One of the small unexpected benefits of cooking for toddlers, especially if you occasionally eat like one yourself, is how foods that are otherwise side dishes can take and own the spotlight as a full-on meal. Mac and cheese is the obvious exemplar of the form, but the otherwise pedestrian fried rice has the makings of a most glorious dinner if you go big and embrace the carbiness of it all, stuffing the rice with vegetables, eggs, and other goodies. Which is precisely what we’ve done here: a fried rice for toddlers – but likely mostly consumed by you – that is a meal onto itself.
Now, this fried rice for toddlers is not some cutesy adaptation, with the color and/or ingredients of fried rice but tasting like baby food; it’s the real thing, using many of the same tricks an American Chinese restaurant would in its rendition. You, for sure, will want to eat it (and will); your child will want to know what the heck it is (and may or may not eat it, at first). The one accommodation we have made is with the texture of the rice: by gently poaching and steaming it, the finished product is a little softer, a little more supple than what you’d get for takeout. You won’t mind the change; your child won’t know the difference. It all works out, for everyone.
This fried rice for toddlers leans on simple, toddler-friendly staples—soft jasmine rice, gently cooked eggs, sweet vegetables, and a light soy-oyster pan sauce. Poaching the rice in chicken broth gives it a richer flavor and a softer texture that’s easier for toddlers to chew, while peas, carrots, and corn add natural sweetness and color without overwhelming picky eaters.
Can I use day-old rice instead of freshly cooked rice?
Yes—day-old rice works beautifully and is even more traditional for fried rice. But for toddlers, your softer steamed version is often preferable because it’s easier to chew and mixes smoothly with the eggs.
How do I add extra protein?
Thin strips of chicken breast, diced beef, or finely chopped shrimp can be stir-fried right after the vegetables. You can also stir the egg directly into the rice to make “golden rice” if your child dislikes visible egg pieces.
Is the soy sauce too salty for toddlers?
Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the sodium well within toddler-appropriate limits. You can also reduce the soy sauce by half and add an extra teaspoon of broth for a softer, milder flavor.
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Absolutely—just substitute an equal amount of soy sauce and add a small splash of broth. The flavor will be lighter but still delicious.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a teaspoon of water to re-soften the rice.
This easy fried rice for toddlers is a quick, flavorful way to get protein, veggies, and carbs into one kid-friendly bowl. It cooks fast, tastes delicious, and is gentle enough for even picky eaters.
If this is your child’s first time trying fried rice, set aside a small serving of white rice so your child has a backup and/or an incentive to try a new rice dish. For visual interest, we also like to make a neat round of rice on the plate, which you can do by stuffing the rice into the smallest bowl or ramekin you have, then pressing down on the top with the back of the fork until the grains stick together; flip the bowl over onto your child’s plate and pull back.
To add protein, just cut small and thin strips of chicken breast or beef and add to the pan after cooking the vegetables for a few minutes. If your child is likely to abhor the sight of chopped up scrambled eggs in their rice–doubtful, but let’s go with it–try soaking the rice in the egg mix and cooking them together. Voila: golden rice.
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 small bowl of fried rice
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
