If you’re in the mood for a delicious, quick meal with minimal ingredients, this easy egg fried rice recipe is the perfect option. Made with only six basic ingredients, it’s simple, quick, and full of flavor. In just 10 minutes, you can have a savory dish that’s great for lunch, dinner, or even a side for your next meal. The best part? It’s a budget-friendly, restaurant-quality dish that you can whip up on any busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This egg fried rice recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. It takes just 10 minutes to make, making it ideal for when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and tasty. With the savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, this dish brings that authentic Chinese takeout taste straight to your kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile! Enjoy it on its own, as a side dish, or add in extra veggies and protein to make it even heartier.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold & day-old, or substitute with any white long grain rice)

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

• 2.5 tablespoons regular soy sauce or light soy sauce (avoid dark soy sauce)

• ½ tablespoon sesame oil

• 4 large eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. If you’re using a wok, allow the oil to smoke. If using a regular pan, skip the smoking step.

2. Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly stir-fry to let them begin to set into shape.

3. Once the eggs have taken shape but are still slightly moist, toss in the rice. Break up any clumps of rice in the pan.

4. Sweep everything to one side of the pan. Add the remaining oil to the empty space, then add the chopped green onions and mix them into the rice and eggs.

5. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the pan, then toss everything together. Continue until the rice turns golden brown and is evenly coated.

6. Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep time: 2 minutes

• Cook time: 8 minutes

• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice.

• Add protein: Enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.

• Spicy option: If you enjoy a bit of heat, drizzle sriracha over the rice or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

This egg fried rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, you can either use a pan over medium heat to get it crispy again or microwave it. If you’re reheating it in the microwave, splash a little water on the rice to help rehydrate it and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Day-old rice works best as it’s drier and less likely to turn mushy. If you’re using fresh rice, let it cool completely and spread it out to dry a little before using.

2. Can I use a different type of oil?

You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or any neutral oil, but vegetable oil is recommended for its mild flavor. Sesame oil is essential for the authentic taste, so don’t skip it!

3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, simply omit the eggs and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook it when you’re ready to eat.

5. Can I freeze leftover fried rice?

Yes, fried rice can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stove or microwave.

6. What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Jasmine rice is a great option because of its fragrant flavor and fluffy texture. You can also use any long-grain white rice, but make sure it’s cold and preferably a day old.

7. Can I add more soy sauce?

You can adjust the soy sauce to your taste, but keep in mind that adding too much may make the rice too salty. Start with the recommended amount and taste before adding more.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can easily add a kick of heat by including red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

10. Can I use brown rice for this recipe?

While jasmine rice is recommended for the best texture, you can use brown rice if you prefer. Just note that the texture and flavor may slightly differ.

Conclusion

This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a lifesaver when you need a quick, flavorful meal. With only six ingredients, it’s simple to make, yet it tastes just like the fried rice you’d get at a restaurant. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or as a side, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. The best part? It’s versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices to make it uniquely yours!