Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Classics
I love how this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice can transform a few simple ingredients into a satisfying meal in no time. Whenever I'm pressed for time or just want something quick, this dish comes to the rescue. With just 10 minutes of prep and cooking, it's the ultimate solution for weeknight dinners or even a filling lunch. Plus, it's versatile—feel free to add any leftover vegetables or proteins on hand to make it your own!
In my quest for quick meals, I stumbled upon this egg fried rice recipe that has quickly become a favorite. I found that using day-old rice allows for better texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. It’s incredible how this simple tweak makes a noticeable difference!
I've experimented with adding different vegetables and proteins, but the classic combination with just eggs, soy sauce, and green onions always hits the spot. This dish is not just a time-saver but a canvas for customization, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation for busy days
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
- Perfect balance of flavor and texture
Mastering the Rice
Using day-old rice is key for achieving that perfect egg fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture, leading to a mushy result. If you don't have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and fluff it with a fork—this should take about 20 minutes. Make sure to let it sit for a while to dry out before using it in the recipe.
For best results, avoid overcooking the rice in the stir-fry process. You want it heated through, but keep it on medium-high heat and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until it's warmed and coated in soy sauce. This will help create a glossy texture while preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
Eggs: Scrumble to Perfection
Scrambling the eggs separately before adding them to the rice is essential for maintaining their fluffy texture. I recommend cooking them over medium heat until they are just set but still moist—this usually takes around 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry and rubbery when added to the rice later.
When combining the scrambled eggs with the rice at the end, gently fold them in to keep nice chunks of egg. This adds another layer of flavor and texture, making your fried rice more satisfying. It’s important to do this step just before serving for the best taste.
Customizing Your Dish
One of my favorite things about this egg fried rice recipe is its versatility. You can easily incorporate leftover veggies, such as peas, bell peppers, or carrots—just add them when stir-frying the rice to ensure they cook through without becoming soggy. This is a great way to clear out your fridge while enhancing the dish's nutritional profile.
If you're looking to switch up the protein, consider adding cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu at the same time you add the rice. Just remember to heat any pre-cooked proteins through for 1-2 minutes before serving. Similarly, for a vegetarian option, you can simply skip the egg for a lighter vegetable fried rice.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for this quick and delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have everything, you’re ready to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your egg fried rice.
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by beating the eggs in a bowl and chopping the green onions. If you're using fresh rice, ensure it's cooled down and fluffed.
Cook the Eggs
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Rice
In the same skillet, add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Combine Everything
Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions back to the skillet, mixing everything until well combined. Cook for another minute, and it's ready to serve!
Enjoy your delicious egg fried rice!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add a splash of sesame oil or some cooked shrimp or chicken to make it even heartier.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you're planning to make this recipe ahead of time, consider keeping the rice and eggs separate. Cook the rice and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The scrambled eggs can also be prepared in advance and reheated before combining with the rice, which helps maintain their texture.
For an even quicker meal, you can pre-chop the green onions and store them in a sealed container, ready to toss in when you're ready to cook. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal with minimal prep.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the rice in a hot skillet for about 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the rice rubbery. Instead, focussing on the skillet method will help retain the fried texture and flavors, keeping it as delicious as the first serving.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your egg fried rice experience, serve it with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor. You might even consider accompanying it with a side of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness, creating a balanced meal that is both satisfying and refreshing.
For a complete dinner, pair the egg fried rice with some protein-rich options like grilled chicken or a light salad to round out your plate. This way, you can enjoy a nourishing meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Yes, but make sure it's cooled and not too sticky before frying.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Peas, carrots, bell peppers, and corn all work great in this dish!
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave!
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love how this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice can transform a few simple ingredients into a satisfying meal in no time. Whenever I'm pressed for time or just want something quick, this dish comes to the rescue. With just 10 minutes of prep and cooking, it's the ultimate solution for weeknight dinners or even a filling lunch. Plus, it's versatile—feel free to add any leftover vegetables or proteins on hand to make it your own!
Created by: Paige Sullivan
Recipe Type: Easy Comfort Classics
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by beating the eggs in a bowl and chopping the green onions. If you're using fresh rice, ensure it's cooled down and fluffed.
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions back to the skillet, mixing everything until well combined. Cook for another minute, and it's ready to serve!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add a splash of sesame oil or some cooked shrimp or chicken to make it even heartier.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 10g