Egg Fried Rice – Easy 10-Minute Recipe

Egg Fried Rice is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal made with simple ingredients that come together in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re craving a comforting side dish or a light main course, this egg fried rice recipe is a must-try. With fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or as a leftover rice makeover. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it a staple in many households.

Why You Should Try This Egg Fried Rice

This Egg Fried Rice recipe is one of the simplest and fastest dishes to prepare. Made with only six ingredients, it’s a perfect choice for those who want a quick, tasty meal with minimal prep time. The use of day-old rice is key for achieving that desirable texture, while the eggs provide richness and protein. Not only is this recipe super quick, but it also delivers on flavor, thanks to the soy sauce and sesame oil. Plus, it’s a versatile dish — you can serve it as a side or make it the star of the meal.

Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice

For this easy recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Day-Old Cold Jasmine Rice: Essential for the best fried rice texture. Cold rice prevents the dish from becoming too mushy and helps achieve the perfect fry.
  • Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh flavor that complements the rich soy sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides that classic savory umami flavor; light soy sauce is recommended for balance.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty depth. If you can’t find sesame oil, you can substitute with oyster sauce or even more soy sauce.
  • Eggs: These give the fried rice its richness and texture, making it feel like a complete meal.
  • Neutral Oil: You need a high-smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying the ingredients.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing some of these ingredients, here are some easy swaps:

  • Rice: If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use any other long-grain white rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh rice and spread it out to cool before frying.
  • Soy Sauce: For those who prefer a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos work great.
  • Eggs: You can add tofu for a plant-based version, or even shrimp or chicken for a protein-packed variation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Egg Fried Rice

  1. Heat the Oil: Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large wok or pan. If using a wok, let it get hot enough for the oil to smoke. This step creates the signature “wok hei” flavor, which adds a smoky depth to the dish.
  2. Cook the Eggs: Once the oil is heated, pour in the beaten eggs. Stir quickly to scramble, ensuring they are fully cooked but still moist.
  3. Add Rice: When the eggs are cooked but still soft, add in the cold, day-old rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps of rice, so it’s evenly mixed with the eggs.
  4. Add Green Onions: Sweep the rice and eggs to one side of the wok. Add a bit more oil and toss in the chopped green onions. Stir-fry them for a few seconds to bring out their fragrance.
  5. Season the Rice: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the wok. This allows the sauce to toast slightly, enhancing its flavor before mixing it through the rice.
  6. Toss and Serve: Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated and browned from the soy sauce. Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Egg Fried Rice

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Egg Fried Rice

  • Use Day-Old Rice: Cold, day-old rice is a must for the best texture. Fresh rice has too much moisture and will make the fried rice sticky.
  • Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The eggs should remain soft and fluffy, so add them before the rice and stir-fry them just long enough to set.
  • Adjust Soy Sauce: Add more soy sauce if you like your fried rice saltier, but be careful not to overdo it. Soy sauce can be very potent.
  • Increase the Heat: Use high heat for a quick, crispy fry that gives the rice a pleasant texture.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Egg Fried Rice is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

  • Main Dishes: Serve your fried rice alongside Mongolian Chicken, Orange Chicken, or Gochujang Chicken for a full meal.
  • Vegetables: Complement your rice with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, garlic green beans, or stir-fried snow pea leaves.
  • Toppings: Add chili oil for a spicy kick, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • Storage: Leftover egg fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Freezing: You can freeze egg fried rice in freezer-friendly bags for up to one month. Be sure to squeeze out any air before sealing.

Why This Egg Fried Rice is a Must-Try

Egg Fried Rice is not only quick and easy, but it’s also packed with flavors that remind you of your favorite Chinese takeout. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish brings a rich, savory flavor profile that is customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re using leftovers or making it fresh, it’s a meal that can be enjoyed any time. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables and proteins to make it a more balanced meal. Give this simple, 10-minute egg fried rice a try tonight!

Conclusion

Egg Fried Rice is the perfect quick and easy meal to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re using leftover rice or making it fresh, this dish brings comforting flavors with just a handful of ingredients. The combination of fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, savory soy sauce, and aromatic sesame oil makes this recipe a go-to for busy nights. It’s also incredibly customizable, allowing you to add vegetables, proteins, or even extra spices to suit your preferences. Give this simple, flavorful egg fried rice a try today for a meal that’s both satisfying and efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh rice for egg fried rice?

While day-old rice is preferred for its texture, you can use fresh rice by spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool. Let it sit in the fridge for 45-60 minutes to reduce moisture before frying for the best results.

Can I make this dish without sesame oil?

Yes, if you’re out of sesame oil or allergic, you can substitute with oyster sauce for a similar depth of flavor, or use more soy sauce to enhance the savory notes.

How can I make egg fried rice spicier?

To add a kick of heat, stir in chili oil, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chilies to your egg fried rice after cooking. You can also add spicy soy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this fried rice?

Absolutely! You can add frozen peas, carrots, corn, or any vegetables you prefer. Just stir-fry them along with the green onions for added texture and color.

More Relevant Recipes

  • 10-Minute Chilli Garlic Noodles: This quick and flavorful noodle dish is a perfect companion to egg fried rice. With a spicy kick from chili and the savory depth of garlic, it pairs perfectly for those who enjoy bold flavors in their meals.
  • Kung Pao Chicken Noodles: Featuring tender chicken in a savory and slightly spicy sauce, this dish adds a hearty and zesty touch to complement the lightness of egg fried rice. The mix of bell peppers, peanuts, and spices makes it an exciting, flavor-packed dish.
  • Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole: A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, rice, and a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze. This dish offers a wonderful contrast to the lighter and quicker egg fried rice, providing a filling and delicious meal.
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Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice


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  • Author: Elina
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Egg Fried Rice is a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick and delicious meal. It’s a versatile recipe, making it easy to add vegetables or proteins for extra variety. The combination of savory soy sauce and nutty sesame oil brings the perfect balance of flavors, making it a go-to dish for both novice and experienced cooks alike.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold & day-old, or substitute with any white long grain rice)
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 2.5 tablespoons regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil)


Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. If using a wok, let the oil get hot enough to smoke. If using a regular pan, skip the smoking step.
  2. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir quickly to scramble until just set but still moist.
  3. Add the cold, day-old rice to the pan. If the rice is clumped, break it apart using your spatula.
  4. Push the rice and eggs to one side of the pan, and add more oil if needed. Toss in the chopped green onions and stir-fry briefly.
  5. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the wok or pan, allowing them to toast slightly before mixing them through the rice.
  6. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the soy sauce, and the grains are browned. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using day-old rice is essential for the best texture. Fresh rice can become too sticky.
  • If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute with oyster sauce or extra soy sauce for flavor.
  • For a spicier version, add chili oil or red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 501 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 1384mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0.04g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 327mg

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