If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and lightning fast to whip up, this Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly balances fluffy rice with tender scrambled eggs, savory soy sauce, and colorful veggies that add just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking fresh, this recipe rewards you with warm, satisfying flavors that feel like a hug on a plate. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and so easy that it becomes one of those go-to meals you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Each component plays its part, from the rich eggs to the savory soy sauce, making this an effortlessly delightful dish.
- 3 cups cooked rice: Leftover rice works best here as it’s drier and fries up nicely without clumping.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for that light, non-stick sauté and the perfect golden finish on the eggs and veggies.
- 4 large eggs, beaten: Eggs add a rich, velvety texture that complements the rice beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onions bring a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives a fragrant kick that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: These add a fresh pop of color plus a hint of sweetness and crunch.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Green onions bring a fresh, slightly sharp flavor, perfect for garnish and final layering of taste.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Soy sauce is the umami powerhouse that seasons the entire dish beautifully without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma and flavor that makes this rice unmistakably delicious.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and round out the flavors just right.
How to Make Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and gently stir until they’re just set with soft folds—that delicate texture makes all the difference. Once cooked, transfer the eggs to a plate and set them aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Into the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing that irresistible aroma. This step builds the flavorful base you’ll want in every bite.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Rice and Veggies
Turn up the heat to high and add your cooked rice along with the thawed peas and carrots. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and each grain has a chance to get slightly toasted and separated. This technique keeps the texture light and pleasing.
Step 4: Combine Eggs and Sauces
Now it’s time to reunite the eggs with the rice. Pour them back into the skillet and drizzle on the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything well so those rich, savory flavors coat every bit of rice and egg.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Green Onions
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Just before serving, fold in the thinly sliced green onions for that fresh, subtle crunch and vibrant flair. And voilà, your Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are classic, but you can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a few sprigs of cilantro to elevate your presentation and flavor. A wedge of lime on the side adds a bright, tangy contrast that wakes up the palate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with dishes like grilled chicken, stir-fried vegetables, or crispy spring rolls. It also works perfectly as a satisfying stand-alone meal when you’re pressed for time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice in a warm lettuce cup for a low-carb option or stuff it inside roasted bell peppers for a colorful and elegant display. You can even mold it into compact servings using a small bowl to create mini rice towers topped with a drizzle of sriracha or extra soy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld more over time, making it an easy and tasty option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Simple Egg Fried Rice, but because of the eggs and vegetables, texture might change slightly. Pack it well in freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the rice and heat gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid drying out and to keep that freshly made fried rice texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Absolutely! Just be sure to spread the freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry out a bit before frying, so it doesn’t turn mushy in the pan.
Is there a vegan version of this Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the eggs and replace them with firm tofu, scrambled and lightly seasoned, or add more veggies for that hearty element.
How do I make the rice less sticky?
Using slightly older, refrigerated rice is key. If using fresh rice, fluff it well and let it cool completely before frying to prevent clumping.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely, this recipe is very flexible. Try bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or snap peas to customize your fried rice to your liking.
What type of soy sauce is best for this recipe?
Regular or light soy sauce works great here. If you prefer a milder salt level, start with less and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of homemade fried rice, especially one as quick and delicious as this Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe. It’s an inviting dish that feels effortless yet impressively flavorful. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and enjoy making this wonderful meal that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Simple Egg Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish perfect for using leftover rice. It combines fluffy scrambled eggs, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings to create a flavorful meal that can be served as a main or side dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe brings a classic Asian-inspired fried rice to your table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and place them on a plate, setting aside for later.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Fry the rice and vegetables: Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice along with the thawed peas and carrots. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and well combined with the vegetables.
- Combine eggs and seasonings: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the mixture, stirring thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly and infuse the rice with savory flavors.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in the thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp finish.
Notes
- Using leftover rice helps prevent clumping and results in better fried rice texture.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity based on your salt preference.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with any neutral oil like canola or peanut oil.
- Frozen peas and carrots should be thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
