Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe: A Tasty Family Hit

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that egg fried rice delivers with delightful simplicity.

This classic Asian dish packs incredible flavor into every single bite.

Steaming hot and bursting with savory goodness, the recipe comes together in minutes.

Each forkful blends tender rice, golden eggs, and crisp vegetables into a harmonious meal.

You love how easily they can customize the ingredients to match their pantry.

Vibrant and filling, the dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Egg Fried Rice

  • Boost Cooking Confidence: Perfect for beginners with simple, straightforward steps that make anyone feel like a pro chef without complicated techniques.
  • Speedy Meal Solution: Whips up quickly using leftover rice, making it an ideal go-to dish for busy individuals craving a delicious and satisfying meal in minutes.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adaptable with potential mix-ins like vegetables, proteins, or extra seasonings, allowing personal creativity and flavor exploration in every bite.
  • One-Pan Dish: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single pan method, reducing dishes and making this recipe a hassle-free cooking experience for home cooks of all skill levels.

What You’ll Need for Quick Egg Fried Rice

Main Ingredients:
  • Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and fluffy white rice that's perfect for stir-frying.
  • Eggs: Golden protein that adds richness and texture to the dish.
  • Green Onions: Fresh and zesty onions that bring a mild, crisp flavor.
Cooking Oils:
  • Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Smooth oils that enhance the overall aroma and taste of the rice.
Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce: Salty and savory sauce that adds depth to the fried rice.

How to Make Easy and Tasty Egg Fried Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Grab a large pan or wok and heat it up with vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Let the oil get nice and hot, creating a slight shimmer across the surface.

If you’re using a wok, you can let it smoke just a tiny bit for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Dance the Eggs Around

Pour your beaten eggs into the sizzling hot oil.

Quickly move them around the pan, creating soft, fluffy egg pieces that are just set but still wonderfully moist.

Step 3: Welcome the Rice

Slide the partially cooked eggs to the side and add your cooked jasmine rice.

Break up any stubborn rice clumps and mix everything together so the eggs and rice become best friends.

Step 4: Bring in the Green Onion Flavor

Clear a small space in the pan and add a touch more oil.

Toss in those chopped green onions and mix them throughout the rice and egg mixture.

Their fresh, zippy flavor will wake up the entire dish.

Step 5: Season with Umami Magic

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil around the pan’s edges.

Toss everything together until each rice grain gets a beautiful light brown coat and is bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Remove from heat and plate up your mouthwatering creation.

Enjoy solo or pair with your favorite protein for a complete meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Handy Tips for Perfect Fried Rice at Home

  • Use day-old, cold rice for best texture and to prevent mushy fried rice. Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and can make the dish soggy.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to get that perfect crispy rice without burning. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more substantial and protein-packed. Dice your protein into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.
  • Scramble eggs quickly and remove them before they fully cook to keep them soft and creamy. This prevents rubbery egg texture and ensures a silky finish.
  • Experiment with additional seasonings like white pepper, garlic, or ginger to elevate the traditional recipe. A splash of oyster sauce can add extra umami richness.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Fried Rice

  • Transfer leftover egg fried rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the rice completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack the cooled rice in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly and steam rises.
  • Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and restore moisture.

What to Pair With Classic Egg Fried Rice

  • Elevate Flavor Companions: Complementary Chinese-Style Grilled Chicken
  • Marinate tender chicken pieces in ginger, garlic, and light soy sauce. Grill until slightly charred, creating a delicious protein partner that enhances the rice's savory notes.
  • Refresh with Crisp Beverage Pairing: Green Tea
  • Select a chilled jasmine or sencha green tea to balance the rich, oily texture of the fried rice. The tea's subtle grassiness cuts through the dish's warmth and provides a clean palate reset.
  • Brighten with Zesty Side Salad: Cucumber Sesame Salad
  • Slice cucumbers thinly and dress with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. This light, tangy side dish adds crunch and freshness, contrasting the rice's warm, comforting profile.
  • Boost Umami Experience: Pickled Vegetable Condiment
  • Prepare quick pickled radishes or daikon with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar. These bright, acidic pickles introduce a sharp flavor dimension that complements the egg fried rice's richness.

Fried Rice Combos to Spice It Up

  • Vegetarian Rice Delight: Replace eggs with crumbled tofu or scrambled plant-based egg alternative for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Add diced chicken, shrimp, or beef during the rice tossing stage to create a hearty one-pan meal with extra protein.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining authentic flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Hack: Swap jasmine rice with riced cauliflower for a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that keeps the classic stir-fry texture and taste.

FAQs

  • What type of rice works best for egg fried rice?

Jasmine rice is ideal because it’s slightly sticky and has a fragrant flavor. Day-old rice works even better as it’s drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.

  • How can I prevent my eggs from overcooking?

Cook eggs quickly over high heat and stir constantly. Remove them from the pan when they’re still slightly wet to maintain a soft, creamy texture.

  • Why is high heat important when making fried rice?

High heat helps create the signature “wok hei” flavor and prevents rice from becoming soggy. It allows ingredients to cook quickly and develop a slight crispy texture.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit any additional proteins and focus on the eggs, rice, and green onions. You can also add extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or bean sprouts for more nutrition.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Egg Fried Rice Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Nostalgic Chinese comfort classic Egg Fried Rice brings sizzling wok-tossed goodness to your kitchen with golden scrambled eggs dancing through fragrant jasmine rice. Simple ingredients merge into a quick, satisfying meal that connects home cooks with traditional Asian culinary magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold, day-old rice works best)

Seasonings:

  • 2.5 tablespoons regular soy sauce (not dark soy sauce)
  • 0.5 tablespoons sesame oil

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare a sizzling wok or spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, allowing the vegetable oil to shimmer and release its fragrant essence.
  2. Gently cascade beaten eggs into the heated oil, swirling and scrambling them with swift, deliberate motions to create soft, silky curds that remain luxuriously moist.
  3. Introduce the pre-cooked jasmine rice into the egg landscape, carefully separating any compacted grains and intertwining them with the delicate egg fragments.
  4. Create a small clearing within the rice mixture, then deposit additional oil and sprinkle chopped green onions into this designated zone, gradually integrating them throughout the entire dish.
  5. Elegantly drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil along the pan’s perimeter, meticulously tossing the ingredients to ensure each rice grain absorbs the rich, umami-laden seasoning and develops a golden-brown complexion.
  6. Transfer the aromatic creation to a serving vessel, presenting a vibrant and steaming plate of egg fried rice that beckons to be savored immediately, either as a standalone delight or accompanied by complementary proteins and stir-fries.

Notes

  • Choose day-old cold rice for the best texture and to prevent soggy fried rice.
  • Pat cooked rice dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before frying.
  • Use high heat and a wide pan or wok to achieve that signature crispy, slightly charred rice effect.
  • If you’re dairy-free or have egg allergies, substitute beaten eggs with tofu scramble or skip the eggs entirely for a vegetarian version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 300mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star