Short introduction
Egg Fried Rice is a quick and versatile dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal. Made with just a few staples, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a satisfying lunch. With only 10 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade dish that is both filling and flavorful.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this Easy Egg Fried Rice for many reasons. It’s fast to make, requiring just six ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste. The dish is a great way to use up leftover rice, making it economical, and it’s packed with protein from the eggs. Plus, it’s an excellent side dish or a main course, loved by both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
To make Easy Egg Fried Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold & day-old, or substitute with any white long grain rice)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- 2.5 tbsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce; avoid dark soy sauce)
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have jasmine rice, feel free to use regular long grain white rice, basmati rice, or even brown rice. You can switch the vegetable oil with other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Feel free to add protein too! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can easily be mixed in for a heartier meal.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. If you are using a wok, allow the oil to become hot and slightly smoky. If you’re using a normal pan, just skip the smoking step.
Step 2
Pour in beaten eggs and quickly stir-fry them. Mix continuously until the eggs start to take shape but are still a little moist.
Step 3
Once the eggs are ready, quickly toss in the cold rice. If the rice is clumped together, break it apart in the pan using your spatula.
Step 4
Push everything to one side of the pan. Pour the remaining oil into the empty space and add the chopped green onions. Mix the green onions into the rice and eggs.
Step 5
Add the soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the pan. Toss the mixture thoroughly until the rice grains are well-coated and a beautiful brown color.
Step 6
Remove the pan from the heat and serve your egg fried rice hot. Enjoy it while it’s fresh and steaming!
Success tips
To achieve the best texture, it’s essential to use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and can clump together. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a plate to cool it down before using it. Maintain high heat when cooking; this helps create that delicious fried texture. Avoid overcooking the eggs; they should remain fluffy and not too dry.
Common mistakes include not breaking apart the rice before adding it to the pan or adding too much soy sauce, which can make the dish too salty.
How to serve
Egg Fried Rice can be served as a standalone meal or as a delicious side dish. It pairs wonderfully with various Chinese entrees like stir-fried chicken, beef, or even sweet and sour dishes. Garnish with additional green onions on top for extra flavor.
Storage & reheating
To store leftovers, place cooled Egg Fried Rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent the rice from getting too dry. You can also reheat it in a pan with a bit of oil, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish without eggs? A: Yes! You can easily skip the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Q: What if I don’t have any soy sauce? A: You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
Q: How can I make my fried rice more colorful? A: Add chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Just make sure your pan or wok can accommodate all the ingredients and stir-fry in batches if necessary.
Q: Is it necessary to use sesame oil? A: While it adds a nice flavor, you can omit it or use another oil if you prefer.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Egg Fried Rice is high in protein from the eggs and provides carbohydrates from the rice. Adjust the portion sizes based on your dietary needs. You can add more veggies for a fiber boost and extra vitamins.
Conclusion + CTA
Easy Egg Fried Rice is a simple and satisfying dish that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is a delightful way to transform everyday ingredients into a hearty meal. Give it a try today and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked fried rice!
Links to related recipes
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Fried Rice with Pineapple and Ham