Fried rice, or chahan (チャーハン) in Japan, is a beloved dish that reflects the country’s adaptation of Chinese cuisine.
Found in ramen shops, casual eateries, and home kitchens, chahan is typically made with short-grain Japanese rice, which gives it a slightly sticky texture compared to the long-grain varieties used in traditional Chinese fried rice. Seasoned with soy sauce and pepper, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that complements other staples like ramen or gyoza.
Making fried rice in a rice cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to create a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort and cleanup. This method is perfect for busy individuals or anyone looking for a convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. The rice cooker does most of the work!
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who loves easy cooking methods, fried rice made in a rice cooker is a fantastic option to add to your culinary repertoire.
What Type of Rice to Use
Choosing the right type of rice can be confusing, especially with so many varieties available. From long-grain basmati to aromatic jasmine rice, each type has its own texture and flavor. In Japanese cooking, however, Japanese short-grain or medium-grain rice is almost always the go-to choice.
Short-grain rice, often labeled as sushi rice, is particularly prized for its soft and chewy texture, which pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese dishes. Medium-grain rice is a great alternative if short-grain isn’t available (I actually almost always use medium-grain myself because it’s generally cheaper where I live!). Both are ideal for recipes like this one, where the rice’s stickiness helps meld the flavors into every bite.
Recommended Rice Cookers
Do I need to have a fancy rice cooker to make this meal? NO! Just like anything, generally, the higher the quality, the better. But you can make my rice cooker meals in a cheap rice cooker, too!
Click the rice cooker photos to see my favorite rice cookers. I included a budget-friendly rice cooker I love! I use the Tiger 5.5-cup model shown. About 1/2 cup of Japanese short- or medium-grain rice makes 1 serving.
Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:
- Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
- Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
- Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
5.5 cups or 10 cups
2 cups
Rice Cooker Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain rice for the most authentic Japanese experience!)
- Water (reduce water by the amount of soy sauce you are using [for a 1x recipe, this will be 2 tbsp.] from usual rice cooker measurement; more on this in the recipe instructions)
- 1 lb. boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas & diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (optional; adjust to your desired spice level)
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by washing your rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly and place it in the rice cooker. Add water as you normally would for the rice you are using, but reduce the total amount by the amount of soy sauce you are using.
- Directly into the rice cooker, add the chicken, peas & carrots, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and gochujang. Use your rice cooker paddle to mix everything thoroughly with the chicken and rice.
- Close the rice cooker lid and cook on the regular white rice setting until the rice is cooked.
- Once done, drizzle your sesame oil on top of the rice. Fluff the rice to combine all the ingredients and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
I’m amazed by everything you can cook in a rice cooker! This one turned out so well
It’s pretty insane! Thanks for sharing, Noemi!
Everything cooked evenly and stayed flavorful and the rice didn’t get too soft. I’m picky with textures so I was very happy about that
Oh that’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing, Lena!