Easy And Delicious Egg Fried Rice Recipe

A Quick and Tasty Meal for Any Day!

Egg fried rice is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can make in just a few minutes! It’s perfect for busy days when you want something homemade but don’t have much time to cook. With simple ingredients like eggs, rice, and veggies, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.

I love making egg fried rice whenever I have leftover rice in the fridge. It’s a great way to use up extra rice while creating something fresh and tasty. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients—add more veggies, toss in some chicken or shrimp, or keep it simple with just eggs and soy sauce.

This recipe is also perfect for any season! In the summer, it’s a light and satisfying meal that doesn’t require standing over a hot stove for too long. In colder months, you can make it heartier by adding warm, comforting spices. No matter when you make it, egg fried rice is a classic dish that never gets boring!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Great Use for Leftover Rice – No waste! Cold, day-old rice works best.
• Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or seasonings.
• Tasty and Satisfying – A balanced mix of flavors with a hint of umami from soy sauce.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients found in most kitchens.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• ½ cup frozen peas and carrots mix (or any veggies of your choice)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
• A splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for deeper flavor
• A pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat

Kitchen Tools Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools to make the process smooth and easy:

• Wok or Large Skillet – A non-stick pan or wok works best for frying the rice evenly.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps to stir and mix everything together without breaking the rice too much.
• Small Bowl – For whisking the eggs before cooking.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups – To get the right amount of ingredients.

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• If you’re using fresh vegetables, chop them into small pieces.
• If using frozen veggies, let them thaw for a few minutes.
• Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk them with a pinch of salt.
• If your rice is clumped together, gently break it apart with your hands or a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook for a few seconds until they start to set.
3. Scramble the eggs gently, breaking them into small pieces.
4. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the chopped vegetables (or frozen mix) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they soften.

Step 4: Add the Rice

1. Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice to the pan.
2. Stir the rice constantly for about 3-4 minutes to evenly distribute the heat.

Step 5: Season and Combine

1. Pour the soy sauce over the rice and mix well.
2. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring everything together.
3. Toss the scrambled eggs back into the pan and mix well.
4. If using green onions or extra protein (chicken, shrimp, etc.), add them now and stir for another minute.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your homemade egg fried rice!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice – Freshly cooked rice is too soft and will turn mushy when fried. Cold rice fries better and gives you that perfect texture.
• High Heat is Key – Cooking on high heat ensures the rice gets a nice, slightly crispy texture instead of being soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Stir-fry in batches if needed so everything cooks evenly.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Add more soy sauce or a splash of oyster sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Experiment with Add-ins – Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a unique twist!

Now that you know how to make the perfect egg fried rice, go ahead and give it a try! It’s a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about egg fried rice is how flexible it is! You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

Substitutions:

• Rice: If you don’t have white rice, try using brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap peas and carrots for bell peppers, broccoli, corn, mushrooms, or any veggies you love.
• Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative. If you want a richer taste, try adding a splash of oyster sauce.
• Oil: Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor, but you can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic can be used instead for a stronger flavor.

Variations:

• Spicy Fried Rice: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped chili peppers for extra heat.
• Protein Boost: Toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, or even diced ham for a heartier meal.
• Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Kimchi Fried Rice: Mix in some chopped kimchi for a delicious, spicy kick.
• Cheesy Fried Rice: Stir in shredded cheese for a creamy, comforting version.

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Serving Suggestions

Egg fried rice is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also pair it with other dishes for a complete feast!

• With a Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, teriyaki beef, or crispy tofu.
• With a Side Dish: Pair with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light cucumber salad.
• As a Base: Use egg fried rice as a base and top it with a fried egg, avocado slices, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
• With Soup: Enjoy with a warm bowl of miso soup or hot and sour soup for a comforting meal.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—egg fried rice stores and reheats well!

Storage:

• Allow the rice to cool completely before storing it.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• On the Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan, add the rice, and stir-fry for a few minutes until hot. This method keeps the texture nice and fresh.
• In the Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• From Frozen: Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, or heat directly from frozen on the stovetop with a splash of water.

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FAQ

1. Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?

Yes, but it’s best to spread the rice on a tray and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps prevent it from turning mushy.

2. How do I prevent my fried rice from being too soft or sticky?

Use cold, day-old rice and cook on high heat. Also, avoid adding too much liquid (like soy sauce) at once.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just leave out the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu. Use plant-based soy sauce or tamari.

4. What’s the best oil to use for fried rice?

Sesame oil adds great flavor, but vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil work well too.

5. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make the rice soggy instead of crispy.

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Egg fried rice is a quick, delicious, and versatile meal that’s easy to customize. Whether you’re making it for a fast lunch, a family dinner, or a tasty side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!