If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug, this Egg Fried Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a simple yet satisfying plate of fluffy rice, savory soy, and perfectly cooked eggs that comes together in under 10 minutes—perfect for any busy day or to satisfy a last-minute craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or an instant fix.
- Versatile Flavors: Balanced with soy and sesame oil, it’s savory and fragrant without overpowering.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: Ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Ideal for transforming day-old rice into a delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Fried Rice Recipe keeps it simple but packs a punch. From the fluffy jasmine rice to the savory soy sauce and nutty sesame oil, each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture, creating that perfectly balanced fried rice you’ll crave.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Using cold, day-old rice is essential because it’s dryer and prevents clumping, giving you that classic fried rice texture.
- Green onion: Adds a fresh, slightly pungent crunch that brightens every bite.
- Soy sauce: Choose regular or light soy sauce to keep the flavor delicate and not too intense; this adds the perfect umami seasoning.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash at the end infuses the dish with a subtle, irresistible nuttiness.
- Eggs: The star protein that adds richness and fluffy texture throughout.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil helps achieve the perfect fry without overpowering the other flavors.
Variations
The beauty of this egg fried rice recipe lies in its flexibility—you can tweak it to suit whatever you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Add veggies: Toss in finely chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition and color.
- Protein boost: Include cooked shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu for a heartier version.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to wake up your taste buds.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for those avoiding gluten.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Eggs
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. If you’re using a wok, get the oil hot enough to start to smoke slightly for that authentic stir-fry flavor. Then pour in the beaten eggs and stir-fry quickly, letting them form soft, fluffy curds without fully cooking through.
Step 2: Add and Break up the Rice
Once the eggs are just set but still moist, add your chilled, day-old rice to the pan. Use your spatula to break apart any clumps, ensuring every grain gets coated and separated—this is key to achieving that signature fluffy texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Green Onions and Oils
Sweep the rice and eggs to one side of the pan, then add a splash more oil to the empty side along with your chopped green onions. Stir the onions briefly to release their fragrance before mixing everything together thoroughly.
Step 4: Flavor with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil
Add soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of your pan to let the heat gently caramelize them into the rice. Toss everything quickly but carefully until the rice is evenly coated and colored a warm brown, then remove from heat immediately to keep the vibrant flavors fresh. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment!
Pro Tips for Making Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will turn mushy—leftover rice dries out just enough for that ideal texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: Slightly moist scrambled eggs mix better with the rice and keep the dish tender and rich.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Cooking quickly on high heat helps fry the rice perfectly without steaming it.
- Break Up Clumps Gently: Use the side of your spatula to tease apart the rice so it doesn’t become mushy or sticky.
How to Serve Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your fried rice to an even more delightful meal. Sprinkle with extra chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture, or scatter a few chopped cilantro leaves for a pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
This egg fried rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think steamed or stir-fried vegetables, crispy spring rolls, or sticky spare ribs. A light dipping sauce on the side also complements the rich flavors of the rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the egg fried rice molded in a small bowl, then flipped onto plates for a neat, restaurant-style effect. Or add a fried egg on top, sunny side up, letting the yolk blend luxuriously into the rice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze egg fried rice, but keep in mind it might lose some texture on thawing. Freeze in portioned bags or containers for up to a month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftover egg fried rice in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of oil to refresh its texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause sogginess. Toss and stir until warmed through and slightly crisped.
FAQs
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Can I use freshly cooked rice for egg fried rice?
It’s best to use cold, day-old rice because freshly cooked rice is too soft and moist, causing the dish to become mushy. Refrigerating rice overnight allows it to dry out slightly, which helps achieve that perfect fried texture.
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What’s the difference between light and dark soy sauce in this recipe?
Light soy sauce is salty and thin and is generally used for seasoning, while dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter and mainly used for color. For this egg fried rice recipe, light soy sauce is preferred to avoid overpowering the flavor.
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Can I add other proteins to this egg fried rice?
Absolutely! You can toss in cooked shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu to make the dish more filling. Just be sure to cook these proteins separately or before adding them to the rice to ensure even cooking.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. This maintains the savory notes without the gluten, making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Fried Rice Recipe has become one of those comfort dishes I turn to again and again. Its simplicity is its charm—few ingredients that come together beautifully to create a meal that’s comforting, quick, and full of flavor. Give it a try and I promise, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
PrintEgg Fried Rice Recipe
A quick and delicious Egg Fried Rice recipe using day-old jasmine rice, fresh green onions, and a perfect balance of soy and sesame oils. This easy stir-fry dish is perfect for a speedy meal, combining fluffy eggs with savory rice for a comforting and flavorful experience.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Rice and Eggs
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold & day-old (or any white long grain rice)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 2.5 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce (avoid dark soy sauce)
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. If using a wok, allow the oil to reach smoking point for better flavor; if using a typical pan, just heat the oil until hot but do not smoke.
- Cook the eggs: Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly stir-fry them so they start to form soft curds, taking shape but still moist and slightly runny.
- Add the rice: Add the cold day-old rice to the pan with the eggs. If the rice is clumped together, break it apart gently with your spatula while mixing everything well to combine.
- Incorporate green onions: Push the rice and egg mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil to the empty space, then add the chopped green onions. Stir-fry the onions briefly in the oil before mixing them into the rice and eggs.
- Season the dish: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil around the edges of the pan. Toss everything thoroughly so the rice grains are evenly coated and turn a light brown color with the sauce. Remove from heat promptly.
- Serve: Serve the egg fried rice hot and enjoy immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using day-old, cold rice prevents clumping and gives the best texture for fried rice.
- Avoid dark soy sauce as it can overpower the dish; light or regular soy sauce is preferred.
- Be quick when cooking eggs to keep them moist and tender.
- If you prefer, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or proteins such as shrimp or chicken for variation.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity according to taste and sodium tolerance.
