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Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is a quick, comforting, and versatile dish made with day-old rice, eggs, and simple seasonings. Ready in under 20 minutes, this flavorful and fluffy fried rice recipe transforms leftovers into a satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. With minimal ingredients, one-pan cooking, and easy variations, it’s ideal for busy days and suits a variety of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled day-old rice)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your rice is cold and separated, preferably cooked at least a day in advance for perfect frying texture. Lightly beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, finely chop the green onions, and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat the Pan and Cook Eggs: Warm a generous tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and stir gently until they’re just set but still soft and fluffy. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Rice: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, then quickly sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry the rice thoroughly so it heats evenly and starts to get a bit golden.
  4. Combine Eggs and Seasonings: Return the cooked eggs to the rice, mixing gently but thoroughly. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring continuously to distribute the flavors and coat every grain.
  5. Finish with Green Onions and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the rice, give it one final toss, and immediately remove it from the heat to keep the freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly fluffy Egg Fried Rice!

Notes

  • Use day-old rice for better texture and less clumping.
  • Cook on high heat to achieve lightly toasted rice flavor without steaming.
  • Do not overload the pan; fry in batches if necessary to prevent sogginess.
  • Scramble eggs separately to keep them tender and prevent overcooking.
  • Add soy sauce gradually to control saltiness and balance flavors.
  • Customize with proteins like diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or add vegetables for variety.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • Reheat on stovetop with a splash of oil or water for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: egg fried rice, quick fried rice, leftover rice recipe, easy fried rice, one-pan meal, gluten free fried rice