Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is one of those dishes that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste so incredibly good. It’s like the perfect balance of savory, fluffy rice, with the richness of scrambled eggs and a hint of soy sauce—comforting, quick, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or turning it into a meal, this recipe is a total winner. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, and it’s packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, and who doesn’t love a dish that’s both delicious and practical? Trust me, once you try this Egg Fried Rice, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Egg Fried Rice

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s practical and totally customizable! Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser:

• Quick and Easy: In just a few simple steps, you’ve got a savory, satisfying meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
• Budget-Friendly: It’s made with ingredients you likely already have on hand—perfect for cleaning out your fridge without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile: You can add any extra vegetables, proteins, or seasonings you like. Carrots, peas, chicken, shrimp—you name it!
• Comforting and Satisfying: With that perfect combination of fluffy rice and scrambled eggs, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasonings to your taste—add a little heat with chili flakes or make it extra garlicky if that’s your vibe.

Ingredients

Egg Fried Rice is all about simple ingredients that come together to create something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cold Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works best here! It’s drier than freshly cooked rice, so it fries up beautifully and doesn’t get mushy.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs are the heart of this dish. They add richness and texture, making the rice even more comforting.
• Soy Sauce: This adds that salty, umami punch that brings the dish to life.
• Green Onions: For a burst of fresh flavor and a touch of color.
• Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in adding depth to the dish.
• Oil: To fry everything up! Use vegetable oil, sesame oil, or any oil you prefer.
• Vegetables (optional): You can add frozen peas, carrots, or any other veggies you like for extra texture and flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious Egg Fried Rice? Let’s dive into the steps:

Heat the Pan

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.

Scramble the Eggs

Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them lightly. Pour them into the hot skillet and scramble them until they’re just set. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.

Sauté the Garlic and Veggies

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add your veggies (if using) and cook them for another 2-3 minutes, until they’re tender.

Fry the Rice

Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring that it gets coated with the oil and mixes with the garlic and veggies.

Season the Rice

Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, letting the rice absorb the soy sauce and get slightly crispy.

Add the Eggs

Toss the scrambled eggs back into the pan and mix them into the rice. Give everything a final stir to combine, and cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 230
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 8g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with some tasty sides to make it a full meal. Here are a few ideas:

• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a crunchy, veggie-packed side.
• With Grilled Protein: It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a well-rounded meal.
• With a Soup: Try serving it alongside a bowl of hot and sour soup or miso soup for an authentic touch.
• As a Side Dish: Egg Fried Rice works great as a side dish to any Asian-inspired meal or even alongside roasted meats.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Rice: The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, while cold rice fries up beautifully without clumping.
• Experiment with Veggies: You can add any veggies you like! Peas, carrots, and bell peppers work well, but you can also toss in leftover veggies or whatever you have in the fridge.
• Add Protein: Make it a more filling meal by adding cooked chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Just toss it in with the scrambled eggs.
• Adjust the Soy Sauce: Depending on your preference for saltiness, feel free to add more or less soy sauce. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice?
A1: It’s best to use cold, day-old rice for fried rice. Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky, making it harder to achieve that perfect fried rice texture.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Just leave out the chicken or shrimp, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian fried rice. You can add tofu or extra veggies for protein.

Q3: Can I freeze Egg Fried Rice?
A3: Yes! Egg Fried Rice freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q4: How can I make it spicier?
A4: If you like a bit of heat, try adding chili flakes or diced fresh chilies to the pan. You can also drizzle some sriracha on top when serving for an extra kick.

Q5: Can I use a different type of rice?
A5: While jasmine rice is the most popular choice for fried rice, you can use any long-grain rice. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice works well if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Q6: Can I use sesame oil for extra flavor?
A6: Absolutely! Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to fried rice. Just be sure to use it in moderation as it can be quite strong.

Q7: Can I add other proteins?
A7: Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu to the fried rice. Just toss it in with the eggs for an added boost of protein.

Q8: What should I do if my rice is too wet?
A8: If your rice is too wet, you can try spreading it out on a baking sheet to dry it out a bit before using it for fried rice. You could also increase the heat while stir-frying to help it dry out and get crispy.

Q9: How can I make my fried rice less greasy?
A9: Use a minimal amount of oil and try using a non-stick pan to prevent the rice from sticking. Also, be sure to let the eggs cook fully before adding the rice to avoid excess moisture.

Q10: Can I make this a one-pan meal?
A10: Yes! You can add your protein (like chicken or shrimp) right into the pan as you stir-fry the rice, making it a complete one-pan meal.

Conclusion

Egg Fried Rice is the perfect quick and easy meal that never disappoints. With simple ingredients and a few basic steps, you can create a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s ideal for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it on its own or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy!

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