“`html
There is something truly comforting and irresistible about a good egg fried rice that can turn a simple meal into an instant favorite. This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe brings together the perfect balance of fluffy rice, savory eggs, and vibrant veggies with a hint of umami richness from soy and oyster sauce. It’s incredibly quick to whip up, yet wildly satisfying and adaptable, making it a go-to dish that feels both homey and special all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture, flavor, and color that make this dish pop off your plate. From the day-old rice that ensures a perfect fry, to the combination of sauces that give it depth, every element is essential.
- 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain: Using day-old rice prevents clumping and yields that classic fluffy fried rice texture.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Eggs add richness and a silky touch that makes every bite more indulgent.
- 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice: Onions bring a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional): These vegetables brighten up the dish with pops of color and gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional): Adds a subtle fruity complexity that elevates the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce: A vital component that delivers salty, umami flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Gives a luscious, savory depth that makes the fried rice deeply satisfying.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional): A little drizzle lends a warm, nutty aroma that’s irresistible.
- 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild oniony crunch on top.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish): A sprinkle of these adds delightful texture and an extra nutty note.
- Oil as needed for cooking: Choose a neutral or high heat oil to get that perfect sear.
How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start with day-old rice that’s been properly cooled and slightly dried out. Break apart any clumps by gently rubbing the grains between your fingers or shaking the rice inside a clean plastic bag. This separation is key for achieving the light, fluffy texture that defines excellent fried rice.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Pour in your beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set—soft and tender eggs will blend beautifully with the rice later. Remove the eggs and set them aside to keep them from overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if necessary, then toss in the diced onions along with the thawed peas and carrots if using. Cook until the onions become fragrant and translucent and the vegetables soften, creating a flavorful base for your fried rice.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Eggs
Now add the separated rice along with the cooked eggs back into the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the rice gets evenly coated with oil and heat. If the mixture looks dry, splash in a little more oil to keep the grains from sticking and to help everything fry evenly.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine for a subtle punch, followed by light soy sauce and oyster sauce to infuse the rice with deep umami flavor. Stir well so the sauces coat each grain beautifully. Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for that signature nuttiness, and fold in the sliced green onions for a fresh burst of color and mild bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your freshly made egg fried rice to a serving dish. For an added touch of elegance and texture, sprinkle with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds if you like. Serve piping hot to savor the wonderful harmony of flavors and textures that make this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are simple yet wonderful garnishes that add both visual appeal and delightful texture contrasts. You can also try thinly sliced chili or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for an extra pop of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Egg fried rice is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Think crisp stir-fried vegetables, sweet and sour chicken, crispy spring rolls, or even a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors and add cooling crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your rice the star by shaping it into neat mounds or small domes using a bowl or mold before plating. Adding a fried egg on top or surrounding the rice with sliced avocado or pickled ginger can turn this humble dish into an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Egg fried rice keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for quick meals, as the flavors often deepen after resting.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze your fried rice in a freezer-safe container, separated into portions. This way, you can thaw individual servings as needed without compromising too much on texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat fried rice gently on the stovetop in a bit of oil or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to promote even warming. Adding a splash of water or broth helps restore moisture so it doesn’t dry out, keeping the rice fluffy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While freshly cooked rice can work in a pinch, day-old rice is far superior because it’s drier and less sticky. Using fresh rice often results in clumpy, mushy fried rice, so letting it cool and dry out overnight is highly recommended.
What can I substitute for Shaoxing rice wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing rice wine on hand, dry sherry or a mild white cooking wine can be a good alternative. Even a splash of mirin or apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of water can mimic the subtle complexity.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this dish, skip the eggs and oyster sauce, substituting the latter with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce. Scrambled tofu works beautifully in place of eggs to provide that creamy texture.
How spicy is this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe?
This recipe itself isn’t spicy but is very adaptable. You can add chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a dash of hot sauce if you want to jazz up the dish with some heat that suits your taste buds.
What’s the best type of oil for frying the rice?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for stir-frying. Toasted sesame oil is better used as a finishing oil because it burns quickly and can become bitter if overheated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is a true winner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave that warm, soothing bowl of homemade goodness. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your kitchen favorites too!
“`
Print
Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick and delicious meal using day-old rice, scrambled eggs, and simple seasonings. It features tender veggies, savory sauces, and optional garnishes for a classic takeout flavor you can make at home in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice
- 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
- Oil as needed for cooking
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
Garnishes
- 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Rice: Break apart the day-old rice by rubbing it between your hands or placing it in a bag until the grains are separated to prevent clumping during frying.
- Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or frying pan over medium heat with a bit of oil, then pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same wok or pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion along with thawed peas and carrots until fragrant and vegetables are tender.
- Add Rice and Eggs: Stir in the separated rice and cooked scrambled eggs, tossing everything together and adding additional oil if the mixture seems dry, to ensure even cooking.
- Season and Finish: Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and combine all flavors thoroughly. Finish by mixing in the sliced green onions.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fried rice to a serving dish and garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent the rice from getting mushy and clumping during frying.
- Shaoxing rice wine is optional but adds authentic depth of flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce amounts to taste, especially if you want a lower sodium version.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables or protein like cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Use a wok or large frying pan for best results and easy stirring.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
