If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s lightning-fast, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable, this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With fluffy grains of rice, vibrant veggies, and golden scrambled eggs, all tossed together in a savory sauce, it’s a dish that effortlessly bridges comfort food and takeout cravings. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe brings the magic of your favorite Asian restaurant right to your kitchen—no delivery required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe plays a starring role, from the chewy rice to the aromatic garlic. You’ll love how these simple staples come together for a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors—plus, you probably have most of them on hand already!
- Cooked and chilled white rice (3 cups): Day-old rice is best for the signature separated grains and perfect texture—fresh rice can turn mushy.
- Vegetable oil or sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the rice that classic takeout sheen and helps everything fry up just right; sesame oil adds a nutty depth.
- Large eggs, beaten (3): Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and richness to every bite.
- Frozen peas and carrots, thawed (1 cup): These colorful veggies bring sweetness and crunch—no chopping required!
- Green onions, sliced (3): Fresh and mild, they add a pop of color and gentle onion flavor at the end.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): The secret to that irresistible aroma and savory depth.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides the salty, umami-rich backbone of the dish without overpowering it.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): For a touch of sweetness and extra complexity—skip if you want it vegetarian.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon, for finishing): Just a drizzle at the end gives a warm, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A dash at the end brightens the flavors and lets you adjust to perfection.
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently, pushing them around until they’re just cooked through but still tender. Slide the eggs onto a plate and set aside—you’ll add them back in later for maximum fluffiness.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Add the remaining oil to your skillet, then toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (careful not to let it brown). Add the thawed peas and carrots and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, letting them soften and soak up that garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Now comes the fun part! Add the chilled rice straight to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula or the back of a spoon. Stir-fry the rice for 3 to 4 minutes, letting it get piping hot and just a little bit toasty on the edges.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the sliced green onions. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it for that sweet-savory boost), and drizzle over the sesame oil. Mix everything together so every bite gets a little of that saucy goodness. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe into bowls or onto plates, and serve it hot. Whether it’s the main event or a trusty side, you’re in for a treat—every grain glistens and every bite bursts with flavor!
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For that restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle extra sliced green onions on top or add a dash of toasted sesame seeds. If you love heat, a little sriracha or chili oil can really wake things up. A wedge of lime or a handful of fresh cilantro also adds a bright, zesty kick.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe with steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, or a quick cucumber salad for a full feast. It’s also fantastic with stir-fried greens or a simple miso soup on the side—perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the fried rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a fun tropical touch, or pack it into individual bowls for a lunchbox surprise. For parties, offer a “fried rice bar” with toppings like roasted peanuts, diced tofu, or extra sauces so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to keep the grains from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, portion the cooled fried rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll freeze well for up to a month—just be sure to squeeze out extra air to prevent freezer burn and lock in that fresh flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir frequently until hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, fluffing with a fork between rounds.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
Day-old rice is best for this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe because it’s firm and less sticky, which prevents mushiness. If you need to use fresh rice, try spreading it on a tray and cooling it quickly in the fridge for 30 minutes to dry it out a bit.
What proteins can I add to make it a complete meal?
For a heartier version, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even diced ham during the final stir-fry. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and make your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe extra satisfying.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce is optional but adds a lovely sweet-salty complexity. If you’re vegetarian or just don’t have it on hand, simply leave it out—your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe will still be delicious!
Can I use brown rice or another type Main Course, Side Dish
Absolutely! Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa work well. Just make sure whatever grain you use is cooked and chilled so it fries up nicely without clumping together.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, add sriracha, chili flakes, or a swirl of chili oil either during stir-frying or as a finishing touch. Let everyone customize their own spice level at the table!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about whipping up a batch of this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe—it’s quick, comforting, and always hits the spot. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own with whatever you have in the fridge. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for using up leftover rice. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce, it delivers a tasty Asian-inspired meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner or a solution to transform day-old rice into a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Rice & Eggs
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (for finishing)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside to keep warm.
- Sauté vegetables and garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thawed peas and carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
- Add rice and stir-fry: Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the rice gets heated evenly and starts to slightly crisp.
- Combine eggs and seasonings: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the sliced green onions. Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste the fried rice and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the egg fried rice hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite entree.
Notes
- Using cold, day-old rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy and ensures better texture.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein and variation.
- For a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking.
- Make sure to stir-fry on medium-high heat to avoid soggy rice.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and enhance flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
