With just 6 simple ingredients and 10 minutes, this easy egg fried rice is the perfect way to use up leftover rice. It’s packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a budget-friendly dinner, or a simple side dish, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick – Ready in just 10 minutes
- Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have
- Perfect for Leftover Rice – Day-old rice makes the best fried rice
- Customizable – Add vegetables, protein, or spice to suit your taste
- Authentic Takeout-Style Flavor – Get that smoky wok hei by slightly smoking the oil
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or Large Pan – A wok delivers an authentic taste, but a large pan works too
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps stir and break apart the rice efficiently
- Mixing Bowl – To beat the eggs before cooking
Preparation Tips
- Use Day-Old Rice – Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky, leading to mushy fried rice
- Prep Ingredients in Advance – Since this dish cooks quickly, have everything ready to go
- Cook on High Heat – This gives the fried rice its signature smoky flavor
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Heat the Oil
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat
- If using a wok, let the oil lightly smoke for a takeout-style smoky flavor
2. Scramble the Eggs
- Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly stir with a spatula
- Cook until just set but still slightly moist
3. Add the Rice
- Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan
- Use a spatula to break apart any clumps
4. Incorporate the Green Onions
- Push the rice and eggs to one side of the pan
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty space
- Toss in the chopped green onions, then mix them into the rice and eggs
5. Season the Fried Rice
- Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil around the edges of the pan
- Toss everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly browned
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and serve immediately
- Garnish with extra green onions if desired
Serving Suggestions
This easy egg fried rice is a satisfying meal on its own or pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to complement the dish:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – Adds a rich, savory contrast to the rice.
- Steamed Dumplings – A classic Chinese side dish that pairs well with fried rice.
- Spicy Szechuan Green Beans – A crunchy, flavorful addition with a hint of spice.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken – The tangy sauce balances the savory rice.
- Hot and Sour Soup – A warm, comforting side that enhances the meal.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls – A light and crispy option for added texture.
- Chili Oil Tofu – A great plant-based option with bold flavors.
- Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing – A refreshing contrast to the warm rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
Avoid these common mistakes to achieve the best texture and flavor:
- Using Fresh Rice – Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, leading to a mushy dish. Always use day-old rice for the best texture.
- Overcooking the Eggs – Scramble the eggs until just set to keep them soft and tender.
- Adding Soy Sauce Too Early – Pour soy sauce at the end to ensure even seasoning and avoid excess moisture.
- Not Cooking on High Heat – High heat prevents the rice from becoming soggy and helps develop a better flavor.
- Skipping the Oil Smoking Step – If using a wok, let the oil smoke briefly before adding ingredients for an authentic smoky taste.
- Not Breaking Up the Rice Properly – Use a spatula to separate clumps before stir-frying to ensure even cooking.
- Using Too Much Soy Sauce – Adding too much soy sauce can make the rice too salty and dark in color. Stick to the recommended amount and adjust as needed.
- Forgetting to Toss the Ingredients Properly – Stir-fry continuously to mix all ingredients evenly and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Recipe Tips & Variations
Make this egg fried rice your own with these simple modifications:
- Add Protein – Include shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Make It Spicy – Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or finely diced chili peppers for extra heat.
- Boost with Vegetables – Toss in peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Low-Sodium Option – Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation – Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- No Sesame Oil? – Substitute with olive oil or skip it if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
- Fried rice freezes well for up to 3 months. Place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating
- Microwave: Cover and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Stir-fry in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
It is best to use day-old rice to prevent a sticky texture. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Jasmine rice is ideal because of its fragrance and slightly firm texture, but you can also use basmati or medium-grain rice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I make this without eggs?
Absolutely. You can replace eggs with tofu scramble or simply omit them.
What can I use instead of sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, but you can substitute it with olive oil or skip it altogether.
Conclusion
This 10-minute easy egg fried rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that works as a quick meal or a side to complement other recipes. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, it is a great option for busy days or when you need to use up leftover rice.
By following the right techniques—using day-old rice, cooking on high heat, and balancing seasonings—you can achieve the perfect takeout-style fried rice at home. Try it today and enjoy a homemade version of this classic favorite.
If you made this recipe, share your experience in the comments below.
10-Minute Easy Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice day-old rice recommended
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- 2.5 tablespoons regular soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. If using a wok, let the oil briefly smoke for a smoky, takeout-style flavor.
- Scramble the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and stir quickly to scramble them. Cook until they are just set but still moist.
- Add the Rice: Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break apart any clumps with your spatula or spoon.
- Incorporate the Green Onions: Push the rice and eggs to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty space and toss in the green onions. Mix the onions into the rice and eggs.
- Season the Fried Rice: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil around the edges of the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the rice grains are evenly coated and lightly browned.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy hot for the best flavor!
Notes
Soy Sauce Balance: Use regular soy sauce to season the dish without overpowering it. Avoid dark soy sauce, as it may make the dish too heavy.
Wok Hei Flavor: If using a wok, briefly let the oil smoke for that authentic smoky flavor.
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