Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Egg Fried Rice is the perfect combination of fluffy rice, savory eggs, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed together in a delicious soy sauce-based seasoning. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable, and you can add any additional ingredients like meat, tofu, or more vegetables to make it your own. This dish is also quick to make, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and peas. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
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Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
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Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) over the rice, stirring to evenly coat the rice.
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Add the scrambled eggs back to the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: You can add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish heartier.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped chili peppers for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use only veggies for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Rice Substitutes: You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover egg fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of oil or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use day-old rice for egg fried rice?
Yes, day-old rice is ideal for egg fried rice because it’s drier and less likely to become mushy when stir-fried.
2. Can I make egg fried rice without soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as soy sauce alternatives. You can also try adding a bit of salt and other seasonings for flavor.
3. What vegetables can I add to egg fried rice?
You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or even spinach, depending on your preference.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can use tofu in place of the eggs to make this recipe vegan.
5. Can I freeze egg fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze egg fried rice. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
6. How can I make my fried rice less greasy?
Use a small amount of oil and make sure the rice is chilled before cooking. This helps prevent it from becoming greasy.
7. Is it necessary to use sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor, it is not necessary. You can omit it or replace it with a bit more vegetable oil.
8. Can I add more protein to the dish?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or beef can be added to make the dish more filling. Cook the protein separately and then add it back to the skillet with the rice.
9. Can I make egg fried rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, and then cook them just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. What type of rice is best for egg fried rice?
Jasmine rice is often preferred for fried rice because of its fluffy texture and aromatic flavor. However, you can use other types of rice like basmati or long-grain rice.
Conclusion
Egg Fried Rice is a quick, tasty, and customizable meal that can be made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you make it as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its versatility, you can experiment by adding different proteins or veggies, making it your own every time.
Print
Egg Fried Rice
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
Description
Egg Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and easy dish made with rice, eggs, and vegetables. This versatile recipe is perfect for using leftover rice, and it’s customizable with your favorite proteins or extra veggies. Ready in just 25-30 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and peas. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
- Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) over the rice, stirring to evenly coat the rice.
- Add the scrambled eggs back to the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this dish with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- For a spicier version, add hot sauce or chili peppers.
- If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of regular rice.
- Prep Time: 5min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
