If you’ve ever craved comfort food that comes together in 20 minutes and delivers a delicious punch of flavor, look no further than this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe. This is my personal go-to dish for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time I want to whip up a meal that feels like a warm hug. With fluffy rice, silky eggs, and colorful veggies tossed together in a savory blend, this recipe captures all the fun and satisfaction of your favorite takeout—right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make something totally crave-worthy. Each item here pulls its weight, adding a pop of color, texture, or unmistakable flavor to bring the dish to life.
- Cooked and chilled white rice: Using day-old rice ensures your fried rice turns out fluffy and not sticky.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps to fry ingredients without overpowering the flavors.
- Large eggs: They add rich protein and a soft, creamy texture to every bite.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These give pops of sweetness, color, and that beloved veggie crunch.
- Green onions: Their mild bite brightens the whole dish and adds a bit of freshness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the rice with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Soy sauce: It delivers a salty, umami boost that makes the rice utterly savory.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon adds a nutty fragrance and flavor that takes it to restaurant-level.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors to perfection—don’t skip these!
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Eggs
First, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and use your spatula to gently scramble them, cooking until they’re just set and fluffy. Scoop the eggs onto a plate and set aside; we’ll bring them back soon to mingle with the rice!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, plus the peas and carrots. Stir everything around for 2–3 minutes, just until the veggies are bright and softened—this not only cooks them but helps the garlic infuse the oil and aromatize the whole dish.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Stir-Fry
Now, tip in your chilled rice. Break up any clumps with your spatula so each grain can fry up nicely. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, letting the rice soak up all the savory flavors and heat through—this is where that day-old rice texture shines!
Step 4: Season and Combine
Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil all over the rice, then add your scrambled eggs back into the pan. Toss in the green onions, and use your spatula to mix everything together until every bite looks well-combined and mouthwatering. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon your finished Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe into bowls or plates and get ready for applause! This is a dish best enjoyed hot and fresh, when each bite is steamy and flavorful.
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Make your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe shine even more by sprinkling some extra fresh green onions on top, adding toasted sesame seeds, or even a dash of chili flakes for those who like a little kick. A wedge of lime on the side is a fun twist that I absolutely love!
Side Dishes
This fried rice is super versatile. Serve it with crispy spring rolls, simple Asian-style cucumber salad, or your favorite stir-fried veggies. It also pairs beautifully with grilled tofu or teriyaki chicken if you want to expand your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
I sometimes pack the Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe into a bowl and invert it onto a plate for a fun dome shape—just like takeout. For parties, scoop small portions into lettuce cups or serve in pretty ramekins. Kids especially love eating with chopsticks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge. Let any leftovers cool down, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored properly, your rice will stay fresh for up to three days—perfect for next-day lunches!
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled rice into resealable bags or containers, pressing out extra air. The Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe freezes well for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Rewarm the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Splash a teaspoon of water over the rice and cover with a lid to help steam it tender again. You can also microwave in a covered bowl, though the stovetop gives the best results.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for the Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe?
Day-old, chilled rice works best for this dish because it’s drier and less likely to become mushy when stir-fried. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes first.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Regular light soy sauce is ideal since it seasons the rice beautifully without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer a darker color and deeper flavor, you can mix in a teaspoon of dark soy sauce, but remember to adjust salt accordingly.
Can I add extra vegetables or protein?
Absolutely! This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is endlessly adaptable. Toss in bell peppers, bean sprouts, or baby corn. For more protein, stir in tofu cubes, leftover chicken, or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I make the rice taste more like restaurant-style fried rice?
For that classic takeout flavor, make sure the pan is hot enough and don’t crowd it. A splash of oyster sauce or a dash of white pepper (as noted) adds deeper umami, and using sesame oil gives that unmistakable restaurant aroma.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check all sauce labels to ensure there are no wheat-based ingredients, and you’re set!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fast, foolproof way to bring a tasty takeout experience into your own kitchen, the Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is your winning ticket. I truly hope this dish becomes as much of a staple in your home as it is in mine—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy egg fried rice recipe delivers all the flavor of your favorite takeout dish right at home. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a delicious Asian-inspired meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and scramble eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet. Add beaten eggs, scramble until cooked, then set aside.
- Cook vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet, cook garlic, peas, and carrots until softened.
- Stir-fry rice: Add chilled rice, stir-fry until heated through.
- Finish dish: Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, add cooked eggs, green onions, mix well, season, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding oyster sauce or white pepper.
- Leftover rice works best for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish or Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
