I’m so excited to share this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe with you because it’s a total game changer when you need a quick, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I love how versatile it is—you can whip it up on a busy weeknight or use it as a side dish for a weekend feast. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to transform leftover rice into something vibrant and satisfying.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create such a flavorful dish. You’ll find that with just a few pantry staples and some basic technique, this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe comes out fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and with those delightful little pops of scrambled egg throughout. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy and Simple: You can have a delicious meal on the table in just about 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
  • Uses Leftover Rice Perfectly: This recipe transforms day-old rice into a fresh, tasty dish without any waste.
  • Flexible Ingredients: Easily adapt it with whatever veggies or sauces you have, making it your own.
  • Family-Approved Flavor: My family goes crazy for this — the eggs add a rich silkiness that everyone loves.
Egg Fried Rice, Easy Egg Fried Rice, Quick Fried Rice Recipe, Simple Egg Fried Rice, How to Make Egg Fried Rice A round silver pan filled with fried rice that shows a mix of yellow scrambled eggs, orange diced carrots, green peas, and chopped green onions scattered on top. The rice grains have a light brown color from the soy sauce and are mixed evenly with the vegetables and eggs. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with its silver handle partly visible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe work together to create a balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors with a pleasant texture. Freshness in eggs and the right day-old rice are keys to making this dish shine.

  • Day-old white rice: I always prefer long-grain rice that’s had time to dry out a bit; it fries better without getting mushy.
  • Large eggs: beaten well, they add protein and a wonderfully creamy texture.
  • Yellow onion: finely diced for a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Frozen peas and carrots: thawed—these add a lovely pop of color and freshness but are totally optional.
  • Shaoxing rice wine: a splash of this adds authentic flavor; if you don’t have it, a little dry sherry works, or just skip it.
  • Light sodium soy sauce: provides the essential salty, savory backbone—you can adjust to taste.
  • Oyster sauce: brings a rich umami punch that makes the rice more complex.
  • Toasted sesame oil: optional but highly recommended for that nutty aroma that finishes the dish perfectly.
  • Green onion (green part only): sliced thin for garnish—it adds freshness and a mild bite.
  • Toasted sesame seeds: also optional but I like the extra texture and flavor they bring.
  • Oil for cooking: choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is—you can easily switch things up depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. It’s a fantastic base recipe for creativity in the kitchen.

  • Vegetarian Variation: I often leave out oyster sauce and add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to make it colorful and hearty.
  • Protein Boost: Adding cooked shrimp, diced chicken, or tofu works beautifully if you want to make it a complete meal.
  • Spicy Kick: Sometimes I toss in a little chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chilies for a spicy twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce and oyster sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free with minimal flavor change.

How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Rice for the Perfect Texture

Start by breaking apart your day-old rice—this is such a crucial step because it stops the rice from clumping together when you fry it. I like to rub the rice gently between my hands or shake it in a sealed plastic bag until the grains are separated and fluffy. If your rice is freshly cooked, let it cool completely and dry out a bit on a tray before using—it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs Until Silky and Just Set

Heat a bit of oil in your wok or nonstick pan, then pour in the beaten eggs. Stir gently over medium heat to create soft scrambled eggs. I like to take them off the heat when they’re still a little soft because they’ll keep cooking slightly in the pan, and you want that tender texture to mix into the rice rather than dry scrambled eggs.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Veggies Until Fragrant

Next, add a splash more oil to the pan and toss in your diced onions, peas, and carrots. Cook them until they’re softened and fragrant, usually about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it! You’ll notice your kitchen start smelling amazing.

Step 4: Combine Rice, Eggs, and Seasonings

Add your prepped rice and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Stir everything together over medium-high heat so the rice gets evenly heated and coated with oil. Now pour in your Shaoxing wine (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Keep stirring and toss everything for a couple of minutes until the rice looks glossy and infused with all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finish by stirring in sliced green onions, then serve right away. I like to sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds on top for that little extra crunch and flavor burst. This little touch always impresses guests and makes it look restaurant-worthy.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

  • Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice can get mushy, so I always refrigerate my rice overnight for the ideal texture.
  • Cook Eggs Separately: It keeps the eggs fluffy and avoids overcooking them while you handle other ingredients.
  • High Heat and Quick Stir-Fry: Cooking on high heat allows for slight crispness without drying out the rice.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying in a hot pan with space ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.

How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Egg Fried Rice, Easy Egg Fried Rice, Quick Fried Rice Recipe, Simple Egg Fried Rice, How to Make Egg Fried Rice A close-up of a white bowl full of fried rice, showing a mix of light brown rice grains, bright yellow scrambled eggs, small green peas, chopped red bell peppers, and pieces of cooked onions. The bowl is held by a woman's hand using wooden chopsticks on the left side, picking up some rice. The background and surface are white with a marble texture, making the colors of the food pop. The dish looks fresh and colorful with a mix of soft and slightly crispy textures in the rice and vegetables.

Garnishes

I usually garnish with sliced green onions for freshness and a handful of toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes if we want a touch of heat. These simple garnishes take the dish to the next level without overpowering the balanced flavors.

Side Dishes

To complement this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe, I love pairing it with simple Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, stir-fried greens, or even a quick miso soup. If I’m in the mood for some protein, crispy orange chicken or sesame tofu work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this fried rice molded in small bowls turned upside down on the plate, topped with an edible flower or microgreens garnish for an elegant touch. You can also stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer or make fried rice balls for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover egg fried rice keeps well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely to prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy. When properly stored, it reheats nicely without losing its texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this fried rice a few times for meal prepping. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheating in a hot skillet or wok with a little oil brings back the original texture nicely—the rice regains its slight crispness, and the flavors revive. Microwave works too but add a splash of water and cover to keep it moist and prevent drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use freshly cooked rice for this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe?

    While day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, you can use freshly cooked rice if you spread it out to cool completely and let it dry a little before frying. Alternatively, toss it gently with a bit of oil to prevent clumping during cooking.

  2. What can I substitute for Shaoxing rice wine?

    If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a mild white wine can work as a substitute. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can skip it without drastically affecting the flavor, though the wine adds a subtle depth.

  3. How do I avoid mushy fried rice?

    Using day-old rice is the best way to avoid mushy fried rice. Also, make sure to stir-fry over high heat quickly and don’t overcrowd the pan. Breaking apart the rice grains before cooking helps keep the texture fluffy and separate.

  4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or bean sprouts—just toss them in with the onions and peas. I like to customize based on whatever I have in the fridge, which makes this recipe super flexible.

  5. What oil is best for frying rice?

    Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils handle the high heat needed for stir-frying without burning or smoking excessively.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cozy hug on a plate yet is impressively easy to make. I honestly keep coming back to this recipe because it’s reliable, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. If you want a fast, flavorful meal that your whole family will enjoy, give this a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes part of your weekly rotation.

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Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Description

This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for using up day-old rice. Combining scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, peas, and carrots with savory soy and oyster sauces, it creates a classic, satisfying meal with optional garnishes like green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner or a delicious side, this fried rice offers a perfect balance of texture and umami-rich flavors.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
  • Oil as needed for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare Rice: Break apart the day-old rice by rubbing it between your hands or in a bag until the grains are separated to prevent clumping during cooking.
  2. Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or pan with some oil and cook the beaten eggs until they are scrambled and just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Veggies: In the same wok or pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced yellow onion along with the thawed peas and carrots until they are fragrant and slightly softened.
  4. Add Rice and Eggs: Stir the separated rice and scrambled eggs back into the wok or pan, mixing thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables. Add additional oil if the mixture seems dry to help with frying.
  5. Season and Finish: Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine (if using), light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil for aroma and flavor. Stir well to coat all the rice evenly and cook until heated through.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot as a main or side dish.

Notes

  • Day-old long-grain rice works best for this recipe for the ideal texture.
  • If using fresh rice, ensure it is slightly drier than usual for better results.
  • For stickier rice types, lightly coat grains in oil before stir-frying with veggies to prevent clumping.

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