I absolutely love sharing this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe because it’s one of those go-to dishes that always comes together quickly and tastes like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did. Whether you’re whipping it up after a long day or need a simple, satisfying meal that hits the spot, this recipe has got your back. It’s especially perfect when you’ve got leftover rice lying around—you know, that day-old rice that’s just waiting for its moment to shine.

When I first tried this, I was amazed at how versatile it is. You can keep it super simple or jazz it up with your favorite veggies or proteins. The balance of flavors from the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil really brings the dish to life, making this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe a family favorite in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples without any stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Simple: You can have this classic dish ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Great for Leftovers: Uses day-old rice to achieve that perfect texture, turning leftovers into a star meal.
  • Customizable: Add or swap veggies and proteins to suit your taste or pantry availability.
  • Delicious Every Time: Balanced seasoning and technique ensure a flavorful, restaurant-quality rice dish at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe plays a role in building its delicious layers of flavor and texture. I always recommend going with day-old long grain rice for the best results, but I’ll share some tricks if you only have fresh rice too.

  • Day-old white rice: Long grain works best to keep the grains separate and avoid mushiness.
  • Large eggs: These provide the rich, fluffy texture and protein punch for the dish.
  • Small yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Frozen peas and carrots: Optional but bring color and a hint of sweetness; thaw before cooking.
  • Shaoxing rice wine: This is optional, but it adds authentic, subtle complexity—if you don’t have it, no worries!
  • Light sodium soy sauce: Controls saltiness without overwhelming your palate.
  • Oyster sauce: Gives a savory umami lift that makes the flavors pop.
  • Toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way to add that nutty aroma at the end.
  • Green onion: Just the green part for fresh garnish and crunch.
  • Toasted sesame seeds: Optional sprinkle that adds a toasty, decorative finish.
  • Cooking oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is. You can keep it ultra-basic or reinvent it every time with a few tweaks — I encourage you to make it your own and have fun with what’s in your fridge.

  • Add-Ins: My family goes crazy when I toss in cooked shrimp or diced chicken for a heartier meal.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap oyster sauce for hoisin or mushroom soy sauce, and add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • Spicy Kick: A splash of chili oil or sriracha is my go-to when I want a little heat.
  • Fresh Rice Trick: If you only have fresh rice, I recommend spreading it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before cooking — this helps keep grains separate.

How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Rice Like a Pro

Break up that day-old rice by gently rubbing it between your hands or shaking it in a plastic bag. You want the grains separated, not clumping together. This step is key to avoid ending up with a mushy fried rice — trust me, it makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat a bit of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and quickly scramble them until just cooked but still soft. Take them out and set aside — this way they don’t overcook later and stay tender and fluffy in the rice.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

In the same pan, add some more oil and toss in your diced onions along with the peas and carrots if you’re using them. Stir-fry until the onion is translucent and the veggies smell fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. This builds a flavorful base that carries through the dish.

Step 4: Combine Rice, Eggs, and Flavors

Now, add the rice to the pan. Toss it around to mix evenly with veggies, breaking up any remaining clumps. Then return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir-fry everything together, pouring in Shaoxing wine (if using), soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil toward the end. Keep stirring until everything is heated through and well coated.

Step 5: Finish with Garnishes and Serve

Just before serving, toss in sliced green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to add that fresh bite and nutty crunch. Serve your Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe hot straight from the pan for best texture and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Rice: It’s drier and helps the fried rice keep a fluffy, non-sticky texture every time.
  • Cook Eggs Separately: This prevents overcooking and keeps your eggs tender and perfectly scrambled.
  • High Heat & Quick Stirring: Cooking fast at high heat ensures everything gets that lovely wok hei flavor and avoids sogginess.
  • Season Gradually: Add sauces bit by bit and taste as you go to avoid over-salting your fried rice.

How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

A close-up image of a bowl filled with fried rice showing multiple layers of ingredients. The base layer is golden brown rice mixed with small green peas, bright yellow scrambled egg pieces, and chunks of red bell pepper scattered evenly throughout. There are also pieces of cooked onion and green onion slices mixed in, adding texture and color. A woman's hand with wooden chopsticks is picking up some rice from the bowl. The bowl is white, set against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I usually stick with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds—they add a subtle fresh crunch and a nutty finish that complements the rich rice. If I’m feeling fancy, a few cilantro leaves or chopped peanuts can add a nice twist!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this fried rice are simple: steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli, and sometimes crispy spring rolls or a light cucumber salad. These sides keep the meal balanced and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this fried rice in little pineapple bowls or mold it into neat rounds using a small bowl or cup — it’s a fun way to impress guests and makes a pretty presentation on the dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge right after cooling the rice to room temperature. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect lunch or quick dinner option.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! Portion out the fried rice into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I like reheating in a hot skillet or wok with a little splash of water or oil to bring back moisture and warmth quickly. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the rice gummy or dry.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice for this recipe?

    Yes, you can, but fresh rice tends to be too moist and can result in mushy fried rice. To improve the texture, spread cooked rice out on a baking sheet to cool and dry before using it, or refrigerate it uncovered for an hour or so to reduce moisture. Just remember, day-old rice is ideal for that perfect fried rice texture.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?

    If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option. Both add a nice depth of flavor and umami, though the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

  3. How do I prevent the fried rice from sticking to the pan?

    Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding any ingredients and use enough oil to coat the surface. Stir frequently but don’t overcrowd the pan—if it’s too crowded, the rice will steam rather than fry, causing it to stick and become soggy.

  4. Can I add other proteins to the Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe?

    Absolutely! Cooked shrimp, diced chicken, pork, or tofu all make great additions. Just make sure to cook your protein separately first or beforehand, then add it in with the rice for even seasoning and warmth.

  5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    Definitely! This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe is mild, comforting, and can be customized with veggies your kids like or fewer seasonings. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables without fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, fast, and endlessly adaptable. I love how it turns leftovers into something exciting, and sharing it is like passing along a little secret for a tasty, no-fuss meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—go ahead, give it a try and watch it become your new favorite comfort food!

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Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Description

This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish made with day-old long grain white rice, scrambled eggs, sautéed onions, and optional peas and carrots. Enhanced with light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil, it delivers a perfect balance of savory and umami flavors. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this classic fried rice is a convenient and satisfying meal suitable for any day.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups day old white rice, preferably long grain
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, small dice

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons frozen peas and carrots, thawed (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons light sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 stalk green onion, just the green part sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
  • Oil as needed for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare Rice: Break apart the day-old rice by rubbing it between your hands or placing it in a bag and separating the grains to ensure there are no clumps, which helps achieve the perfect texture when frying.
  2. Cook Eggs: Heat a wok or large pan with a little oil over medium-high heat, then pour in the beaten eggs. Cook until just scrambled and softly set, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Veggies: In the same wok or pan, add more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion along with thawed peas and carrots until fragrant and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Rice and Eggs: Add the broken-apart rice to the pan with the vegetables, stirring constantly. Then fold the scrambled eggs back into the mixture, adding additional oil as needed to prevent sticking.
  5. Season and Finish: Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauces and flavorings. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently to heat through and meld flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful egg fried rice!

Notes

  • Day-old long-grain rice works best for this recipe because it has a drier texture that prevents clumping.
  • If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool and dry slightly before using to avoid sogginess.
  • For stickier rice varieties, lightly coat the grains in oil before stir-frying with the vegetables to improve separation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 85g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 215mg

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