your favorite tea shop, but don’t feel like going out? Here’s how you can recreate it right at home.

What You’ll Need: 

• White rice
• Chicken breast
• Eggs
• Cauliflower, carrots
• Light soy sauce, oyster sauce
• Pepper, corn powder, masala
• Salt, oil, and seasoning powder

How to Make It:

Start by mixing your white rice with some light soy sauce, oyster sauce, masala, salt, and seasoning powder. Slice the chicken breast into thin pieces and season it with soy sauce, pepper, and corn powder. Chop the cauliflower and carrots into small bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil in a pan, fry a bit of garlic, and add the marinated chicken. Once the chicken starts to brown, toss in the veggies and let them soften. Finally, add the seasoned rice and fry it up. Crack an egg into the mix, stir everything well, and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious tea shop-style fried rice at home.

(2) Spicy Fried Rice

If you’re someone who always orders spicy fried rice when eating out, why not try making it at home? It’s super easy!

What You’ll Need:

• White rice
• Any meat you like (chicken, pork, fish)
• Shan pickled tea leaves
• Onions, red and green
• Eggplant, baby corn, beans, coriander
• Shrimp paste, light soy sauce, fish sauce
• Chili powder, masala
• Sugar, chicken powder, lime juice

How to Make It:

Cut your meat into cubes and slice the vegetables. Start by frying an egg in the pan. Then, sauté the onions, chili, tomato, and veggies with fish sauce and lime juice. Once they soften, add the rice and stir it up with shrimp paste, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken powder. Mix everything well, and you’ll have a tangy, savory spicy fried rice that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

(3) Pickled Mustard Greens Fried Rice

If you love the tangy kick of pickled mustard greens, this fried rice will be right up your alley. Plus, it’s got the added flavor of fermented beans!

What You’ll Need: 

• White rice
• Shan pickled mustard greens
• Fermented beans
• Green chilies, garlic
• Light soy sauce, seasoning powder

How to Make It:

Mash up the fermented beans, garlic, and green chilies into a paste. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the paste until fragrant. Add the pickled mustard greens (and some meat if you like) and stir-fry. Finally, toss in the rice, a pinch of salt, seasoning powder, and soy sauce. Stir everything together, and you’ve got yourself a bowl of comforting, flavorful pickled mustard greens fried rice.

(4) Thai-Style Shrimp Paste Fried Rice

Here’s a Thai-inspired version of fried rice that’s bold and packed with flavor, perfect if you love a good shrimp paste kick.

What You’ll Need: 

• Pork
• Shrimp paste
• Red onions
• Fish sauce
• Palm sugar, seasoning powder

How to Make It:

Cut the pork into small cubes, then fry the red onions in some oil. Add palm sugar to the onions and let them caramelize before adding the pork. Once the pork is done, take it out and use the same pan to fry the shrimp paste. Add a bit of water, mix in the rice, and adjust the flavor with fish sauce and seasoning powder. Stir it all together and serve with the caramelized pork or any sides you love.

(5) Cauliflower Fried Rice

If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still packed with flavor, cauliflower fried rice is a healthy option that’s super easy to make.

What You’ll Need: 

• White rice
• Cauliflower, plus other veggies like carrots, beans, baby corn
• Eggs, garlic
• Light soy sauce, seasoning powder

How to Make It:

Season the rice with salt and seasoning powder. In a pan, heat oil and scramble an egg with garlic and cauliflower, adding soy sauce and any other veggies you like. When the veggies are soft, toss in the rice and give it a good stir-fry. Want to add sausage or chicken? Go for it!

Fried rice is such a versatile dish, and you can make it your own with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re craving something classic, healthy, or with a bold flavor twist, these five fried rice recipes will keep things interesting in the kitchen. Best of all, they’re quick, easy, and perfect for any time of the day!