Looking for a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a tasty way to use up leftover rice? Look no further than this delicious Egg Fried Rice recipe. It’s a customizable dish that allows you to add your favorite veggies and proteins for a personalized touch.
Egg Fried Rice is a staple in many Asian cuisines, offering a balance of textures and flavors that make it a favorite among both kids and adults. It’s a versatile dish that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute meals.
Why You’ll Love This Egg Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or add extra veggies for a nutritious boost.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizes simple pantry staples and leftover rice, making it a cost-effective meal option.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of savory ingredients and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both familiar and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice: Preferably day-old rice for best results.
- 3 large eggs: Lightly beaten and seasoned with salt.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Optional, for added depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking and adding richness to the rice.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots: Thawed and ready to add color and crunch.
- 2 green onions: Chopped for a mild onion flavor.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced for a fragrant base.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger: Minced (optional) for a hint of warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly. Day-old rice works best as it’s less sticky. Beat the eggs and season with salt.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add more vegetable oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions until fragrant. Stir in peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice. Stir-fry for a few minutes, breaking up clumps and heating the rice evenly.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the rice. Mix well to coat the rice. Add the scrambled eggs back to the skillet, breaking them into smaller pieces.
Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with more green onions and serve hot.
Storage Options
Leftover Egg Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may suffer.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein punch.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of chili paste or Sriracha for some heat.
- Vegan Option: Use scrambled tofu in place of eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
What to Serve With Egg Fried Rice
- Asian Stir-Fry: Pair it with a quick vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light and soothing soup that complements the rich flavors of the fried rice.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies and served with a dipping sauce.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side dish to balance out the savory flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice ?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but the texture may be slightly different. - Is it necessary to use day-old rice ?
Day-old rice works best as it’s drier and less sticky, but freshly cooked rice can be used with some modifications. - Can I make Egg Fried Rice ahead of time ?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and quickly assemble when ready to eat. - How can I add more vegetables to this dish ?
Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
After making this Egg Fried Rice, you can expect a comforting and flavorful dish that satisfies your cravings for Asian-inspired cuisine. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the subtle richness of the eggs complementing the savory rice perfectly. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, this Egg Fried Rice is sure to become a family favorite.
Egg Fried Rice
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
Cooked Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice preferably day-old
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten and seasoned with salt
- 2 tbsp soy sauce use tamari for GF option
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger minced
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: spread cooked rice to cool, beat eggs with salt.
- Cook the eggs: scramble in oil until set, then set aside.
- Sauté veggies: garlic, ginger, green onions, peas, and carrots.
- Add the rice: stir-fry, then season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Combine with eggs: add scrambled eggs, mix, season with salt and pepper, and serve.