Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Speedy Comfort Meals
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a satisfying meal in no time. It’s one of those dishes that not only cooks quickly but is also a great way to use up leftover rice. With just a few ingredients, I can create a flavorful dish that’s ready before I know it. Whether I’m in a hurry or just craving something delicious, this recipe has become my go-to for those busy days.
Creating this Egg Fried Rice has been such a delightful experience for me. I remember my first attempt; I hurriedly tossed together some vegetables and eggs, and the result was surprisingly good! The simplicity of using leftover rice makes it an ideal meal on busy days, and the vibrant colors make it appealing. One trick I’ve learned is to ensure my pan is hot enough to give the rice a beautiful texture.
Over time, I’ve experimented with various vegetables and spices, and each time it’s turned out wonderfully. The key is to keep the rice moving in the pan to avoid clumping. I often add a dash of soy sauce for that lovely umami flavor that elevates this dish to something special. It’s truly satisfying knowing I can create a hearty meal in just ten minutes!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Perfectly fluffy rice coated in a glossy soy sauce glaze
- Quick and simple – ready in just 10 minutes
- Versatile to customize with your favorite vegetables
Perfecting Your Fried Rice Technique
The key to achieving that ideal texture in egg fried rice lies in the type of rice you use. Day-old rice is best because it is drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, preventing clumping during stir-frying. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool completely for about 30 minutes before using it. This ensures that the grains are separate and can fry evenly.
When cooking the rice, make sure to use a large skillet or wok for a better stir-frying experience. A spacious pan allows the rice to be spread out, giving it a chance to fry properly without steaming. Keep the heat at medium-high when stir-frying to obtain that slight caramelization, which adds depth to the flavors.
Customizing Your Egg Fried Rice
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily incorporate your favorite vegetables beyond peas and carrots. For instance, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be great additions. Just ensure they're chopped into small, bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and evenly. This way, you can enjoy a colorful and nutritious dish tailor-made to your taste preferences.
If you're looking to make this dish a little more filling, consider adding a protein source like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply stir-fry the protein in the skillet first, remove it, and then follow the original steps. Not only will it boost the dish's heartiness, but it also offers an additional layer of flavor that complements the rice perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store the egg fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce to the skillet to help reintroduce moisture, heating it over medium-low while stirring periodically. This prevents the rice from drying out and keeps it flavorful. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried rice in portion-sized containers. It's best to cool it completely before freezing to avoid icy clumps. It will stay good in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat frozen fried rice, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it using the previous methods for optimal texture.
Ingredients
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to prepare all your ingredients before starting the cooking process for a smooth experience.
Steps to Make Egg Fried Rice
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Scramble the Eggs
Add the eggs to the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Rice
In the same skillet, add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add Vegetables and Soy Sauce
Stir in the peas and carrots, then pour the soy sauce over the rice. Mix well to combine.
Combine Everything
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Serve your egg fried rice immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips
- Using cold, day-old rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of sesame oil right before serving.
Enhancing Flavors
To elevate the flavors in your egg fried rice, you can experiment with various sauces and seasonings. Beyond soy sauce, adding a splash of oyster sauce or sesame oil during the stir-fry can contribute a wonderful umami depth. I also enjoy adding a pinch of white pepper or a drizzle of chili oil to spice things up, depending on my mood or the preferences of my guests.
Remember that salt in soy sauce can vary significantly among brands, so be cautious when seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Always taste as you go, making adjustments based on your personal flavor profile.
Cooking for a Crowd
If you're planning to serve a larger group, this recipe can easily be scaled up. Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed. However, when cooking in larger quantities, it’s essential to work in batches to maintain the quality. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy rice instead of the desired texture.
When batch cooking, keep the unfinished portion warm in an oven set to 200°F (about 93°C) while you finish frying the rest. Just place the fried rice in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?
Yes, but make sure to cool the fresh rice spread out on a tray to avoid clumping before using it in the recipe.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or corn, depending on what you have available.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe contains soy sauce, which is not gluten-free. You can substitute it with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
→ Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the eggs or substitute with tofu for protein.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a satisfying meal in no time. It’s one of those dishes that not only cooks quickly but is also a great way to use up leftover rice. With just a few ingredients, I can create a flavorful dish that’s ready before I know it. Whether I’m in a hurry or just craving something delicious, this recipe has become my go-to for those busy days.
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Speedy Comfort Meals
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the eggs to the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Stir in the peas and carrots, then pour the soy sauce over the rice. Mix well to combine.
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Extra Tips
- Using cold, day-old rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy. For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of sesame oil right before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g