Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
If you are looking to whip up something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It takes humble, everyday ingredients like day-old rice, eggs, and a handful of simple seasonings to create a dish that feels both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for one or want an effortless side to your dinner, this recipe captures the essence of classic fried rice with a fragrant, savory finish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Let me guide you through making this all-time favorite that’s sure to become one of your go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe shines because of its straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building a perfect harmony of textures and flavors—from the fluffy, separated rice grains to the gently scrambled eggs and a hint of aromatic seasoning.
- 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain: Using cold, day-old rice prevents clumping and helps achieve that ideal fried rice texture.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: They add richness and a tender bite throughout the rice.
- 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice: This brings a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch after sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional): They introduce a pop of color and subtle sweetness while keeping the dish balanced and nutritious.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional): Adds depth and a faintly fruity umami note that elevates the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce: The key seasoning that provides savoriness and a touch of saltiness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This deepens the umami and slightly sweet factor, essential for that restaurant-style taste.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional): For a nutty aroma and flavorful finish.
- 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish): Adds freshness and a gentle bite as a final touch.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish): Tiny crunchy bursts that make each bite more interesting.
- Oil as needed for cooking: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil for high heat sautéing.
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Rice
One small trick to fantastic fried rice is using day-old rice because fresh, moist rice tends to clump and steam rather than fry. Break apart the cold rice by rubbing it gently between your hands or shaking it in a sealed bag until the grains are distinct. This simple step makes a dramatic difference in getting that beautifully separate texture.
Step 2: Cook Eggs
Heat your wok or frying pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Pour in the beaten eggs, then softly scramble them until just cooked through. It’s important not to overcook so the eggs remain tender. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside; this keeps their delicate texture intact for combining later.
Step 3: Sauté Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the diced onion along with the thawed peas and carrots, if using. Stir these over medium heat until they become fragrant and the veggies soften just a bit. This step builds a flavorful base and adds nice textural contrast to your fried rice.
Step 4: Add Rice and Eggs
Now, add your separated rice to the pan, stirring to mix with the sautéed vegetables. Then fold in the reserved scrambled eggs. Toss everything well, adding a splash of oil if the mixture looks dry. This ensures even frying and prevents sticking while encouraging a lovely golden hue on your rice.
Step 5: Season and Finish
This is where your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe really comes alive. Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine if you’re using it, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the toasted sesame oil. Stir thoroughly so every grain and bit of egg is coated with the luscious, savory sauce. Just before finishing, toss in the sliced green onions for a hint of brightness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your perfectly cooked fried rice to a serving dish, then sprinkle with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve it hot for the best taste and texture experience — this dish tastes fantastic on its own or alongside your favorite main dishes.
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds brings fresh crunch and visual appeal. They add that final touch of freshness and nuttiness that complements the rich, savory fried rice perfectly. Feel free to experiment with chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy dimension.
Side Dishes
This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, sweet and sour chicken, or grilled tofu for a balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic accompaniment to dumplings or crispy spring rolls that add texture and contrasting flavors to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your egg fried rice molded into shapes using small bowls or ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also turn it into a lettuce wrap filling or top it with a fried egg or crispy shallots to add layers of texture. The versatility of this recipe invites endless creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover easy egg fried rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor. This way, you’ll have a ready-to-eat meal for busy days or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze fried rice, though the texture might slightly soften upon thawing. Cool it fully, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for gentler reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe in a hot pan with a splash of oil or water to revive its original fluffiness. Using the stovetop gives better texture than microwaving, but the microwave is fine in a pinch—just sprinkle a little water, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While fresh rice can be used, it tends to be moisture-heavy and sticky, making it harder to achieve the desirable separate grains in fried rice. If using freshly cooked rice, try spreading it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before frying.
Is it necessary to use Shaoxing rice wine and oyster sauce?
These ingredients add authentic flavor depth, but if you don’t have them on hand, soy sauce alone works well. Oyster sauce can be substituted with a vegetarian mushroom sauce if you prefer a plant-based option.
Can I add other vegetables or protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with diced bell peppers, corn, or cooked shrimp and chicken. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the rice fluffy by not overcrowding the pan.
What oil is best for frying the rice?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying. They let the ingredients cook evenly without imparting strong flavors or burning quickly.
How do I make the eggs fluffy and tender?
Cook the beaten eggs over medium heat and stir gently to scramble. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re just set to avoid overcooking, which can make eggs rubbery. Adding a dash of water or milk to the eggs before cooking can enhance fluffiness too.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe at home is such a rewarding and delicious experience. It’s fast, customizable, and comes together from simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a quick lunch or need a tasty side dish, this recipe is a true kitchen hero. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic!
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Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This easy egg fried rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for using up day-old rice. Featuring scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, and optional peas and carrots, it’s seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of toasted sesame oil for a savory taste. A versatile and satisfying single-serving meal that can be prepared in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice
- 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
Garnishes
- 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Cooking Oil
- Oil as needed for cooking (such as vegetable oil or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Rice: Break apart the day-old rice by rubbing it between your hands or placing it in a bag and gently separating the grains to prevent clumping during frying.
- Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until just cooked through. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same wok or pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté the diced yellow onion along with the thawed peas and carrots until fragrant and the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Rice and Eggs: Stir in the separated rice and cooked scrambled eggs. Toss everything together, adding additional oil if the mixture seems dry to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Season and Finish: Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine (if using), light sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and combine all flavors thoroughly. Finally, mix in the sliced green onions.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fried rice to a serving dish. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is essential as it’s drier and prevents clumping during frying.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce amounts to taste, especially if using low-sodium varieties.
- The Shaoxing rice wine and toasted sesame oil are optional but add authentic depth to the dish.
- This recipe serves one but can be easily scaled up for more servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
