Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Rapid Recipes
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a delicious meal in a hurry. It's amazing how, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can have a satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table. The best part is that I can customize it with leftover vegetables or proteins I have on hand. This recipe is a fantastic go-to for busy evenings or when I'm craving comfort food without the fuss.
During one particularly busy week, I decided I needed a quick meal option that didn’t sacrifice flavor. I experimented with egg fried rice, and to my delight, it became a staple. The method I use ensures that each grain is coated perfectly in flavor, thanks to the hot wok and quick cooking process that prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
I'm always amazed at how versatile this dish is. Adding different veggies or a splash of soy sauce can change the whole experience. To get the eggs just right, make sure to scramble them briefly in the hot pan before mixing them with the rice. This way, they remain fluffy and add a beautiful texture to the dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Customizable based on what you have in your fridge
Essential Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Using day-old rice is ideal for fried rice dishes, as chilled rice grains are less sticky and retain their texture better during cooking. If you don't have leftovers, prepare your rice and let it cool completely on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes before using it. This helps to dry out excess moisture and ensures that your fried rice will have the right bite without clumping together.
When stir-frying, ensure your pan or wok is adequately heated. A hot pan allows the ingredients to sear properly, enhancing the flavors without steaming them. You should see a shimmer on the oil before adding the vegetables, indicating that it's hot enough. If the oil starts to smoke, lower the heat slightly, as high temperatures can lead to burnt ingredients instead of achieving that beautiful golden color.
For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating a dash of sesame oil just before serving. This fragrant oil can elevate your dish significantly, giving it a delightful aroma and richness. However, be mindful of the quantity to prevent overpowering the other flavors.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of fried rice is its versatility. If you have a variety of vegetables at home, feel free to swap in what you prefer—bell peppers, broccoli, even greens like spinach or bok choy can work beautifully. Just ensure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and remember, add them to the pan based on their cooking time; denser vegetables should go in first.
For protein lovers, adding leftover cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can turn this dish into a heartier meal. Simply dice your protein and toss it into the pan after the vegetables are stir-fried, allowing it to heat through for about 1-2 minutes before mixing in the rice. This not only adds nutritional value but also makes use of leftovers effectively.
To cater to different dietary preferences, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, you can substitute the eggs with scrambled tofu or a flaxseed mixture for a vegan alternative, ensuring everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Steps
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
Heat the Oil
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Scramble the Eggs
Add the eggs to the pan and scramble them until cooked, about 1-2 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Stir-fry the Veggies
Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
Combine with Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan, followed by the soy sauce, and mix everything thoroughly.
Finish with Eggs and Green Onions
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the green onions, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Serve hot, and enjoy your quick and tasty egg fried rice!
Pro Tips
- For the best results, use day-old rice as it’s drier and less likely to clump together. This will help achieve a perfect stir-fry texture.
Storage and Reheating
Egg fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, try to cool the fried rice quickly to prevent bacteria growth. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it, which is possible for up to a month. Subdivide the rice into smaller portions to make reheating more manageable.
To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. For a microwave, place the rice in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until heated through. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to the pan and cover it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to revive the texture.
Keep in mind that reheating may alter the consistency slightly, making it a bit drier. A quick toss of soy sauce or a drizzle of oil while reheating can help regain some moisture and enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your egg fried rice in a bowl or on a plate, garnished with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal. You can complement this dish with a side of your favorite protein; grilled chicken or steamed dumplings pair particularly well, creating a more rounded meal that satisfies the appetite.
For an added kick, consider offering some chili sauce or sriracha on the side, allowing everyone to tailor the heat level to their liking. Alternatively, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten flavors and add a fresh twist to the dish.
If you want a complete one-pan meal, consider adding a simple soup to the table, such as miso or a light vegetable broth. This combination not only balances flavors but also enhances the dining experience by presenting varied textures and temperatures.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use raw rice?
No, it's best to use cooked rice that's chilled, ideally from the day before.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or any other leftover vegetables you have on hand.
→ How do I make it vegetarian?
Simply omit the eggs and add tofu or additional vegetables for protein.
→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a delicious meal in a hurry. It's amazing how, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can have a satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table. The best part is that I can customize it with leftover vegetables or proteins I have on hand. This recipe is a fantastic go-to for busy evenings or when I'm craving comfort food without the fuss.
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Gather all the ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking process.
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the eggs to the pan and scramble them until cooked, about 1-2 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
Add the cooked rice to the pan, followed by the soy sauce, and mix everything thoroughly.
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan along with the green onions, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, and enjoy your quick and tasty egg fried rice!
Extra Tips
- For the best results, use day-old rice as it’s drier and less likely to clump together. This will help achieve a perfect stir-fry texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g