If you’re hunting for the kind of cozy, craveable comfort food you can whip up in a flash, let me introduce you to Simple Egg Fried Rice. This dish takes humble kitchen staples and transforms them into a satisfying plateful full of flavor, vibrant color, and irresistible aroma. Whether you’re using up leftover rice or tackling a take-out classic at home, Simple Egg Fried Rice is always a crowd-pleaser, ready in just about twenty minutes and endlessly customizable. It’s a must-try for both novice cooks and seasoned food lovers alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Simple Egg Fried Rice lies in just how accessible and unfussy its ingredients are—each one serves an important purpose, creating the perfect balance of richness, texture, and that signature savory taste. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Cooked and chilled white rice (3 cups): Day-old, cold rice guarantees those ideal, separate grains and keeps everything from turning mushy in the pan.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral and high-smoke point, it’s the key to quick stir-frying and gives everything a lovely sheen.
- Large eggs (3, beaten): The star protein, eggs add richness, color, and the classic fluffy bites everyone loves.
- Chopped onion (½ cup): Sweetness and aromatic depth begin with a humble onion, building the savory foundation for this fried rice.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Minced garlic brings an irresistible fragrance and sharp, comforting flavor.
- Frozen peas and carrots (½ cup, thawed): For pops of sweetness and color—plus it’s an easy way to boost the veggie count!
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds salty umami flavor and a deep golden hue that’s signature to Simple Egg Fried Rice.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle for that nutty aroma and unmistakable toasted finish.
- Green onions (2, sliced): A fresh, bright garnish that wakes up the whole dish right before serving.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The last touch to bring every flavor into perfect harmony.
How to Make Simple Egg Fried Rice
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them gently until fully cooked. The eggs should be soft-set and a little fluffy—don’t overcook. Remove the eggs to a plate and set them aside for now. This keeps the eggs tender and highlights their flavor later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to cook them just until the onion is translucent and the garlic is wonderfully aromatic. This builds a savory base for your Simple Egg Fried Rice and fills your kitchen with the best smells.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Now, stir in your peas and carrots. Cook for about 2 minutes, just enough to warm them through and brighten their color. It’s such a simple step, but it turns this dish into a rainbow on your plate while adding sweetness and crunch.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Time for the rice! Add in the cold, day-old rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula so everything heats evenly. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice is piping hot and starts to pick up a bit of color. The separate, slightly chewy grains are what make Simple Egg Fried Rice so satisfying—don’t rush this step.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked eggs to the pan, gently folding them into the rice and veggie mixture. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything well to make sure each grain is coated in savory goodness. Season with a pinch of salt and a few good cracks of pepper to make all the flavors pop. Stir in the fresh green onions just before serving for that signature sprightly finish.
How to Serve Simple Egg Fried Rice
Garnishes
The simplest garnish is sometimes the most classic—an extra scatter of sliced green onions makes this dish look and taste restaurant-worthy. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a light dusting of crushed red pepper adds texture and a gentle kick, if you like a little heat. If you have a bottle of chili oil handy, a tiny drizzle over the top is guaranteed to impress.
Side Dishes
Simple Egg Fried Rice can absolutely shine on its own, but it’s also a fantastic partner alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. Think: steamed dumplings, a bowl of miso soup, or crisp sesame cucumber salad. It’s so versatile that it slips into any meal, whether you’re putting together a weekday lunch or a special takeout-style evening at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try packing your fried rice into a bowl and inverting it onto a plate for that classic dome-shape presentation—kids and adults alike love this! You could also serve it in lettuce cups for a fun appetizer, or top each portion with a fried egg and a scattering of herbs for a hearty brunch feel. However you present it, Simple Egg Fried Rice always delivers big flavor and plenty of smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then scoop the Simple Egg Fried Rice into an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s the perfect lunch for busy weekdays or a quick dinner fallback!
Freezing
If you find yourself with more than you can eat, you can freeze Simple Egg Fried Rice too. Place it in portion-sized containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It’ll keep happily for up to two months—ideal for times you want homemade comfort food without any effort at all!
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze: just pop the rice into a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water (or a drizzle of oil), stir-frying until heated through. The microwave works well too—cover your bowl with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist and fluffy. Give it a quick toss with some fresh green onions just before serving for revived flavor and color.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Simple Egg Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just be aware that its firmer texture means you might need an extra minute of stir-frying to get everything heated through and nicely combined.
Why is day-old rice best for Simple Egg Fried Rice?
Cold, day-old rice loses a bit of moisture overnight, which makes the grains firmer and less sticky. This helps you achieve those perfect, separate grains when stir-frying, instead of ending up with a mushy mess.
Can I add extra protein to this recipe?
Of course! Diced cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even slivers of ham would all be delicious additions. Just toss them in after the vegetables and before adding the rice so everything heats together evenly.
What’s the secret to making restaurant-style Simple Egg Fried Rice at home?
High heat and quick stir-frying are key—this creates that slightly smoky flavor and keeps the rice from steaming. Using chilled, day-old rice and not overcrowding your pan will help you achieve that iconic texture every time.
Is there a way to make Simple Egg Fried Rice gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish safely and deliciously.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Simple Egg Fried Rice at home, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a cheerful, speedy meal that always hits the spot, packed with flavor and adaptable to whatever you’ve got in the fridge. Give it a try—the next time you’ve got leftover rice, you might just find yourself skipping take-out altogether!
Print
Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for Egg Fried Rice that is quick and easy to make. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite protein or vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Add beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Rice: Stir in peas, carrots, and chilled rice. Stir-fry until heated through.
- Combine Ingredients: Return scrambled eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use cold, day-old rice.
- Customize with cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
