If you are craving a meal that is quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining fluffy, perfectly cooked rice with scrambled eggs, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of soy and sesame oil, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and zest. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute dinner or craving that nostalgic taste of takeout, this recipe delivers on all fronts with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are quintessential to crafting the perfect Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe—each one playing a vital role in your dish’s taste, texture, and color. From the fluffy rice to the fresh green onions, everything comes together beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: Using day-old, cold rice helps achieve the ideal fried texture without sogginess.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying and giving the dish a lovely sheen and slight crispiness.
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten: Adds rich, silky protein that binds the flavors together.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Brings color, sweetness, and a touch of crunch to every bite.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and pops of green that brighten the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the rice with a savory depth that wakes up your palate.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, essential for that signature fried rice flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a toasted nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance and balance all the fabulous flavors.
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Stir them gently and continuously until they are fully cooked but still soft and fluffy. This step sets the foundation for a tender and flavorful base, so don’t rush. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside—you’ll be adding them back in later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Immediately add the thawed peas and carrots, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re warmed through but still retain a slight crunch. This step ensures your veggies stay fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Vegetables
Now it’s time to introduce your cold rice to the skillet. Add it in and use a spatula to break up any clumps, making sure every grain gets coated with oil and mixed well with the vegetables. The key here is to keep everything moving in the pan so the rice can fry evenly, developing that perfect slightly toasted texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Flavorings, and Green Onions
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, gently folding them into the rice mixture. Sprinkle in the soy sauce and drizzle the sesame oil over everything. Don’t forget to add the sliced green onions—they bring a fantastic freshness and subtle crunch. Stir-fry continuously for another 2 to 3 minutes until all ingredients are harmoniously combined and heated through. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some additional green onions, a few toasted sesame seeds, or even chopped fresh cilantro to elevate the dish visually and in flavor. A dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can add an exciting kick if you like your food spicy.
Side Dishes
This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed dumplings, a fresh cucumber salad, or even crispy spring rolls. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or tofu on the side to round things out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your egg fried rice in individual bowls or stylish ramekins, garnished with your chosen toppings. For a fun family-style experience, dish it out in a large serving bowl at the center of the table. If you want to get fancy, mold the rice into shapes using a small bowl or a scooper before plating for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the rice stays safe to eat for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While fresh egg fried rice is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze leftovers for longer storage. Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen fried rice can last up to one month and is a lifesaver for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to rehydrate the grains. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and evenly heat through. You can also microwave it covered in short intervals, fluffing the rice in between to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and soft, which can result in mushy fried rice. Using day-old, cold rice is ideal because it dries out slightly, allowing each grain to fry up crisp and separate. If you only have fresh rice, try spreading it out on a tray to cool and dry for a bit before frying.
What can I add to make this recipe more filling?
Adding additional proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu is a fantastic way to bulk up this dish. You can also throw in extra vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for variety and nutrition.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! As written, the Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It includes eggs and no meat, making it a perfect option for those following a vegetarian diet.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
How do I get the perfect texture in fried rice?
The key to perfect fried rice lies in using cold, day-old rice and frying it on medium-high heat while stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan so the rice fries evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly delicious and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is approachable, versatile, and great for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen rotation—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy egg fried rice recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Using day-old rice, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and savory soy sauce, it mimics takeout-style fried rice that everyone loves. It’s vegetarian, simple to prepare, and can be customized with additional proteins if desired.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and cold)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scramble Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the thawed peas and carrots and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they are heated through.
- Cook Rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Stir well to break up any clumps and mix the rice evenly with the vegetables.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Season and Serve: Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful egg fried rice.
Notes
- For best results, use cold, day-old rice as it fries better and doesn’t get mushy.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to control the saltiness according to your preference.
- Use a wok or large skillet for even cooking and easy stirring.
