Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Name: Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old); 2 large eggs; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

February 13, 2025

Updated:

February 13, 2025

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Have you ever tasted a bowl of perfectly cooked egg fried rice that dances onyour palate? This delightful dish combines fluffy rice with scrambled eggs, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauces, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to impress.

Egg fried rice brings back the fondest memories of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table. The aroma of sizzling garlic and soy sauce fills the air while laughter echoes through the kitchen. It’s a versatile dish that allows for creativity—add your favorite proteins or veggies to customize it! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that rivals your favorite takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Egg Fried Rice

Quick and Easy: This dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it takes only about 20 minutes to prepare. With pre-cooked rice and minimal chopping required, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Versatile Ingredients: You can adapt this recipe based on what you have in your pantry. Add leftover chicken, shrimp, or seasonal vegetables to make it even more delicious.
Flavorful Experience: The combination of fresh ingredients and seasonings creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Egg fried rice stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily. Make a large batch on Sunday for quick lunches throughout the week!

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Cooked Jasmine Rice: Use cold, day-old jasmine rice if possible; it keeps its texture better than freshly cooked rice.
Eggs: You’ll need about two large eggs to create fluffy scrambled pieces that blend beautifully into the rice.
Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a crisp flavor and color; use both white and green parts for best results.
Vegetable Oil: Use high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying; it helps prevent sticking during cooking.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: A splash of low-sodium soy sauce adds depth; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Egg Fried Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting. Chop green onions and whisk eggs in a bowl. Make sure your cooked jasmine rice is cold.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add about two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet. Stir gently until they are just set but still soft. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of oil if needed, then toss in chopped green onions (reserve some for garnish) along with any other vegetables you prefer. Sauté for about two minutes until tender.

Step 5: Stir in Rice

Add your cold jasmine rice into the pan along with soy sauce. Stir continuously for about five minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix well so that each grain of rice is coated evenly with soy sauce. Cook for another minute until combined.

Transfer to plates and sprinkle reserved green onions on top for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Cold Rice: For optimal texture, always use cold or day-old cooked rice; this prevents clumping during frying.
High Heat Cooking: Keep your skillet at high heat while cooking to achieve that classic “wok hei” flavor that makes fried rice special.
Add Protein Variations: Feel free to incorporate diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein; cook these first before adding vegetables.

Mistakes to avoid

Using Overcooked Rice: One common mistake is using overcooked rice. Freshly cooked rice often becomes mushy when stir-fried, ruining the texture of your Egg Fried Rice. To prevent this, use day-old rice if possible. This rice has dried out slightly in the fridge, making it firmer and easier to stir-fry. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before using it in your recipe.
Skipping the Seasoning: Another mistake is neglecting to season your Egg Fried Rice properly. A bland dish can leave your taste buds unsatisfied. Always season your ingredients as you cook them. Use soy sauce, oyster sauce, or even a touch of sesame oil for depth of flavor. Don’t forget to season the eggs before adding them to the mix; this will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Overcrowding the Pan: Overcrowding the pan is a frequent issue when making Egg Fried Rice. When too many ingredients are crammed into one pan, they steam instead of fry. This leads to a soggy dish rather than achieving that coveted smoky flavor from stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary, allowing each component enough space to cook properly and develop that delicious fried flavor.
Inefficient Cooking Order: The order in which you add ingredients can affect both taste and texture. A common error is adding everything at once instead of following a logical sequence. Start with aromatics like garlic and onion, then add vegetables, followed by rice and eggs. This ensures that each ingredient is cooked optimally and every bite serves up the perfect combination of flavors.
Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or wilted vegetables can detract from your Egg Fried Rice’s appearance and taste. Fresh ingredients provide vibrant colors and crisp textures that elevate any dish. Always opt for fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. This not only enhances flavor but also adds nutritional value to your meal.

FAQs

What are the key ingredients for Egg Fried Rice?

To make Egg Fried Rice, you’ll need essential ingredients like cooked rice, eggs, soy sauce, garlic, onions, and various vegetables like peas or carrots. These components create a flavorful base for this classic dish.

Can I use different types of rice for Egg Fried Rice?

Yes, you can use different types of rice for Egg Fried Rice; however, jasmine or long-grain rice works best due to their fluffy texture when cooked properly. Avoid using sticky varieties as they may lead to clumping during stir-frying.

How can I make my Egg Fried Rice healthier?

To make healthier Egg Fried Rice, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli while reducing soy sauce quantity to lower sodium content. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice for added fiber.

Can I make Egg Fried Rice without eggs?

Absolutely! For a vegan alternative, simply omit the eggs or substitute them with tofu or chickpea flour scrambles. This allows you to enjoy a delicious version while keeping it plant-based.

What is the best way to reheat leftover Egg Fried Rice?

To reheat leftover Egg Fried Rice effectively, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil. Stir occasionally until heated through evenly; this prevents drying out while reviving its original flavors.

Ingredients

To create a delicious Egg Fried Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for best results)

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)

– 3 tablespoons of soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

– 2 green onions, chopped

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Egg Fried Rice:

Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 3 minutes until tender.

Next, push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the pan. Scramble them gently until fully cooked.

Combine the scrambled eggs with the vegetables, then add the day-old rice to the skillet. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Drizzle soy sauce over the rice mixture and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Finally, remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving warm.

Serving Suggestions

This Egg Fried Rice is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Grilled chicken: The flavors complement each other beautifully.
Spring rolls: A crunchy side that enhances your meal experience.
Stir-fried vegetables: For more color and nutrition on your plate.

FAQs

How can I make Egg Fried Rice vegetarian?

You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting eggs or using tofu instead. Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Incorporate a variety of colorful veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. This not only adds texture but also makes your dish visually appealing. Enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal that still offers rich flavors similar to traditional Egg Fried Rice.

Can I use leftover rice for Egg Fried Rice?

Using leftover rice is highly recommended when making Egg Fried Rice. Day-old rice has less moisture content, which prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool before using it in your recipe. This trick helps achieve that perfect texture while maintaining flavor integrity in your dish.

What other proteins can I add to my Egg Fried Rice?

Egg Fried Rice is quite flexible when it comes to proteins. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or even tofu if you’re looking for a plant-based option. Simply sauté your chosen protein along with the vegetables before adding the rice. This not only enhances flavor but also makes for a heartier meal suitable for any occasion.

Is Egg Fried Rice healthy?

Egg Fried Rice can be a healthy option depending on how you prepare it. By using brown rice instead of white rice, you increase fiber content significantly. Moreover, adding plenty of vegetables boosts vitamins and minerals in your meal. Moderation with soy sauce can help control sodium levels too. Overall, it’s about balancing ingredients to create a nutritious dish without compromising on taste.

Conclusion for Egg Fried Rice

In summary, Egg Fried Rice is an easy-to-make dish that offers versatility and delicious flavors suitable for any palate. With simple ingredients like day-old rice, fresh vegetables, and eggs, you can whip up this meal in no time. Experimenting with different proteins or adjusting seasonings allows you to personalize the dish further. Whether served as a main course or as an accompaniment to other dishes, this recipe stands out as both satisfying and delightful. Enjoy crafting your own version of this beloved classic!