Why You’ll Love This Egg Fried Rice
This egg fried rice is a go-to meal that’s easy to whip up on any day, whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or just craving something tasty. It takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, with just 10 minutes for prep and another 10 for cooking, making it perfect for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone in the kitchen. You’ll appreciate how it packs in health benefits like protein from the eggs and vitamins from fresh veggies, all while keeping things light on unhealthy fats.
One of the best parts is its versatility for diet-conscious folks, as you can swap in vegan options or gluten-free choices to fit different needs. The flavors from ingredients like scallions and sesame oil create a savory mix that’s hard to beat, turning simple rice into a dish the whole family enjoys. Whether you’re a student looking for quick eats or a food enthusiast experimenting at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
For more inspiration on rice-based meals, check out our onion beef fried rice recipe on our site.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Egg Fried Rice
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Egg Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Egg Fried Rice
- 5. Mastering Egg Fried Rice: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Egg Fried Rice: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Fried Rice
- 8. Egg Fried Rice
Essential Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great egg fried rice, and this recipe serves 4 people with a mix of simple yet flavorful items. Here’s a complete list based on the exact measurements needed every detail counts to get the best results. I’ve pulled together all the essentials so you can shop easily and cook without any surprises.
- 4 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons of peanut, vegetable, or olive oil (divided)
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1.5 to 2 cups diced mixed vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions (white and green parts divided)
- A pinch of salt
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably overnight)
- 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- A dash of ground white pepper (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
This structured list ensures you have everything measured out clearly, making it simple for home cooks to follow. If you’re watching your diet, remember you can tweak some items, like using olive oil as a lighter alternative or opting for gluten-free soy sauce.
How to Prepare the Perfect Egg Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into making this egg fried rice, which comes together in just about 20 minutes total. First, beat the 4 large eggs in a small bowl to get them ready for scrambling. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the beaten eggs, and scramble them for about a minute until they’re just set.
Transfer the eggs to a dish and set them aside for now. In a wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat, then add the 1 cup of diced onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring. Next, toss in the 1.5 to 2 cups of diced mixed vegetables and the white parts of the 1/2 cup sliced scallions, cooking for another 2 minutes with a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
Add the 4 cups of cooked jasmine rice and stir to break up any clumps, cooking until it’s heated through. Season the mix with 2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of five-spice powder, a dash of ground white pepper if you like, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, stirring everything together. Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the wok, mix thoroughly, and garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions before serving immediately.
For more ideas on simple rice dishes, visit our street corn chicken rice bowl recipe.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Egg Fried Rice
Everyone’s tastes and needs are different, so customizing egg fried rice is a fun way to make it your own. For protein swaps, you could replace the eggs with a tofu scramble or tempeh to keep it vegan, or add shrimp, chicken, or beef for a heartier meal. This flexibility makes it great for busy parents or newlyweds looking to adapt recipes easily.
When it comes to veggies, feel free to swap the mixed ones like bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini for seasonal picks such as broccoli or peas. For sauces, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you’re going gluten-free, and play with seasonings like ginger or chili flakes to change up the flavor. These tweaks help diet-conscious individuals enjoy egg fried rice without any hassle.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | Tofu or tempeh | Keeps it protein-rich and vegan-friendly |
| Soy sauce | Tamari | Makes it gluten-free without losing umami |
| Mixed vegetables | Broccoli or peas | Adds variety and extra nutrients |
Mastering Egg Fried Rice: Advanced Tips and Variations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some advanced tips to take your egg fried rice to the next level. Start by using day-old rice to keep it from getting mushy dry out fresh rice if needed by spreading it on a tray for a bit. Peanut oil adds a nice fragrance, but olive oil works great as an everyday swap, and always loosen the rice with a fork before cooking to avoid clumps.
Choose veggies with lower moisture like carrots over watery ones to keep the texture just right, and save some scallion greens for a fresh garnish at the end. You can boost flavors with extras like hoisin sauce, or scramble the eggs in two steps to cut down on sogginess, though that’s optional. For travelers or food enthusiasts, mixing in things like pineapple or cashews can add sweet and crunchy vibes.
- Use high heat in a wok for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with seasonings like ginger for a twist.
- Pre-chop veggies ahead of time to speed up meal prep for working professionals.
Remember, cooking is all about joy and experimentation don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
How to Store Egg Fried Rice: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your egg fried rice tasting fresh, which is key for seniors or families planning meals ahead. Pop leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain quality. If you’re freezing, divide it into portions in freezer-safe containers, and it should last about 2 months without losing much flavor.
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat or the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Always cool the rice completely before storing to avoid any bacterial issues, making it a smart choice for meal prep. This way, baking enthusiasts or busy cooks can enjoy it throughout the week.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Fried Rice
How do I make egg fried rice at home from scratch?
To make egg fried rice at home, start by cooking and cooling 2 cups of rice, ideally a day ahead. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan, then scramble 2 beaten eggs until set. Remove eggs and sauté 1/2 cup chopped onions and any vegetables you like. Add the cold rice, stirring to separate grains, then pour the eggs back in. Season with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Serve hot for a simple, flavorful meal.
What type of rice is best for egg fried rice?
Long-grain rice or jasmine rice is best for egg fried rice because it cooks up fluffy and separates easily, preventing clumping. It’s important to use rice that has been cooked and cooled, preferably refrigerated overnight, as this dries out the grains slightly and helps achieve the ideal texture. Avoid freshly cooked hot rice since it tends to be sticky and mushy when fried.
Can I add vegetables or protein to egg fried rice?
Yes, egg fried rice can easily be customized with vegetables and proteins. Common additions include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions for extra flavor and nutrition. For protein, cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu are popular choices. Add these ingredients after cooking the eggs, sauté briefly, then mix with the rice. This makes the dish more balanced and satisfying.
How can I prevent egg fried rice from becoming soggy?
To keep egg fried rice from becoming soggy, use cold, day-old rice as its grains are firmer. Use enough oil to lightly coat the pan, and cook on medium-high heat to quickly fry the ingredients. Avoid adding too much soy sauce or liquid seasonings; add them gradually while stirring. Finally, don’t overcrowd the pan during cooking, as this traps steam and moisture.
Is egg fried rice healthy and what are its nutritional benefits?
Egg fried rice can be a balanced, nutritious meal when cooked with minimal oil and plenty of vegetables. Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, while rice offers carbohydrates for energy. Adding vegetables increases fiber and micronutrient intake. However, it can be high in calories and sodium depending on oil and soy sauce amounts, so controlling portion size and ingredient quantity is important for a healthy meal.
Egg Fried Rice
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🍚 This Egg Fried Rice recipe is quick and simple, making it a perfect go-to meal for any time of the day.
🥢 Packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings, it brings a satisfying balance of taste and nutrition to your table.
Ingredients
– 4 large eggs
– 3 tablespoons of peanut, vegetable, or olive oil (divided)
– 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
– 1.5 to 2 cups diced mixed vegetables like bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini
– 1/2 cup sliced scallions (white and green parts divided)
– A pinch of salt
– 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably overnight)
– 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
– A dash of ground white pepper (optional)
– 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
1-Let’s dive into making this egg fried rice, which comes together in just about 20 minutes total. First, beat the 4 large eggs in a small bowl to get them ready for scrambling. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the beaten eggs, and scramble them for about a minute until they’re just set.
2-Transfer the eggs to a dish and set them aside for now. In a wok, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over high heat, then add the 1 cup of diced onion and cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring. Next, toss in the 1.5 to 2 cups of diced mixed vegetables and the white parts of the 1/2 cup sliced scallions, cooking for another 2 minutes with a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
3-Add the 4 cups of cooked jasmine rice and stir to break up any clumps, cooking until it’s heated through. Season the mix with 2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of five-spice powder, a dash of ground white pepper if you like, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, stirring everything together. Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the wok, mix thoroughly, and garnish with the remaining green parts of the scallions before serving immediately.
Notes
🍳 Tip: Use day-old rice or thoroughly dry freshly cooked rice to avoid mushy fried rice.
🌿 Tip: Peanut oil adds great fragrance, but olive oil is a good alternative.
🥕 Tip: Feel free to customize with your preferred vegetables, keeping in mind moisture levels to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 1.7 g
- Sodium: 423 mg
- Fat: 16.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55.6 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13.4 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg
Keywords: Egg Fried Rice, Quick Rice, Simple Fried Rice, Easy Meal