Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Quick Kitchen Moments
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm short on time but still want something satisfying. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can transform into a delicious meal in just minutes. This dish is perfect for using up leftover rice and it comes together effortlessly. Trust me, you'll find yourself making this quick recipe time and again, especially on busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner without the fuss.
This egg fried rice recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my college days when I cooked meals for my friends. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity; all you need is leftover rice, eggs, and a few vegetables. I believe that the secret lies in using day-old rice, as it absorbs more flavors.
When I prepare this dish, I often add a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil to elevate the flavors. Make sure to keep the heat high while stirring to achieve that slight char—this adds a delightful texture. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in some protein or spices to make it your own!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and effortless preparation for busy weeknights
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Savory flavors that satisfy everyone's taste buds
Choosing the Right Rice
For the best texture in your Egg Fried Rice, day-old rice is ideal. If you don’t have any leftover rice, you can use freshly cooked rice; just let it cool down on a plate for about 15-20 minutes before using. The key is to ensure the rice grains are separate; you want them fluffy without excess moisture. This prevents clumps during frying, giving you that signature restaurant-style fried rice.
Using short-grain rice will yield a sticky texture, while long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati are preferable for a drier result. Each type brings its own unique flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Experiment with different varieties to find your perfect match!
Customizing Your Fried Rice
This Egg Fried Rice is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative! You can swap the mixed vegetables for others like broccoli, corn, or even green beans. For protein, consider tossing in diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just be mindful of cooking times; add proteins briefly at the end to ensure they’re heated through without overcooking.
Herbs and spices can elevate this dish even further. Adding garlic or ginger when stir-frying the vegetables provides a fragrant base, while a splash of chili sauce or a pinch of sesame seeds can add a kick. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients can be adjusted depending on your preferences or what you have available!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients ahead of time. Make sure your rice is cold, as this helps to prevent it from getting mushy when cooked.
Cook the Eggs
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then crack the eggs into the pan, scrambling them quickly until fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are vibrant and tender.
Combine Everything
Add the cold rice to the skillet with the vegetables, breaking apart any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then fold in the scrambled eggs. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes, making sure the rice is heated through.
Serve
Finish with chopped green onions, along with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
This dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to your favorite protein!
Pro Tips
- To enhance the flavor, feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu into the mix. You can also try different sauces like teriyaki or chili sauce for a unique twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Egg Fried Rice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent it from drying out, add a splash of water when reheating. A microwave works well, but for best results, transfer it to a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you want to make a larger batch, this recipe doubles or even triples well. Just ensure you have a sufficiently large skillet or wok. You can also freeze the fried rice in portions for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it’ll taste just as good as freshly made!
Common Troubleshooting
If your fried rice turns out mushy, it could be due to using freshly cooked rice that hasn’t cooled sufficiently. Always allow the rice to cool and dry slightly before frying. If you find the dish lacks flavor, consider adjusting the soy sauce or adding a bit more sesame oil for richness. A dash of black pepper or additional seasoning can also elevate the taste.
Another common mistake is undercooking the vegetables, which should remain vibrant yet tender. Stir-fry them just until they are bright and cooked through but still have a little crunch. This ensures that your egg fried rice has a harmonious texture throughout, making each bite a delight.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are great! Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the dish for even cooking.
→ What type of rice works best?
Day-old rice is recommended because it's less sticky. However, freshly cooked rice can be used; just cool it down before frying.
→ Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the eggs and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm short on time but still want something satisfying. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can transform into a delicious meal in just minutes. This dish is perfect for using up leftover rice and it comes together effortlessly. Trust me, you'll find yourself making this quick recipe time and again, especially on busy weeknights when you need a hearty dinner without the fuss.
Created by: Ainsley Harper
Recipe Type: Quick Kitchen Moments
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Gather all the ingredients ahead of time. Make sure your rice is cold, as this helps to prevent it from getting mushy when cooked.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then crack the eggs into the pan, scrambling them quickly until fully cooked. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are vibrant and tender.
Add the cold rice to the skillet with the vegetables, breaking apart any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then fold in the scrambled eggs. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes, making sure the rice is heated through.
Finish with chopped green onions, along with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Extra Tips
- To enhance the flavor, feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu into the mix. You can also try different sauces like teriyaki or chili sauce for a unique twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g