Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Egg Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice while delivering a satisfying, savory meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: with just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish full of flavor and texture in no time. Whether you’re making it as a side dish, a light meal, or as part of a larger spread, this egg fried rice is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of tender eggs, fluffy rice, and the umami richness of soy sauce makes each bite irresistibly tasty. Plus, it’s highly customizable—add in your favorite vegetables, meats, or even tofu for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. Best of all, this recipe uses day-old rice, which adds the perfect texture for stir-frying. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy and delicious, this egg fried rice is the perfect solution!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something fast and tasty.

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2. Uses Leftover Rice

Egg Fried Rice is a great way to repurpose leftover rice, ensuring no food goes to waste. Using day-old rice helps achieve the ideal texture for stir-frying.

3. Customizable

Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers, or incorporate meats such as chicken or shrimp. This recipe serves as a great base to get creative with.

4. Fluffy and Delicious

The eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil combine to create a savory and fluffy fried rice, while the green onion adds a fresh, crisp bite.

5. Budget-Friendly

With only a handful of basic ingredients, Egg Fried Rice is a low-cost dish that’s both satisfying and filling, perfect for stretching your grocery budget.

Ingredients

• Cooked jasmine rice, cold and day-old ideally
• Green onion, finely chopped
• Soy sauce (regular, not dark soy sauce)
• Sesame oil
• Eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil or any neutral oil

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Add in vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier fried rice.
• Spicy Fried Rice: Add a bit of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Fried Rice: Stir in some minced garlic with the green onions for extra depth of flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to bring a fresh, aromatic touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

If you’re using freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely before using it in the recipe. Ideally, use rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This helps separate the grains for better stir-frying.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Add the beaten eggs to the pan, and cook them until they are just scrambled and soft, about 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice

In the same pan, add the sesame oil and the cold, cooked rice. Stir-fry the rice for about 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps and making sure it’s evenly coated with the oil.

Step 5: Add the Soy Sauce and Green Onion

Once the rice is heated through, add the soy sauce and chopped green onion. Stir to evenly distribute the soy sauce and incorporate the green onions.

Step 6: Combine Eggs and Serve

Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and stir everything together until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice can be too moist for stir-frying. Day-old rice is drier and works best for achieving the perfect fried rice texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make the rice soggy.
• Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the rice to get that signature crispy texture.
• Be Careful with Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce can be quite salty, so start with a small amount and taste before adding more.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, toss in some frozen peas, carrots, or any veggies you have on hand during the stir-frying step.

How to Serve

Serve your egg fried rice as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats, or teriyaki chicken. It also works as a standalone meal, especially when paired with extra protein or vegetables. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive its texture.

Freezing

Egg Fried Rice can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little oil or water to help separate the rice.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of oil or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it may take a little longer to cook and will have a different texture. Be sure to use day-old brown rice for the best results.

2. Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

While olive oil can be used, it may alter the flavor slightly. A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil is preferred for the authentic taste.

3. Can I make egg fried rice without sesame oil?

Yes, you can omit the sesame oil, but it adds a unique nutty flavor that complements the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, consider using more vegetable oil or even a small amount of peanut oil.

4. Is egg fried rice gluten-free?

It depends on the soy sauce. Regular soy sauce contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

5. Can I add meat to egg fried rice?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or any protein of your choice. Just stir it in with the rice to heat through.

6. Can I use fresh rice instead of cold, day-old rice?

Fresh rice tends to be too moist for stir-frying, resulting in mushy rice. Day-old, chilled rice is the best option for this recipe.

7. Can I add vegetables to the fried rice?

Definitely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers is a great way to make the dish more nutritious and flavorful.

8. Can I make egg fried rice spicy?

Yes, you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to make the dish spicier.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, or cook in batches.

10. Can I make egg fried rice ahead of time?

Egg fried rice is best served immediately, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat.

Conclusion

Egg Fried Rice is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish to accompany your favorite meals. With its savory combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and scrambled eggs, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re using up leftover rice or just craving something quick, this egg fried rice is sure to be a hit. Customize it to your liking with added vegetables, meats, or spices for an extra personal touch.

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