Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Egg Fried Rice recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s full of flavor. The combination of tender rice, sautéed vegetables, and scrambled eggs creates the perfect balance of textures. The soy sauce and sesame oil add a rich, savory finish that elevates the entire dish. It's a great way to use up leftover rice, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked jasmine rice (leftover or cold works best)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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¼ large Vidalia onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots
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2 eggs
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½ teaspoon sesame oil
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3 tablespoons soy sauce
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Green onion (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare Rice: If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours to dry it out. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are soft (about 2-3 minutes).
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Add Peas and Carrots: Add frozen peas and carrots to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until partially thawed.
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Incorporate Cooked Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir the rice, cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through and starting to brown.
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Create Space for Eggs: Push the rice to the sides of the pan to create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and scramble them until fully cooked.
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Combine Eggs with Rice: Once the eggs are scrambled, mix them into the rice until evenly distributed.
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Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and sesame oil together.
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Final Coating: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice and stir until the rice is evenly coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4
Variations
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Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
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Protein: Include diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef for a heartier meal.
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Rice: Use brown or white rice instead of jasmine rice for a different texture and flavor.
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Flavor Additions: Sprinkle some ginger or a splash of rice vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover egg fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a little oil or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes! While jasmine rice is ideal, you can substitute it with white rice or brown rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for brown rice.
How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming mushy?
Use cold, day-old rice for the best results. Fresh rice can be too moist, causing the dish to become soggy when fried.
Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?
Definitely! You can add bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or any vegetable you prefer to customize the dish.
How can I make this fried rice spicier?
You can add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
What protein can I add to egg fried rice?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef to make the dish more filling. Cook the protein separately and mix it into the fried rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Check the soy sauce label for gluten-free certification.
Can I make egg fried rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just stir-fry it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, egg fried rice is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, simply omit the eggs and substitute with tofu.
How do I make egg fried rice with fresh rice?
Freshly cooked rice can be used, but spread it on a tray and chill it for a few hours to reduce moisture. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
Can I freeze egg fried rice?
While you can freeze egg fried rice, it's best when eaten fresh. If freezing, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Egg Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover rice. It’s a versatile dish that you can tailor to your preferences with different vegetables or proteins. The combination of savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and fluffy rice makes it a meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but want something tasty and satisfying.
Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Egg Fried Rice is a quick, savory dish made with fluffy jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a flavorful blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover rice. Add your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a customizable meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish offers a balance of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Make this easy Egg Fried Rice for a comforting, delicious meal in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 cups cooked jasmine rice (leftover or cold works best)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ large Vidalia onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 eggs
½ teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours to dry it out.
-
Sauté Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft.
-
Add Peas and Carrots: Add frozen peas and carrots to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until partially thawed.
-
Incorporate Cooked Rice: Increase heat to medium-high and add the cooked rice. Stir for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
-
Create Space for Eggs: Push rice to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Crack eggs into the well and scramble until fully cooked.
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Combine Eggs with Rice: Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
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Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and sesame oil.
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Final Coating: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice and stir until evenly coated.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
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Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can be too moist and cause the dish to become soggy.
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Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
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For added protein, include chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef.