Egg Fried Rice

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Golden, savory, and endlessly versatile, Egg Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort dish you can whip up in under 20 minutes. With fluffy rice, tender scrambled eggs, and sweet peas—all tossed in a light soy seasoning—this dish offers a simple yet satisfying way to transform leftovers into a crave-worthy meal.

Perfect as a stand-alone quick lunch or a reliable side to complement stir-fries and grilled mains, Egg Fried Rice bridges the gap between convenience and flavor. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just a hot pan and a few basics from your kitchen.

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What Kind of Rice Works Best for Egg Fried Rice?

The secret to perfect Egg Fried Rice lies in using day-old, cold cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can lead to clumpy results. Leftover rice has had time to dry out slightly, allowing it to absorb flavors better and develop that signature fried texture.

If you’re starting from scratch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool uncovered for at least an hour before frying. Jasmine rice or long-grain white rice are ideal for their slightly dry texture and neutral flavor.

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Ingredients for the Egg Fried Rice

Cooked Rice – The base of the dish. Cold, day-old rice is best for achieving that distinct fried texture.

Eggs – The star protein. Lightly scrambled and folded into the rice, eggs give richness and balance.

Green Peas – These add color, a touch of sweetness, and a pop of texture.

Carrots – Finely diced, they contribute both color and a gentle crunch.

Soy Sauce – For savory depth and seasoning. Use light soy sauce for a classic profile.

Sesame Oil – A drizzle at the end enhances aroma and adds a nutty finish.

Garlic – Optional, but a touch of minced garlic can elevate the overall taste.

Oil for Frying – Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best for high-heat stir-frying.

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How To Make the Egg Fried Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you heat the pan, make sure everything is ready. Beat the eggs in a bowl, chop the carrots finely, and measure out the peas and soy sauce. Have your cold rice fluffed and ready to go.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly, stirring until just cooked. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add another bit of oil if needed, then toss in the carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened, then add the green peas and cook for another minute. If you’re using garlic, add it now and stir for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add the cold rice. Break up any clumps and stir everything together. Let the rice sit for a minute or so between stirs to get a slightly crispy texture.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Pour the soy sauce evenly over the rice and stir to mix everything well. Fry for another 2 minutes, tasting and adjusting with more soy sauce if needed.

Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil

Turn off the heat and drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the rice. Stir to combine, then serve hot.

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Serving and Storing Egg Fried Rice

Egg Fried Rice is best served immediately while it’s hot and aromatic. Pair it with Asian-style mains like stir-fried beef, sesame chicken, or even a simple miso soup. It also stands strong as a satisfying meal on its own.

For leftovers, allow the rice to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a hot skillet rather than the microwave to maintain texture. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the rice seems dry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Fresh rice tends to clump and steam. For best results, spread the rice out to cool before using or refrigerate for a few hours.

What vegetables can I add?

Aside from peas and carrots, you can try chopped bell peppers, corn, baby spinach, or scallions. Just be sure to finely chop and cook any harder vegetables.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Traditional soy sauce contains wheat, so double-check the label.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Egg Fried Rice reheats well in a skillet. It’s great for meal prep and can be packed in lunches.

How do I get the rice crispy?

Let the rice sit in the hot pan without stirring for 30 seconds to a minute at a time. This encourages crisp bits to form on the bottom.

Can I add meat?

Definitely. Leftover diced chicken, shrimp, or even ham can be stirred in with the veggies for a heartier dish.

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Want More Rice and Stir-Fry Ideas?

You might also like the One-Pan Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sausage Rice, a flavorful twist that layers bold barbecue over fluffy grains. Or go for Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles if you’re craving a slurpable dish with kick.

For more skillet-style favorites, I’d suggest One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice and the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta—both high on flavor and fast on prep. And if you’re into seafood, the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is indulgent but approachable.

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If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you use garlic? Add any extras like scallions or shrimp? Leave a comment below—I’m always curious what tweaks people make.

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