Easy Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring fluffy rice stir-fried with eggs, crispy vegetables, and subtle seasonings. Perfect as a side dish or a quick meal on its own, it offers a comforting taste that’s effortlessly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for busy weekdays.
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Versatile: Easily customizable to include your favorite vegetables or protein.
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Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cooked white rice (preferably day-old rice)
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Eggs
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Vegetable oil
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Garlic, minced
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Green onions, sliced
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Soy sauce
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Salt and pepper
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Optional vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Directions
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Prepare Ingredients:
Fluff cooked rice and set aside. Beat eggs lightly in a separate bowl. -
Cook Eggs:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Scramble eggs until lightly set, then remove from the skillet. -
Stir-fry Vegetables:
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add optional vegetables and cook until tender. -
Combine Rice and Eggs:
Add rice to the skillet, stirring continuously to break up clumps. Return scrambled eggs and mix thoroughly. -
Season:
Drizzle soy sauce evenly over rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and add sliced green onions. Stir well. -
Serve:
Serve immediately while hot.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Protein Addition: Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
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Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies.
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Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with cooked brown rice for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep moist.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Day-old rice is preferred, but freshly cooked rice can be used—just spread it out to cool and dry a bit before frying.
Is egg fried rice healthy?
Yes, especially when prepared with minimal oil and plenty of vegetables.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Long-grain or jasmine rice works best due to its fluffy texture.
Can I make egg fried rice vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with scrambled tofu and use vegan-friendly seasonings.
Why is my rice clumpy?
Rice that is overly wet or freshly cooked tends to clump. Use day-old rice or allow fresh rice to cool completely.
What kind of pan is best?
A non-stick skillet or wok is ideal to prevent sticking and achieve even cooking.
Can egg fried rice be frozen?
Yes, cool completely, then freeze in portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent mushy fried rice?
Ensure your rice is dry and cooked properly before frying.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, brown rice works well, just ensure it is fully cooked and cooled.
What other vegetables can I use?
Bell peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, and broccoli are great additions.
Conclusion
Egg Fried Rice is an effortless yet delicious dish that can be easily adapted to suit various tastes and diets. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or to use leftover ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
PrintEasy Egg Fried Rice
Quick and easy egg fried rice made with simple ingredients like eggs, rice, vegetables, and soy sauce. A delicious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice, cooled
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in beaten eggs, scramble until softly set, and remove from pan.
- Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add onions, carrots, peas, and garlic, and sauté until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cooked rice to the vegetables, stirring frequently to combine and heat through.
- Return scrambled eggs to the skillet, breaking them up into small pieces. Stir to combine.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated and flavors are combined.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle green onions over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best as it’s drier and absorbs flavors better.
- You can add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Adjust soy sauce according to personal taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: egg fried rice, easy fried rice, quick dinner, stir fry, rice dish