Egg Fried Rice is a beloved dish that brings comfort and joy to many tables around the world. This simple yet flavorful recipe has its roots in Chinese cuisine, where it was traditionally created as a way to use up leftover rice. Over the years, Egg Fried Rice has evolved into a staple in various cultures, each adding its unique twist to the dish. I absolutely adore this recipe for its delightful combination of fluffy eggs, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all tossed together in a savory sauce. Not only is Egg Fried Rice incredibly delicious, but its also a quick and convenient meal that can be whipped up in no time, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. Whether youre serving it as a side or a main dish, Egg Fried Rice is sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds for garnish
Preparing the Ingredients
1. **Cook the Rice**: If you haven’t done so already, cook your rice according to package instructions. For the best fried rice, it’s ideal to use rice that has been cooked and cooled, preferably left in the fridge overnight. This helps to dry out the rice grains, preventing them from becoming mushy when fried. 2. **Chop the Vegetables**: While the rice is cooling, chop your mixed vegetables into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. If you’re using frozen vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them; they can go straight into the pan. 3. **Prepare the Eggs**: Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. You can add a pinch of salt to the eggs for extra flavor. 4. **Mince the Garlic**: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. This will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to your fried rice. 5. **Chop the Green Onions**: Slice the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops. The white parts will be added first for flavor, while the green tops will be used as a garnish.Cooking Process
6. **Heat the Oil**: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. If youre using sesame oil, you can mix it with the vegetable oil for a richer flavor. 7. **Sauté the Garlic and Onions**: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. 8. **Add the Mixed Vegetables**: Toss in your chopped mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. If you’re using frozen vegetables, they may take a minute longer to cook through. 9. **Scramble the Eggs**: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side and let them sit for a few seconds. Then, gently scramble the eggs with a spatula until they are fully cooked. Once done, mix the eggs with the vegetables. 10. **Add the Rice**: Now its time to add the cooked rice. Break up any clumps with your hands or a spatula before adding it to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is well mixed with the vegetables and eggs. 11. **Season the Rice**: Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure that the rice is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes at this stage. 12. **Fry the Rice**: Continue to stir-fry the rice for another 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to fry the rice, giving it a nice texture and flavor. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the pan.Assembling the Dish
13. **Add the Green Onion Tops**: Once the rice is heated through and has a nice golden color, add the green tops of the onions. Stir them in for a fresh burst of flavor. 14. **Garnish and Serve**: If youre using sesame seeds, sprinkle them over the top for added crunch and flavor. Serve the egg fried rice hot, either as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Asian-inspired meal. 15. **Enjoy Your Creation**: Take a moment to admire your delicious egg fried rice. Its not just a meal; its a labor of love! Grab a fork or chopsticks and dig in. You can also pair it with some soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for extra flavor.Tips for Perfect Egg Fried Rice
– **Use Day-Old Rice**: As mentioned earlier, using rice that has been cooked and cooled is
Conclusion:
In summary, this Egg Fried Rice recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to whip up a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. The combination of fluffy rice, perfectly scrambled eggs, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or even throw in some extra veggies for a nutritious boost. I love serving this dish with a side of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. Its also fantastic as a base for a stir-fry or as a side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals. I encourage you to give this Egg Fried Rice recipe a try! Its perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience. Did you add any special ingredients or make any variations? Share your thoughts and photos with me, and lets celebrate the joy of cooking together! Happy frying! Print
Egg Fried Rice: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Description
This Egg Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish made with day-old rice, mixed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. It’s perfect as a main course or side, making it an ideal way to use up leftovers while delivering a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, preferably using day-old rice that has been cooled in the fridge overnight.
- Chop the mixed vegetables into small, uniform pieces.
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until fully combined, adding a pinch of salt.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Slice the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, pour the whisked eggs into the empty side, and scramble until fully cooked, then mix with the vegetables.
- Break up any clumps of rice and add it to the skillet, stirring everything together until well mixed.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir well, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Continue to stir-fry the rice for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring it gets a nice texture and flavor.
- Stir in the green tops of the onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
- If using sesame seeds, sprinkle them over the top and serve hot as a main dish or side.
- Take a moment to admire your delicious egg fried rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Using day-old rice is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- For added heat, consider incorporating chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes