If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and downright delicious meal, this Egg Fried Rice Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food. Combining fluffy leftover rice with vibrant veggies, scrambled eggs, and a touch of savory soy and sesame oils, this dish brings together simple ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both wholesome and crave-worthy. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or need something to impress friends, this classic keeps things easy yet incredibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Egg Fried Rice Recipe shine, you only need a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in the dish’s overall harmony. From the fluffy rice to the colorful peas and carrots, every component adds a special touch to the texture and flavor.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Leftover rice works best for the perfect texture and prevents clumping.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This neutral oil helps achieve that perfect stir-fry sizzle without overpowering the flavors.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: Adds rich, fluffy protein that blends beautifully with the rice.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant depth that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Adds bursts of color and gentle natural sweetness.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Freshness and mild sharpness brighten each bite.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A little goes a long way to impart that irresistible nutty aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors just right.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Set the Eggs
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble them until they just set. Removing the eggs promptly ensures they stay tender and fluffy, creating the perfect texture contrast with the rice. Once done, transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent. This step unlocks the sweet and savory base flavors that build the foundation for your fried rice.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Rice and Veggies
Turn up the heat to high and add the cooked rice along with the thawed peas and carrots. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes to heat the rice through and allow the veggies to warm and retain a slight crunch. This quick high-heat cooking gives the dish its signature charred bite and lively texture.
Step 4: Combine Eggs and Seasonings
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly so that every grain of rice is coated with the rich and flavorful seasonings. This step is where the dish really comes alive with unforgettable aroma and taste.
Step 5: Final Touches
Season the fried rice with salt and pepper according to your preference. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony crunch that perfectly complements the warm rice.
How to Serve Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your Egg Fried Rice Recipe beautifully. Consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to introduce a bright, herbal note. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a wedge of lime adds extra layers of flavor and makes the dish feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is a fantastic standalone meal but also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside crispy spring rolls, a light cucumber salad, or some steamed dumplings to round out the meal and introduce different textures. Stir-fried greens or grilled meats also complement the savory, slightly sweet profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, mold your fried rice into mini dome shapes using a small bowl or ramekin and invert them onto plates for an eye-catching presentation. You can also serve it stuffed inside bell peppers or lettuce cups for an interactive meal that’s as playful as it is delicious. These little touches turn a humble plate of fried rice into a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Egg Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or easy dinners on busy days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
Egg fried rice freezes well too! Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, it can maintain its quality for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep the rice moist and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until the rice is heated through. Avoid microwaving for long stretches as it can make the rice dry or rubbery. This method best revives the texture and flavor close to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
While leftover rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, you can use freshly cooked rice if you spread it out to cool and dry slightly before cooking. Fresh rice may clump more, so try to fluff and separate the grains as much as possible.
What can I add to make Egg Fried Rice Recipe more flavorful?
Feel free to add extras like diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. A splash of fish sauce or a pinch of chili flakes can also enhance the flavor if you like a bit of heat or umami twist.
Is sesame oil necessary for the recipe?
Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty aroma and depth of flavor that’s key to authentic tasting fried rice. However, if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a light drizzle of toasted sesame seeds to retain some of that flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, omit the eggs and replace them with scrambled tofu or additional vegetables. Use a plant-based soy sauce if needed. The recipe remains just as delicious and satisfying without the eggs.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Mushy rice usually happens when rice is too moist or overcooked in the pan. Using leftover rice helps because it’s drier. Cooking on high heat and stirring quickly also prevents the grains from sticking and turning mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Fried Rice Recipe is a wonderful example of humble ingredients transformed into an irresistible dish full of flavor and warmth. It’s quick to make, perfect for any skill level, and customizable to suit whatever you have on hand. I encourage you to try it out, experiment with your favorites, and enjoy every delicious spoonful with those you love.
Print
Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for using leftover rice. It combines fluffy scrambled eggs, sautéed onions and garlic, mixed vegetables, and a savory soy-sesame sauce for a satisfying meal that can be ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove the eggs to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrance.
- Cook the rice and vegetables: Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice along with the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry everything for several minutes until the rice is heated through and begins to develop a slight crisp texture.
- Combine eggs and seasonings: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet with the rice mixture. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even coating and rich flavor throughout the dish.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Season with salt and pepper according to taste. Just before serving, stir in the thinly sliced green onions to add a fresh, vibrant finish to the fried rice.
Notes
- Using leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight gives the best texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms according to your preference.
- For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to control saltiness of the dish.
- Ensure the skillet or wok is hot enough for proper stir-frying to develop flavor and texture.
