Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Easy Bites Co.
I love how quickly this Egg Fried Rice comes together! In just 10 minutes, I can whip up a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something tasty yet uncomplicated. The best part is using leftover rice, which allows me to create a dish that’s ready in a flash without compromising on taste. Whether enjoyed as a side or a main dish, this fried rice always hits the spot!
One of my favorite things to do is to turn leftover rice into a quick meal, and this Egg Fried Rice is a fantastic example. I often experiment with different vegetables and sauces, but my go-to combination features peas, carrots, and a hint of soy sauce. I discovered that using day-old rice works best because it has the right texture—fluffy and not too sticky—making it perfect for frying.
During my efforts to perfect this dish, I realized that timing is key. I make sure to have all my ingredients ready before starting to cook. That way, everything comes together seamlessly, and I can enjoy my meal in no time. I think you’ll find it just as enjoyable!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation that fits any busy schedule
- Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables
- Deliciously savory with perfectly cooked eggs
Mastering the Rice
Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving the perfect fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, leading to clumping instead of that desirable fluffy consistency. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce moisture content, making it more suitable for frying.
When stir-frying your rice, ensure the heat remains at medium-high. This high temperature helps to quickly sear the rice and gives it that delightful slightly crispy texture while avoiding sogginess. As you break apart any clumps, look for individual grains coated in soy sauce, glossy and warmed through, which indicates you are on the right track.
Perfecting the Flavor
The choice of soy sauce makes a significant impact on the final dish’s flavor profile. For a richer taste, consider using dark soy sauce, which adds depth without overpowering the other ingredients. If you prefer a lighter option, low-sodium soy sauce can work well, allowing for better control over saltiness, particularly since you may already adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper later.
Don’t hesitate to customize this fried rice with your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, broccoli, or even diced zucchini can add varied textures and flavors. If incorporating more substantial ingredients, such as protein, remember to pre-cook them and add them after sautéing the vegetables, ensuring everything is warmed through before mixing in the rice.
Serving Suggestions
This quick and easy egg fried rice can stand on its own as a meal or serve as an excellent side dish. Pair it with stir-fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or a light Asian salad for a balanced dinner. If you want an added crunch, consider garnishing the dish with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
For leftovers or meal prep, this dish stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to rehydrate the rice as needed. This method helps revive the texture and maintain the flavors without drying it out.
Ingredients
- Make sure all ingredients are prepped before starting!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are easily adjustable based on what you have on hand.
Instructions
Gather your ingredients and let's get started!
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the frozen peas and carrots. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they are heated through.
Add the Rice
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking apart any clumps. Then, add the soy sauce and toss well to combine.
Finish with Egg and Green Onions
Fold the scrambled eggs back into the rice, mixing thoroughly. Add sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute.
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful fried rice!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add any leftover proteins like chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish!
Ingredient Variations
If you’re looking to adapt this recipe for dietary needs, consider swapping the eggs with tofu to create a plant-based version. Silken tofu can provide a similar consistency; just crumble and pan-fry it as you would the scrambled eggs. This way, you maintain texture while catering to vegetarian or vegan preferences.
For a gluten-free adaptation, choose tamari instead of soy sauce, ensuring you retain the savory umami flavor without the gluten. Furthermore, you can enhance the dish with gluten-free vegetables like bok choy or bean sprouts, which add a wonderful crunch and freshness.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you find your fried rice is turning out too sticky, it’s often because of excess moisture in the rice. Next time, ensure you're using rice that’s been thoroughly cooled and dried out in advance. If using fresh rice, try increasing the sauté time before adding the soy sauce and other ingredients, which can help evaporate any lingering moisture.
Another common issue is overcooking the peas and carrots, resulting in mushiness. I recommend adding these vegetables after the rice is incorporated, stirring just long enough to heat them through and incorporate their flavors without sacrificing their vibrant color and crunch.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Simply maintain the same ratio of ingredients, adjusting as needed. For example, if you double the rice, increase the eggs and vegetables accordingly to maintain balance. However, be cautious about frying in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the cooking temperature, leading to uneven results.
If you're preparing a large batch, consider using two separate pans for frying, ensuring your heat remains at medium-high. This allows each portion of rice to fry properly, ensuring it stays fluffy and individual grains aren't lost in the crowd.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use uncooked rice instead of leftover rice?
It's best to use day-old rice as it has less moisture, which helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
→ What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can include bell peppers, corn, or any vegetables you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the eggs and use tofu or additional vegetables as a protein substitute.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love how quickly this Egg Fried Rice comes together! In just 10 minutes, I can whip up a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something tasty yet uncomplicated. The best part is using leftover rice, which allows me to create a dish that’s ready in a flash without compromising on taste. Whether enjoyed as a side or a main dish, this fried rice always hits the spot!
Created by: Adeline Morris
Recipe Type: Easy Bites Co.
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the frozen peas and carrots. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they are heated through.
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking apart any clumps. Then, add the soy sauce and toss well to combine.
Fold the scrambled eggs back into the rice, mixing thoroughly. Add sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add any leftover proteins like chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g