If you’ve been searching for a quick, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal, this Egg Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, delivering a perfect balance of fluffy rice, tender veggies, and silky scrambled eggs infused with savory soy sauce and aromatic sesame oil. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend lunch, this Egg Fried Rice Recipe will become your go-to favorite for bringing warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Fried Rice Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that pack a big punch in taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the cold cooked rice lending the ideal texture to the green onions adding a fresh bite.
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold): Using cold rice helps prevent clumping and ensures a perfect, fluffy consistency.
- 2 eggs, beaten: These add rich creaminess and protein, making the dish more substantial.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots: These provide sweetness, color, and a tender crunch to the meal.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Essential for that deep umami goodness that makes fried rice so addictive.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates every bite.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Bring in a sharp, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic injects a warm, aromatic base that wakes up the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to fine-tune the overall flavor.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Sesame Oil
Start by warming the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This foundation layer of toasted oil gives the fried rice its signature fragrance and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Vegetables
Add the minced garlic, frozen peas, and carrots to the hot pan. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. This step builds flavor early on and softens the veggies just right.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble them gently until they’re fully cooked yet still soft and fluffy. This mix of textures makes each bite interesting and satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Cold Rice and Soy Sauce
Introduce the cold, cooked rice to the pan and drizzle in the soy sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the rice to absorb those rich layers of savory flavor while heating through evenly.
Step 5: Mix in Green Onions and Season
Finally, toss in the sliced green onions and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. These fresh bursts of sharpness balance the savoriness and add a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once everything is combined and heated through, your Egg Fried Rice Recipe is ready to serve. Dig in while warm for the best experience and watch how everyone’s faces light up with delight!
How to Serve Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Egg Fried Rice Recipe to the next level, sprinkle chopped cilantro or a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add a fresh aroma and a satisfying crunch that make each bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This fried rice shines as a main dish but pairs beautifully with sides like crispy spring rolls, sweet chili sauce, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These combinations provide contrast in texture and flavor that delight the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice inside avocado halves or in crispy lettuce cups for a light, handheld option. You can also turn it into a colorful rice bowl by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or sautéed shrimp as toppers, making every meal visually exciting and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Egg Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it just as delicious the next time you enjoy it.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover egg fried rice in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to one month. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor when you reheat.
Reheating
For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to bring back that fresh-from-the-wok taste, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered loosely with a damp paper towel to keep it moist and warm it evenly.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of cold rice?
While fresh rice can work, cold rice is preferred because it’s drier and helps prevent your fried rice from becoming mushy or clumpy. If you must use fresh rice, try to spread it out and let it cool slightly before cooking.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or want something less salty, tamari or coconut aminos make great substitutes that will keep the savory flavor intact.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Just cook them ahead or with the garlic and veggies to make sure everything blends well.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Simply skip the eggs and increase the amount of veggies or add tofu scrambled with a pinch of turmeric for color. Use a soy sauce that’s guaranteed vegan to keep the dish plant-based and tasty.
Is sesame oil necessary?
Sesame oil gives fried rice its characteristic nutty aroma and flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use vegetable or peanut oil instead. Just know that it will slightly change the taste profile.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity, comfort, and flavor that fits effortlessly into any mealtime rotation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish around the world—easy to make, quick to enjoy, and endlessly adaptable. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the joy of this classic recipe with your friends and family!
Print
Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and delicious Egg Fried Rice recipe that combines fluffy scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables.
- Cook vegetables: Add the minced garlic, frozen peas, and carrots to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Scramble eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs gently until fully cooked.
- Add rice and sauce: Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan, then pour in the soy sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly so that the rice is heated through and evenly coated.
- Finish and season: Stir in the sliced green onions, then season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as preferred.
- Serve: Serve the egg fried rice hot as a main dish or a delicious side.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce depending on your sodium preference.
- For added protein, consider adding diced chicken or shrimp.
- Use a wok or large skillet for better heat distribution and mixing.
