I absolutely love sharing this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe because it’s one of those quick, comforting dishes that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a tasty way to use up leftover rice, this recipe comes through every time with simple ingredients and big flavor.
When I first tried making egg fried rice at home, I used to struggle with soggy rice or bland seasoning. But this easy egg fried rice recipe is a game changer—you’ll find it strikes the perfect balance of fluffy rice, savory eggs, and a hint of umami. It’s so versatile; you can whip it up as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
- Uses Leftover Rice: I love that it transforms day-old rice into a delicious meal rather than letting it go to waste.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the veggies and sauces to make it your own favorite version.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at our table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this easy egg fried rice recipe plays its part in creating that classic balance of texture and flavor—from fluffy rice to savory sauces. Here’s what I always keep on hand to make this dish shine every time.
- Day-old white rice (long grain preferred): Using rice that’s been cooked and chilled overnight helps keep the grains separate so you get that perfect fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: Fresh eggs scramble beautifully and add protein plus richness to the rice.
- Yellow onion: Small diced, it adds natural sweetness and a little crunch.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Optional but they add color, sweetness, and nutrition without extra prep.
- Shaoxing rice wine: Also optional, but it brings an authentic depth with a subtle tang.
- Light sodium soy sauce: The main salty seasoning that complements the eggs and rice.
- Oyster sauce: This adds a rich, umami flavor boost—totally worth it!
- Toasted sesame oil: I love how a little drizzle at the end gives the dish a fragrant, nutty finish.
- Green onion (green parts only): For garnish, they add a fresh, mild zesty flavor and vibrant color.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Optional garnish that gives a nice little crunch and nuttiness.
- Oil for cooking: I usually go for neutral oils like vegetable or canola to get a good stir-fry without overpowering flavors.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this easy egg fried rice recipe is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the veggies or sauces to fit whatever you have in your fridge, making it uniquely yours every time.
- Add Protein: I often toss in diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more of a full meal, and my family absolutely loves it this way.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the oyster sauce and swap in mushroom soy sauce or tamari for a meat-free but super flavorful version.
- Heat It Up: When I want a little kick, I add a dash of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to use bell peppers, corn, or chopped spinach for different textures and colors.
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Separate Your Rice
Start by breaking apart your day-old rice so the grains aren’t clumped together. I like rubbing it gently between my hands or tossing it in a zip-top bag and gently pressing to separate. This step is key to avoid mushy fried rice and ensure every grain gets coated with flavor.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Pour in your beaten eggs and cook gently, stirring until just set but still soft. Remove them from the pan and set aside—this keeps them tender and lets you control their final texture better.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Veggies
Next, add a bit more oil to the pan and toss in the diced onions, peas, and carrots (if using). Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn translucent—about 2-3 minutes. This adds lovely aroma and sweetness that really builds the flavor base.
Step 4: Combine Rice, Eggs, and Sauces
Now add your separated rice and scramble eggs back into the pan. Stir constantly for a few minutes to warm everything through and start that signature stir-fry aroma. Pour in Shaoxing rice wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and drizzle toasted sesame oil if using, then toss to combine evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for that fresh crunch and nutty finish. Serve your easy egg fried rice hot right from the pan—and watch it disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too soft and sticky—I learned the hard way. Refrigerated rice dries out slightly, perfect for stir-frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you pile too much in, the rice steams instead of fries. Cook in batches if needed for that ideal texture.
- Cook Eggs Separately: Scrambling eggs in advance and setting them aside keeps them fluffy instead of rubbery when added at the end.
- Control Heat Properly: Medium-high heat works best—too hot burns the rice, too low makes it soggy.
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my fried rice with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds because they add a fresh pop of flavor and texture. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots or a few drops of Sriracha make it extra special when I want some heat.
Side Dishes
This easy egg fried rice pairs wonderfully with dishes like crispy spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or even stir-fried vegetables. It’s also great alongside sweet and sour chicken or any Asian-inspired protein for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or casual gatherings, I love molding the fried rice into small bowls or ramekins, then flipping them onto plates to create neat, restaurant-style rice domes. It always impresses guests and makes the dish feel a little fancy without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover egg fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water and stir well to keep the rice from drying out. Leftovers often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
Freezing
While I usually recommend eating fried rice fresh, freezing is an option if you want to save it longer. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture may soften a bit, but it still makes a convenient quick meal.
Reheating
To get your leftover fried rice tasting fresh, I reheat it in a hot pan or wok with a little oil over medium heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or soy sauce as needed to revive moisture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh rice for this egg fried rice recipe?
You can, but fresh rice tends to be more moist and sticky, which can lead to clumped or mushy fried rice. If you must use freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before cooking or lightly coat the rice in oil to help separate the grains during frying.
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What type of rice works best for egg fried rice?
Long grain rice is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and the grains remain separate. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated overnight is the best choice to get the classic fried rice texture you’re aiming for.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the eggs and oyster sauce, and swap oyster sauce for mushroom soy sauce or hoisin sauce to keep that umami punch. You can scramble tofu or use chickpea flour “eggs” as an egg substitute.
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Is Shaoxing rice wine necessary?
It’s optional but highly recommended if you want to add an authentic depth of flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it or substitute dry sherry or mirin in equal amounts.
Final Thoughts
This easy egg fried rice recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something tasty, quick, and comforting that still feels homemade. I’ve shared it with friends and family countless times, and everyone always asks for it again. I encourage you to give this a try—it’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why it’s such a kitchen staple for so many of us!
PrintEasy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for using up day-old rice. Featuring scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, peas, and carrots, it is seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and optional Shaoxing rice wine and toasted sesame oil for an authentic Asian-inspired taste. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe makes a satisfying single serving ideal for a speedy meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
- Oil as needed for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare Rice: Break apart the day-old rice by rubbing it between your hands or in a bag until the grains are separated to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or large pan over medium heat; add a little oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs gently until just cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same wok or pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion along with the thawed peas and carrots until fragrant and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Rice and Eggs: Stir in the separated rice and cooked scrambled eggs. Add additional oil if necessary and fry everything together, ensuring the rice gets evenly heated and mixed with the veggies and eggs.
- Season and Finish: Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients and allow the flavors to meld for another 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- Day-old long-grain rice works best for this recipe to achieve the ideal texture that is fluffy and separate.
- If using freshly cooked rice, make sure it is slightly drier than usual by spreading it out to cool to prevent mushiness.
- For stickier rice types, lightly coat the grains with oil before stir-frying to keep them separate and avoid clumping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 85 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
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