Whip up a flavorful and filling meal in just a couple of minutes with our Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe! Quick to prepare, deliciously easy, fluffy rice perfectly paired with scrambled eggs and bright vegetables equals bliss. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a good leftover option, it’s a family favorite both nutritionally sound and budget-friendly!

What do we need?

Use long grain rice whenever possible. Basmati rice does almost as well, but brown rice is a good substitute and long grain white remains the first choice.

MSG – or monosodium glutamate – has also been the subject of much debate over the years.

MSG is a naturally occurring flavor enhancer in some foods, but I am referring to that product which looks like fine, elongated salt crystals. It often gets blamed for the varieties of Chinese food and partially explains that wonderful taste in dishes.

There have been so many studies on MSG, so if you have any concerns, it will not hurt to do your own homework.

In my personal experience, we always kept a packet of MSG in the pantry. We were growing up. My dad very often added it to fried rice, and I’ve prepared fried rice countless times both with and without it. Personally, I don’t have any problems with MSG although I seldom use it.

Why is that? Well, we are nowhere near good Asian grocery stores here, and I don’t think fried rice needs it anyway. I season mine with salt, garlic salt, and soy sauce for that umami depth of flavor. It’s also worth noting that a little garlic salt and soy sauce can be high in MSG; mine fortunately does not contain any, at least that brands do not. I don’t keep up with those things at the stores, though.

🔪 How To Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Sauté the chopped onion using a small quantity of oil in the wok, then add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Introduce the rice, increase the heat to high, and drizzle in a little touch of sesame oil. Toss everything together very well with a spatula. It is always better to do this using a spatula because it helps lift the rice and also mixes it without cracking the grains-as you would do if you were using a spoon.

Once the rice is warmed through, push it to one side of the pan. Crack in two eggs. Cook the eggs in the hot pan, stirring in a splash of soy sauce, and then mix the eggs with the rice.

More soy sauce, a pinch of salt, garlic salt, and a splash of lemon juice add nice flavorings. Toss everything together once more, and voilà! Serve and enjoy!

ingredient swaps:

One can also add in green bell peppers, peas, chopped mushrooms, or carrots for a splash of color and crunch.

Add some shredded cooked chicken and you have savory Chicken Fried Rice. Or simply use up leftover roast meat from last night’s dinner.

As Julia Child once said, “Cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy,” so use what you have on hand and make it your masterpiece!

How to scale up and scale down this recipe

The recipe easily doubles or halves, and you maintain the same balance between the ingredients. It would be better to double a lot because you will need a bigger wok for this, as well as slightly more time to heat the rice inside the wok perfectly. Just remember that it requires more frequent stirring, so you will prevent overcooking the side with rice.

TIPS For Egg Fried Rice

Use leftover rice, that’s been refrigerated overnight. This is your best friend to give you great texture. It’s less sticky and fluffier when fried.

Prepare your veggies: Prepare all your vegetables a little before cooking time. This helps the cooking process go smoothly and ensures even cooking.

High Heat: Cook in high heat for a smoky crisp flavor and to keep the rice from getting mushy. Your wok or pan should be hot before putting all the ingredients into it.

Avoid Overcrowding: If you have large quantities, cook in batches. This overcrowds and steams instead of frying.

Season Gradually: Add in your soy sauce and other seasonings gradually. It’s easy to add, but it’s really hard to take out once it’s added.

Experiment with Add-Ins: Add in different kinds of proteins such as shrimp and tofu, or other vegetables you’d like such as corn, zucchini, or green onions-whatever floats your boat.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped green onions or cilantro added to the dish right before its presentation will give the dish a burst of flavor and colors.

Toss with Spatula: While it is generally not suggested to toss rice, because using a spatula instead of a spoon always manages to toss without breaking grains, it stands as a far better texture.

Add some Flavor Splash: Sprinkle a dash of sesame oil or finish with a little oyster sauce at the end.

Serve Immediately: Fried rice tastes best when served freshly made. Therefore, it is best to serve immediately once cooked.

FAQs For Fried Rice

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice; however, it might change the cooking time and texture. The rice has to be well cooked and allowed to cool before using it.

What vegetables can I add to fried rice?
Add your favorite vegetables: peas, bell peppers, carrots, corn, mushrooms, or green onions-its’ up to you to decide what is readily available.

How do you avoid mushy rice?
To avoid mushy rice, you’ll want to use day-old or leftover rice that’s chilled in the refrigerator. Freshly cooked rice is often too soft and sticky.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the eggs, and you may use tofu or additional vegetables to have a good vegetarian version of fried rice.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, then you may use vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil that you prefer. Nonetheless, sesame oil has a different flavor that gives your dish a different taste.

Can I add protein to my fried rice?
Oh yes! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any leftover meat for more filling and nutritious goodness.

How long can you keep leftover fried rice in the refrigerator?
Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Remember to reheat until it’s hot before serving.

Can I freeze fried rice?
You can freeze fried rice! Cool it down completely and refrigerate it in a container that’s safe to the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to eat.

What do I serve with fried rice?
Fried rice is very versatile-it can be served with so many different dishes, from stir-fried vegetables and grilled chicken to egg rolls. You can eat it alone, too!.

What can I add to my fried rice so that it tastes more delicious?
Some suggestions for extra flavour could be soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic salt, ginger, or fresh herbs such as cilantro and green onions added right just before serving.