The Best Egg Fried Rice Recipe That’s Ready in a Flash

Whipping up a delectable egg fried rice can turn an ordinary meal into a spectacular culinary adventure.

Aromatic grains dance with golden scrambled eggs, creating a symphony of flavors that instantly comfort and delight.

My kitchen often buzzes with excitement when I start this simple yet magical dish.

Fragrant jasmine rice provides the perfect canvas for crispy vegetable bits and savory seasonings.

Street food inspiration meets home cooking magic in this classic Asian-inspired plate.

Fluffy eggs and perfectly seasoned rice promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

One taste and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide.

Why Egg Fried Rice Is A Quick Favorite

• Customize Your Protein: Swap between chicken, shrimp, or skip protein entirely for a flexible meal that adapts to your preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein, vegetables, and grains, this fried rice delivers a balanced one-pan dinner that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs in minutes.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple techniques like sautéing and stir-frying make this recipe perfect for home cooks learning culinary skills, with minimal technical expertise required.
• Waste-Reducing Wonder: Transform leftover rice and random vegetables into a delicious meal, reducing food waste and saving money with smart kitchen creativity.

Ingredients For Egg Fried Rice You’ll Need

• Chicken or Shrimp: A protein choice that adds delicious flavor and substance to the fried rice.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Ingredients that provide a sharp and fresh flavor profile to enhance the dish.

• Cooked Rice: The foundational ingredient that creates the classic texture and bulk of fried rice.

• Mixed Vegetables: A colorful and nutritious component that adds variety and freshness to the dish.

• Eggs: A protein that helps bind ingredients and adds rich texture to the fried rice.
• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Black Pepper: Seasonings that provide depth, umami, and a subtle kick of flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

Simple Instructions For Egg Fried Rice

Step 1: Chop and Prep Ingredients

Get ready by dicing your protein choice (chicken or shrimp), mince the garlic super fine, and slice green onions into delicate pieces.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs Perfectly

Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk them until they become smooth and slightly bubbly, creating a silky base for your fried rice.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, watching for a subtle shimmer that signals it’s ready for cooking.

Step 4: Sear the Protein

Quickly cook your protein until it turns golden and is almost completely done, which takes about 2-3 minutes for a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Unleash Garlic Flavor

Toss in minced garlic and stir rapidly to prevent burning, releasing its incredible aromatic punch for roughly 30 seconds.

Step 6: Add Colorful Vegetables

Introduce mixed vegetables and keep stirring for 1-2 minutes until they become tender and bright with vibrant colors.

Step 7: Create Egg Space

Shift ingredients to one side of the pan, making room for egg magic to happen.

Step 8: Scramble Eggs Beautifully

Pour whisked eggs into the cleared space, letting them set slightly before scrambling and blending with other ingredients.

Step 9: Incorporate Rice

Add cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any stubborn clumps and spreading it evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 10: Season with Flair

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then sprinkle black pepper for an extra flavor kick.

Step 11: Stir-Fry to Perfection

Combine everything together, ensuring each rice grain gets coated and heated thoroughly for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh green onions on top, and serve immediately while steaming hot and incredibly delicious.

Tips To Make Egg Fried Rice Extra Flavorful

• Prevent Rice Clumping: Break up cold rice thoroughly before adding to the wok to ensure each grain gets perfectly coated with flavors and seasonings.
• Maximize Wok Heat: Use high heat to achieve that classic restaurant-style fried rice with slightly crispy edges and rich, caramelized taste.
• Quick Protein Cooking: Sauté chicken or shrimp separately and briefly to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking, which can make the protein tough and dry.
• Balance Seasoning Layers: Add soy sauce and sesame oil gradually, tasting as you go to control saltiness and create a harmonious flavor profile.
• Elevate Texture: Let eggs set slightly before scrambling to create delicate, soft egg pieces that distribute evenly throughout the fried rice.

Tasty Add-Ins For Egg Fried Rice

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken or shrimp with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan cubes for a plant-based protein-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to increase heat and complexity of flavor profile.

What To Eat With Egg Fried Rice

• Pair Zesty Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light, fresh flavors of fried rice, cutting through its rich, savory profile.
• Serve Refreshing Asian-inspired Cocktail: Mix a lychee martini or ginger-infused sake to enhance the dish's umami notes and provide a cooling counterpoint to the warm, spicy elements.
• Match Robust Green Tea: Choose a high-quality sencha or genmaicha to balance the fried rice's saltiness and provide a clean, subtle backdrop that elevates the overall dining experience.
• Complement Craft Beer Pairing: Select a light Japanese lager like Sapporo or a wheat beer to cleanse the palate and harmonize with the dish's complex flavor layers.

How To Store Egg Fried Rice Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer fried rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keeps well for up to 1 month.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat, add leftover rice, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated completely. This method helps restore the crispy texture.

Egg Fried Rice FAQ Roundup

• Is this fried rice authentic?

This recipe follows a traditional Chinese stir-fry technique, using essential ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and the key technique of high-heat wok cooking to create genuine flavor profiles.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken or shrimp and replace with tofu or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or edamame for protein and texture.

• What type of rice works best?

Day-old, cold rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, which prevents mushy fried rice and helps achieve perfect individual grain separation during cooking.

Egg Fried Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Sizzling woks and Asian culinary magic blend perfectly in this classic egg fried rice recipe. Fragrant rice, golden eggs, and crisp vegetables create a comforting meal that transports you straight to bustling street markets of China.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

protein additions:

• 1/2 cup diced chicken or shrimp (optional)

seasonings and aromatics:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped

cooking ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken or shrimp (if using), mincing garlic, and chopping green onions into fine pieces.
2. Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk thoroughly until well blended and slightly frothy.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
4. If using protein, quickly sauté chicken or shrimp until golden and nearly cooked through, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir rapidly to prevent burning, releasing its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds.
6. Introduce mixed vegetables and continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until they become tender and vibrant.
7. Push ingredients to one side of the pan, creating an empty space for the eggs.
8. Pour whisked eggs into the cleared area and allow them to set slightly before scrambling and integrating with other ingredients.
9. Add cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps and ensuring even distribution.
10. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then sprinkle black pepper.
11. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring each grain is coated and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
12. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh green onions, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for day-old cold rice to prevent mushy texture and ensure each grain separates perfectly during stir-frying.
• Maximize flavor by using high heat and a well-seasoned wok or non-stick skillet for authentic restaurant-style crispy edges.
• Customize protein options by swapping chicken or shrimp with tofu, beef, or keeping it vegetarian for diverse dietary needs.
• Experiment with additional seasonings like chili sauce, oyster sauce, or white pepper to elevate the traditional egg fried rice flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 210mg