If you’re craving a fast, comforting bowl of savory goodness, this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Fluffy rice, golden scrambled eggs, colorful veggies, and a kiss of soy sauce all come together in one pan, and the result tastes even better than your favorite takeout. What makes this dish a regular at my table is how effortlessly it comes together, even after a busy day — plus, it’s endlessly customizable, reliable for lunch, dinner, or that midnight bite you sneak from the fridge. Let’s dive into your new go-to Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is how a handful of humble kitchen staples transform into something magical. Each ingredient pulls its weight, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that splash of color that makes the whole dish pop. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one.
- Cooked white rice (preferably day-old and cold): Chilled rice stays firm and toasty, creating those signature individual grains and avoiding mushiness.
- Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral base and helps everything fry up beautifully golden and nonstick.
- Large eggs, lightly beaten: Bring rich flavor and a soft, silky texture tucked throughout the rice.
- Frozen peas and carrots (thawed): Add color, natural sweetness, and a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
- Green onions, sliced: Give a fresh, mild onion brightness and a lovely green accent.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a savory aroma that makes it impossible to resist.
- Soy sauce: Packs in deep, umami flavor and that classic takeout taste you crave.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth and unmistakable aroma—don’t skip this finishing touch!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Let you fine-tune the seasoning so every bite is just right for you.
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Start things off by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a roomy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in your lightly beaten eggs and let them set for a few seconds before gently scrambling. Cook just until fluffy and still tender—this keeps the eggs soft when mixed with the rice later. Then, slide them out onto a plate so they’re ready to join the party later.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Garlic and Veggies
Add your remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until you catch that first waft of garlicky goodness. It’s the foundation of so much flavor! Quickly add the thawed peas and carrots, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they’re hot and vibrant.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Now, it’s time for the rice to shine. Add your cold, day-old cooked white rice right into the skillet with the veggies. Use your spatula to break up any clumps, making sure the grains are separated and mingling nicely with the veggies. This helps everything heat up evenly and gives you that classic fried rice texture.
Step 4: Combine Eggs and Seasonings
Return your scrambled eggs to the pan, then pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the teaspoon of sesame oil across the top. Add your sliced green onions at this point as well. Give everything a good stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes so all the flavors meld, and the rice takes on that gorgeous savory color. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just how you like it.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take a moment to admire your handiwork—you’ve just made a sizzling skillet of Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe! Serve it hot, right from the pan, and dive in while everything is at its most flavorful and fragrant. You’ll taste why this simple recipe stands up to your best takeout memories.
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A great batch of Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe gets even better with a thoughtful garnish or two. Try a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions, a few toasted sesame seeds, or a lively dash of chili flakes if you like it spicy. These tiny touches make each bite more visually stunning and layered with flavor.
Side Dishes
This fried rice is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also plays well with a variety of side dishes. A quick cucumber salad offers a refreshing crunch, while a bowl of simple miso soup, sautéed greens, or even crispy spring rolls can turn your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe into a full, feast-worthy meal. Don’t be afraid to mix and match—variety keeps things exciting!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe into lettuce cups for a fresh, hands-on meal. You can also serve it as a base for stir-fried tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein. Hosting a gathering? Dish up rice in cute bowls with chopsticks and let friends customize with assorted toppings for a DIY fried rice bar everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe stores beautifully in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You’ll probably find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight out of the fridge!
Freezing
If you’d like to save your fried rice for later, it actually freezes surprisingly well. Divide cooled rice into portions, pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags, and lay flat to freeze. It keeps for up to a month, making a speedy lunch just a microwave away.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tiny bit of water over your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe, then warm gently in the microwave or sizzle in a skillet until hot throughout. The added moisture keeps the rice fluffy and prevents it from drying out, restoring all that beautiful texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or other types of rice for this recipe?
You definitely can! Brown rice gives a slightly chewier texture and nuttier flavor, while jasmine or basmati add their own aromatic twist. Just make sure your rice is fully cooked and chilled before you start stir-frying.
What’s the best way to prevent the fried rice from getting mushy?
Cold, day-old rice is the secret! Freshly cooked rice is too soft and moist, so letting it cool overnight gives you the firm, separated grains essential for this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe.
Can I add extra protein to the dish?
Absolutely—shredded cooked chicken, shrimp, diced ham, or even crispy tofu are all wonderful additions. Just make sure they’re cooked through before stirring them in with the rice at the end.
Is this recipe gluten free?
As written, the recipe uses regular soy sauce, which contains wheat. Swap it out for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and enjoy your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe without worries!
What vegetables can I use besides peas and carrots?
Feel free to customize! Diced bell peppers, corn, baby spinach, or even leftover roasted veggies are delicious swaps or additions. This recipe is endlessly flexible to what you have in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
Few things are as comforting or quick as a skillet of homemade Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe, especially when you can whip it up on the fly with basic ingredients. Give this a try the next time you’re craving something satisfying yet unfussy, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular guest at your table. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and simple recipe for Easy Egg Fried Rice that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. This flavorful dish combines fluffy white rice with scrambled eggs, sweet peas, carrots, and savory seasonings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and cold)
Vegetable Oil:
- 2 tablespoons
Eggs:
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
Peas and Carrots:
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
Green Onions:
- 3, sliced
Garlic:
- 2 cloves, minced
Soy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons
Sesame Oil:
- 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper:
- To taste
Instructions
- Scramble Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Add beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet, then cook garlic for 30 seconds. Add peas and carrots, stir-fry until heated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add rice, breaking up clumps. Return eggs to the pan, add soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Stir-fry until combined.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use cold, day-old rice for better frying.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
