Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Easy Cooking Essentials
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice whenever I need a delicious meal in a hurry. It's amazing how just a few simple ingredients can transform into such a satisfying dish. The fluffy eggs and vibrant veggies meld perfectly with the rice, making each bite inviting and full of flavor. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for customization based on what I have on hand. In just ten minutes, I can enjoy a comforting bowl of fried rice that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
Making fried rice has always been a go-to for me when I have leftover rice in the fridge, but I wanted a quick option. This 10-minute version is my favorite because it comes together in no time and uses eggs as the primary protein source. I've discovered that adding a splash of soy sauce near the end of cooking enhances the overall flavor without making it too salty.
Over the years, I've experimented with adding different veggies or proteins, but this basic egg fried rice has become my staple. The key is to cook everything over high heat to get that wonderful 'wok hei' flavor, which truly elevates the dish. I can never get enough of that slight smokiness paired with the tender eggs!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Versatile—easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Deliciously comforting with a perfect balance of flavors
The Role of Rice
For the best texture in your egg fried rice, use leftover rice that has been chilled for a few hours or ideally overnight. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky and clump together, which prevents it from achieving that desirable slightly chewy texture. If you're in a hurry and need to use fresh rice, try to spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to dry out slightly before using it.
The type of rice you use can also affect the final dish. Long-grain rice, like Jasmine, offers a fluffier texture, while short-grain rice is stickier. Using a combination can add interesting dimensions to your fried rice. Moreover, ensure the rice is well-separated by breaking up any clumps with your hands before adding it to the pan to ensure even mixing with the other ingredients.
Customizing Your Dish
One of the best aspects of this egg fried rice recipe is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add a different flair. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables chosen; firmer veggies like carrots may need a minute or two longer to ensure they cook through.
For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If doing so, add them after sautéing the vegetables but before adding the rice to ensure they are heated through. Likewise, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra depth of flavor. These small changes can make your fried rice feel unique and tailored to your tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice can stand alone as a satisfying meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside a protein like grilled chicken or beef stir-fry. A side of spring rolls or dumplings can also elevate your dining experience and add exciting textures and flavors to the table.
If you plan to prepare this dish ahead of time, fried rice stores well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Just make sure to cool it down quickly and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore some moisture, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Have everything ready to go for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare the best egg fried rice.
Heat the Oil
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Scramble the Eggs
Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they're tender.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper, add the chopped green onions, and stir to combine. Serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade fried rice, possibly with some additional soy sauce or chili sauce!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some sesame oil during the cooking process or topping with sliced avocado before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you find your fried rice is a bit too oily, it could be due to using excess oil during cooking. Start with less oil and gradually add more if needed. Properly heating the pan and adding the rice in one layer will allow for even cooking without the need for excessive oil, preventing it from becoming greasy.
Conversely, if the rice becomes dry, you can rejuvenate it by adding a sprinkle of water or additional soy sauce while reheating. This method helps in restoring moisture and the original flavor while bringing back that delightful, glossy appearance.
Freezing and Storage Tips
If you want to make a large batch of egg fried rice, it's excellent for freezing. Allow the rice to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with dates before storing in the freezer, where it can last for up to two months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To protect the texture when reheating, avoid cooking the rice from frozen, as it may become mushy. Instead, defrost it, and then heat it in a preheated skillet, stirring frequently until heated through. Adding a splash of soy sauce or water can help rehydrate the rice during this process.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is easily scalable if you're cooking for a crowd. Simply maintain the same proportions of rice, vegetables, and eggs while ensuring you have enough space in your pan. For larger quantities, you might want to cook in batches to ensure all ingredients are uniformly heated and mixed.
If you decide to increase the number of servings, consider preparing multiple pans simultaneously or using a larger wok. Just make sure to adjust the heat accordingly to avoid crowding the ingredients, which can lead to steaming instead of frying, diminishing the desired texture and flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use day-old rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s less sticky and fries up better.
→ What if I don’t have soy sauce?
You can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a sweeter flavor.
→ Is it possible to add protein?
Yes! You can include diced chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to enhance the dish's protein content.
→ How can I make this vegetarian?
Just omit the eggs and use more vegetables or tofu for extra texture and protein.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice whenever I need a delicious meal in a hurry. It's amazing how just a few simple ingredients can transform into such a satisfying dish. The fluffy eggs and vibrant veggies meld perfectly with the rice, making each bite inviting and full of flavor. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for customization based on what I have on hand. In just ten minutes, I can enjoy a comforting bowl of fried rice that tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Easy Cooking Essentials
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: Serves 2
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they're tender.
Add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together.
Season with salt and pepper, add the chopped green onions, and stir to combine. Serve hot.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some sesame oil during the cooking process or topping with sliced avocado before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g