Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Weeknight Wonders
I love a meal that can be whipped up in a flash, and this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice is one of my go-to recipes for busy nights. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; I often use leftover rice and whatever veggies I have on hand. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for nights when you crave something delicious but don’t have much time to cook!
When I first experimented with this egg fried rice recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. On busy weekdays, it’s a lifesaver that satisfies my hunger without demanding hours in the kitchen. I personally believe the secret to the best fried rice is using cold, leftover rice since it helps avoid clumping and achieves that perfect texture.
Through my culinary journey, I’ve found that adding a splash of soy sauce at the end elevates the dish immensely. It brings all the ingredients together and adds a beautiful color. To make it a bit more nutritious, I love throwing in a handful of frozen peas or diced carrots, which not only boost the nutrition but also make the dish pop with color and freshness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time means less stress during busy evenings.
- Versatility lets you use what you have at home.
- Packed with flavor despite being minimalistic.
Getting the Right Texture
The key to achieving the ideal texture in your egg fried rice is using cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice may clump together, making it difficult to achieve that delightful fluffy quality. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet for about 20-30 minutes to cool and dry slightly before using it in the stir-fry. This helps to improve the separation of grains during cooking.
When stir-frying the rice, ensure your pan or wok is preheated properly over medium-high heat. This allows the rice to heat through evenly while developing a slight, light crispness around the edges. You should aim to see the rice start to glisten and become heated through without turning mushy. Stirring constantly prevents the rice from burning and ensures even cooking.
Vegetable Variations
One of the greatest aspects of this egg fried rice recipe is its adaptability. You can incorporate a variety of vegetables based on your preferences or whatever is in your fridge. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas can enhance both the nutrition and flavor profile of your dish. Just be sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking, adding them to the pan with the rice for the best results.
For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding aromatics such as minced garlic or ginger when stir-frying the vegetables. Sautéing these ingredients for a minute or two before adding the rice and veggies will infuse the oil and impart a pleasant fragrance, creating a more complex and enjoyable taste experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your egg fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple; just add a splash of water to the container before microwaving, covering it to create steam. Heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Freezing leftover fried rice is also an option, allowing you to enjoy it later. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, pressing out excess air before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the reheating tips above. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after freezing, but it will still taste great!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk them until well-combined. Set aside your cold, cooked rice and ensure any mixed vegetables are ready to go.
Cook the Eggs
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently, until scrambled and set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Rice
In the same pan, add the cold rice along with the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until heated through.
Combine and Season
Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan with the rice. Pour the soy sauce over the top and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the chopped green onion. Cook for an additional minute to combine.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and quick egg fried rice!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding some chili flakes or a dash of sesame oil for flavor. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preference or what’s available in your fridge.
Egg Cooking Tips
When scrambling the eggs, it's important to cook them just until they are softly set; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Stir gently using a spatula, allowing them to remain slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook when combined with the hot rice. Aim for a tender and creamy consistency; this will enhance the overall texture of your dish.
To elevate the richness, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the eggs while cooking. This will add depth and a subtle nutty flavor to your fried rice, enhancing its overall appeal. Be cautious with the amount, as a little goes a long way in terms of adding flavor.
Scaling the Recipe
If you're looking to make a larger batch of egg fried rice, simply scale the ingredients proportionally. Maintain the 1:1 ratio of wet and dry ingredients, such as soy sauce to rice. It's best to utilize a larger skillet or wok to ensure even cooking, allowing each grain of rice to heat properly and receive flavor from the seasonings.
As a quick reference, each additional cup of cooked rice typically adds one more egg and an extra half tablespoon of soy sauce. However, feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences—if you love a saltier profile, you might add a touch more soy sauce but balance it with additional vegetables.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use uncooked rice for this recipe?
No, it’s best to use pre-cooked and chilled rice for the right texture.
→ What types of vegetables can I add?
You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and stir-fry when you’re ready.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love a meal that can be whipped up in a flash, and this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice is one of my go-to recipes for busy nights. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; I often use leftover rice and whatever veggies I have on hand. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for nights when you crave something delicious but don’t have much time to cook!
Created by: Lacey Montgomery
Recipe Type: Weeknight Wonders
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk them until well-combined. Set aside your cold, cooked rice and ensure any mixed vegetables are ready to go.
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently, until scrambled and set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the cold rice along with the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until heated through.
Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan with the rice. Pour the soy sauce over the top and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the chopped green onion. Cook for an additional minute to combine.
Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious and quick egg fried rice!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding some chili flakes or a dash of sesame oil for flavor. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preference or what’s available in your fridge.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g