Egg fried rice is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to satisfy. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you need to use up leftover rice. This dish is a staple in many Asian households, and for a good reason—it’s simple yet incredibly delicious.
There’s something nostalgic about a bowl of homemade egg fried rice. The aroma of sizzling garlic, the golden eggs enveloping each grain of rice, and the slight crispiness that comes from the perfect stir-fry technique bring back memories of family dinners and takeout nights.
What makes this recipe even better is that it requires only a handful of basic ingredients, yet it delivers bold flavors. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a complete meal, this egg fried rice is bound to become a regular in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples, so there’s no need for fancy ingredients.
- Customizable – Add in your favorite vegetables or proteins for a more filling meal.
- Authentic Flavor – Made with traditional seasonings for that classic fried rice taste.
- Great for Leftovers – A fantastic way to use up day-old rice and avoid food waste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
How to Make Egg Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, have everything ready. Since fried rice cooks quickly, prepping your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process. Chop your green onions, mince the garlic, and measure out all the seasonings. If you’re using frozen vegetables, have them ready to go.
Step 2: Heat the Pan & Scramble the Eggs
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook for a few seconds before gently stirring. Scramble them until they’re just set, then transfer them to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. If you’re using vegetables, add them now and stir-fry for another minute.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and mix it well with the garlic and vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
Step 5: Season & Add the Eggs Back
Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle the salt and white pepper. Stir everything together so that the rice is evenly coated in flavor. Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and mix well.
Step 6: Finish with Green Onions & Serve
Toss in the chopped green onions and give everything a final stir. Remove from heat and serve immediately while it’s hot and flavorful.
Helpful Tips
- Use Day-Old Rice – Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, making fried rice mushy. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a plate and let it cool before frying.
- Cook Over High Heat – A hot pan helps achieve that restaurant-style fried rice with a slight crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Stir-fry in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Season to Taste – Adjust the salt and soy sauce according to your preference.
- Experiment with Add-Ins – Try adding shrimp, chicken, tofu, or extra veggies for variety.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the oil and use a non-stick pan.
- You can swap jasmine rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- For extra umami flavor, a dash of mushroom sauce can be added along with the soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Rice Instead of Day-Old Rice?
Yes, but fresh rice tends to be too moist for fried rice. To fix this, spread the freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes before using.
What Type of Rice is Best for Fried Rice?
Jasmine rice is ideal because of its slightly sticky texture and aromatic flavor. However, you can also use long-grain rice like basmati or even short-grain rice if preferred.
How Can I Make This Vegan?
Simply omit the eggs and use tofu or extra vegetables for a plant-based version.
Can I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of rice changes after freezing.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water for moisture.
Related Recipes
If you liked this egg fried rice, you’ll definitely enjoy these other easy and flavorful rice dishes:
Conclusion
Egg fried rice is one of those simple yet satisfying dishes that anyone can make at home. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main meal, this recipe will give you the perfect balance of flavor and texture every time.
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Classic Egg Fried Rice
Description
Egg fried rice is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to satisfy. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you need to use up leftover rice. This dish is a staple in many Asian households, and for a good reason—it’s simple yet incredibly delicious.
There’s something nostalgic about a bowl of homemade egg fried rice. The aroma of sizzling garlic, the golden eggs enveloping each grain of rice, and the slight crispiness that comes from the perfect stir-fry technique bring back memories of family dinners and takeout nights.
What makes this recipe even better is that it requires only a handful of basic ingredients, yet it delivers bold flavors. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a complete meal, this egg fried rice is bound to become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
Before you start cooking, have everything ready. Since fried rice cooks quickly, prepping your ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process. Chop your green onions, mince the garlic, and measure out all the seasonings. If you’re using frozen vegetables, have them ready to go.
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook for a few seconds before gently stirring. Scramble them until they’re just set, then transfer them to a plate.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant. If you’re using vegetables, add them now and stir-fry for another minute.
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and mix it well with the garlic and vegetables. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle the salt and white pepper. Stir everything together so that the rice is evenly coated in flavor. Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and mix well.
Toss in the chopped green onions and give everything a final stir. Remove from heat and serve immediately while it’s hot and flavorful.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the oil and use a non-stick pan.
- You can swap jasmine rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- For extra umami flavor, a dash of mushroom sauce can be added along with the soy sauce.