Nothing beats the comforting, satisfying charm of homemade egg fried rice. This Egg Fried Rice Recipe is a delightful blend of fluffy scrambled eggs, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned jasmine rice, all tossed together in a hot wok to create a dish that is quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re fixing a speedy weeknight dinner or craving a simple yet flavorful lunch, this recipe brings together an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that feels both familiar and exciting every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Egg Fried Rice Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand, yet each plays its unique role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the eggs that add richness to the fresh vegetables that contribute crunch and brightness, each component is essential for that classic fried rice magic.
- 4 large eggs: The star protein that adds creaminess and a lovely golden hue.
- 3 tablespoons peanut, vegetable, or olive oil, divided: Essential for high-heat cooking and to ensure everything fries up beautifully without sticking.
- 1 cup diced onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups diced mixed vegetables (bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, etc.): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, crisp bite.
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions, white and green parts divided: The whites flavor the dish during cooking, while the greens add a bright, fresh garnish.
- Pinch of salt: Essential for enhancing flavor throughout.
- 4 cups cooked overnight jasmine rice: Using rice that’s been refrigerated ensures the perfect texture that won’t clump together.
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Adds deep umami and savory richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder: Provides a subtle, warm spice note that elevates the flavor profile.
- Dash of ground white pepper (optional): For a gentle heat and extra dimension.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: The final fragrant touch that gives the dish its signature nutty aroma.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Scramble the Eggs
Begin by cracking your eggs into a small bowl and giving them a good whisk. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; once hot, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently for about a minute until just cooked through but still tender. Transfer these fluffy eggs onto a plate and turn off the heat – this keeps them moist and ready for mixing later.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
Next, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to a hot wok or large skillet over high heat. Toss in the diced onions and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, letting their natural sweetness bloom. Then, add your mixed vegetables along with the white parts of the scallions, cooking for about 2 minutes until everything just begins to soften. A pinch of salt here enhances the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Stir-Fry
Time to add your cooked jasmine rice straight from the fridge. Toss it into the wok and stir-fry for several minutes. Use the back of your spatula to break apart any stubborn clumps so each grain remains distinct and fluffy. The secret to great fried rice is rice that’s dry and separate, making it perfect for this step.
Step 4: Season and Combine
Now comes the moment to bring all your flavors together. Pour in the soy sauce, sprinkle the five-spice powder and a dash of white pepper if you like a touch of heat. Add the toasted sesame oil and stir everything vigorously to coat the rice and veggies evenly. Finally, fold in those scrambled eggs gently so they mix through without breaking down. This layer of texture and richness is what makes this Egg Fried Rice Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your stir-fry with the green parts of the scallions for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and fragrant. You’ll find this dish hits all the right spots – savory, a little sweet, and delightfully aromatic.
How to Serve Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your egg fried rice, sprinkle extra sliced scallions or finely chopped cilantro on top. A few toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can add that extra flair, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This egg fried rice shines as a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu for added protein. A simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy can add refreshing contrast to this rich, hearty dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Egg Fried Rice Recipe in hollowed pineapple halves for an exotic touch, or mold it into compact shapes using a small bowl or ring mold for a restaurant-style presentation that’ll impress your guests at any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your egg fried rice, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools quickly before storing to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this rice freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month for a convenient, ready-to-reheat meal that still tastes fantastic.
Reheating
Reheating is best done in a hot skillet or wok to revive that fresh fry texture. Add a splash of water or oil to loosen any clumps, and heat until steaming hot. Microwave reheating works too when in a pinch, but won’t replicate that perfect stir-fried texture.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of overnight rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which makes it clump and turn mushy in fried rice. Cooling the rice overnight helps dry it out and results in the fluffy, separate grains you want for this recipe.
What vegetables work best in egg fried rice?
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, peas, and corn all work beautifully. The key is to use diced vegetables that cook quickly and maintain a little crunch for texture.
Is this Egg Fried Rice Recipe gluten-free?
The rice itself is naturally gluten-free, but to keep the entire dish gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of regular soy sauce. This simple swap makes it safe and just as tasty.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace the eggs with crumbled tofu or omit them entirely and boost the dish’s flavor by adding more vegetables and a splash of mushroom soy sauce or liquid smoke for richness.
What’s the best oil to use for frying the rice?
Peanut oil is a classic choice due to its high smoke point and mild flavor, but vegetable or olive oil works well too. Toasted sesame oil should be reserved for finishing to preserve its delicate aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about a well-made Egg Fried Rice Recipe — quick to prepare, made with simple ingredients, and packed with flavor and texture in every bite. It’s a true kitchen staple that brings comfort and joy with each mouthful. Give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your own favorites to whip up whenever you’re craving that perfect combination of easy and delicious!
Print
Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy and flavorful egg fried rice recipe features fluffy scrambled eggs, mixed vegetables, and jasmine rice seasoned with soy sauce and aromatic five-spice powder. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious side dish, this classic stir-fry packs in vibrant colors and savory flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
Oils
- 3 tablespoons peanut, vegetable, or olive oil, divided
- 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups diced mixed vegetables (bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, etc.)
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions, white and green parts divided
Seasonings & Sauces
- Pinch of salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari if gluten free)
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- Dash of ground white pepper (optional)
Carbohydrates
- 4 cups cooked overnight jasmine rice
Instructions
- Beat the eggs: Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat them together thoroughly until well mixed.
- Scramble eggs in skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble for about 1 minute until just set. Transfer the eggs to a dish and turn off the heat.
- Sauté onions and vegetables: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes until they soften. Add the mixed vegetables and the white parts of the scallions, continuing to cook and stir for 2 more minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.
- Heat the rice: Add the cooked jasmine rice to the wok and stir-fry for several minutes, breaking apart any clumps with the back of your spatula, until the rice is heated through evenly.
- Season and combine: Stir in the soy sauce, five-spice powder, optional white pepper, and toasted sesame oil, mixing well to distribute the flavors. Return the scrambled eggs to the wok and gently fold them into the rice mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the remaining green parts of the scallions over the top. Serve the egg fried rice immediately while hot.
Notes
- Note 1: Use peanut, vegetable, or olive oil depending on your preference or availability.
- Note 2: A small onion is roughly 1 cup diced; adjust as needed.
- Note 3: Use any combination of mixed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini for color and nutrition.
- Note 4: Separate white and green parts of scallions for cooking and garnish purposes.
- Note 5: Using overnight cooked jasmine rice helps achieve the best fried rice texture because it’s drier and less sticky.
- Note 6: Adjust soy sauce amount depending on your desired saltiness.
