When I’m craving something quick, savory, and satisfying, I love making this Kielbasa Fried Rice.

It’s my twist on the classic takeout favorite, swapping in golden-browned kielbasa for a smoky, meaty upgrade.

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Add in crisp veggies, scrambled eggs, and plenty of umami-rich soy sauce—and you’ve got a one-pan wonder perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

This Kielbasa Fried Rice is a perfect way to use leftover cooked white rice and can be made in under 30 minutes.

The recipe is simple and requires basic cooking techniques. With ingredients like vegetable oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, you can create a delicious meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Recipe Highlights

This recipe is built around flavor, texture, and simplicity. The lightly crisped kielbasa brings bold smoky flavor, while scrambled eggs add richness.

Mixed vegetables and green onions provide a pop of color and freshness. And everything is tied together with garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce for that perfect takeout-style taste.

Make it with leftover rice for the best results, and feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand.

It’s also super customizable—spicy sriracha drizzle, pineapple bits, or even kimchi would all be delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • One-pan meal with easy cleanup
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  • Smoky, savory, and just a little bit sweet
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  • Ready in under 30 minutes
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  • Great for leftovers or meal prep
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  • Family-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients That Shine

  • Kielbasa sausage: Smoked kielbasa adds a bold, meaty flavor that crisps beautifully in the pan.
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  • Cooked rice: Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, perfect for stir-frying.
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  • Eggs: Add a creamy texture and extra protein.
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  • Mixed vegetables: Frozen or fresh work well—use peas, carrots, corn, bell pepper, or edamame.
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  • Green onions: Give the dish brightness and a mild onion flavor.
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  • Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to bring it all together.
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  • Sesame oil: Just a drizzle for nutty depth.
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  • Garlic: Essential for base flavor.
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  • Oil: For cooking and frying the sausage and eggs.

Cooking Process

To start, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the sliced Kielbasa sausage, allowing it to cook until browned and slightly crispy.

This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture to the dish.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking until the vegetables are tender.

Pushing the Kielbasa and vegetables to one side of the skillet, pour in the beaten eggs on the other side and scramble until fully cooked.

This method keeps the flavors distinct while ensuring everything is well incorporated later.

Bringing It All Together

Once the eggs are scrambled, it’s time to combine all the elements.

Add the chilled cooked white rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps to ensure even distribution.

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together until well combined and heated through.

The result is a colorful medley of flavors and textures that come together in harmony.

This dish not only looks appealing but is also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome option for lunch or dinner.

How to Make My Kielbasa Fried Rice

  1. Cook the kielbasa: In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and sauté until browned and crisp on the edges—about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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  2. Scramble the eggs: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then scramble the eggs until just set. Transfer to a separate bowl.
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  3. Sauté the vegetables: Add garlic and vegetables to the skillet. Cook until just tender and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
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  4. Stir-fry the rice: Add in cold cooked rice and break it up with your spatula. Stir-fry until heated through and slightly crispy.
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  5. Add it all back: Return the kielbasa and eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then toss to coat everything evenly.
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  6. Finish with green onions: Stir in green onions and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, remove the skillet from heat and garnish the fried rice with thinly sliced green onions.

This final touch adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the dish perfectly.

Pair it with a set of chopsticks for an authentic experience, inviting you to enjoy every bite.

Serve this dish with:

  • A side of cucumber salad for freshness
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  • A fried egg on top for extra richness
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  • A drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp for heat
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  • Pickled ginger or kimchi for a tangy contrast

Why Kielbasa Fried Rice?

This Kielbasa Fried Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures.

It’s an excellent way to use leftover rice, transforming it into a hearty dish that satisfies hunger without compromising on taste.

Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

Tips for the Best Kielbasa Fried Rice

Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture—fresh rice tends to get mushy. Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized half moons and brown them until they’re deeply caramelized.

Don’t skimp on soy sauce or sesame oil, but taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins!

Flavor-Packed Kielbasa Sausage Fried Rice

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainCuisine: Asian-inspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories per serving

350

kcal

This fried rice features tender Kielbasa sausage, fluffy eggs, and a medley of mixed vegetables, all tossed together with cooked white rice. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, making it a delightful meal for any time of the day. It serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 12 ounces of kielbasa sausage, sliced into half moons

  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)

  • 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add sliced kielbasa and sauté until golden brown and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add a splash more oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just cooked, then remove.
  • Add garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add cooked rice and stir well to break up clumps. Let the rice crisp slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Return kielbasa and eggs to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
  • Mix well until everything is heated through and evenly coated.
  • Stir in green onions just before serving.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add crushed red pepper or chili oil.
  • You can swap in brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice.
  • Leftover rotisserie chicken or shrimp also works well in this dish.
  • Want it vegetarian? Just skip the kielbasa and load up on extra veggies.

Storage and Warming Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to loosen it up.