Name: Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups day old white rice preferably long grain; 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ small yellow onion, small dice; 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 and garnish

If there’s one dish that always hits the spot—whether you’re pressed for time, craving comfort, or looking to clean out the fridge—it’s Easy Egg Fried Rice. Imagine fluffy rice tossed with soft scrambled eggs, savory sauce, aromatic vegetables, and a kiss of sesame all coming together in just 15 minutes. This is the back-pocket meal I turn to when dinner needs to be fast but special, and I promise you’ll find it just as irresistible as any Chinese takeout classic!

Easy Egg Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Easy Egg Fried Rice is that it requires only a handful of familiar ingredients. Each plays a unique role—some add color and crunch, some build flavor depth, and the rest ensure that wonderful, golden finish that makes every spoonful exciting.

Day-old white rice (2 cups): Using long grain rice that’s a day old helps keep the grains fluffy and separated, never mushy.
Large eggs (2, beaten): These give the fried rice its soft curds and rich, satisfying bite; don’t skimp!
Yellow onion (½ small, diced): A little onion adds sweetness and a gentle aromatic kick that flavors each grain.
Frozen peas and carrots (2 tablespoons, thawed): For color and a touch of sweetness—totally optional but always cheerful.
Shaoxing rice wine (1 tablespoon, optional): It adds authentic aroma and complexity; skip it if you prefer but try it at least once!
Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons): The base seasoning that delivers that salty, comfort-food punch.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): A spoonful elevates the dish with irresistible umami and just a hint of sweetness.
Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon, optional): Stirred in at the end, this is the secret to deep, nutty fragrance.
Green onion (1 stalk, sliced): Sprinkle on for that final pop of freshness and a lovely green finish.
Toasted sesame seed (optional): Adds crunch and a pretty topping if you want to dress things up!
Oil (as needed): Choose a neutral oil for stir-frying; you’ll need enough to keep everything glossy and separated.

How to Make Easy Egg Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by gently breaking apart your day-old rice. You can use clean hands to lightly rub the rice between your palms or place it in a big freezer bag and separate the grains by pressing on the outside. This simple prep step is what guarantees that perfect, never-sticky Easy Egg Fried Rice.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

Heat about two tablespoons of oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Once the oil is shimmering, pour in your beaten eggs—they should sizzle immediately! Let them sit for a few seconds, then gently scramble into larger, soft pieces. Scoop the cooked egg onto a plate and keep it handy—we’ll add it back soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In your same wok or pan, add a little more oil if it looks dry. Toss in your diced onions (and peas and carrots, if using), and stir-fry quickly over medium to medium-high. The onions will become fragrant and just start to turn translucent in about 20 seconds. This is when you’ll notice the kitchen start to smell amazing!

Step 4: Combine Rice and Eggs

Now add your prepped rice and scrambled eggs to the wok. Drizzle in another tablespoon of oil around the rim, then stir-fry everything together, making sure the rice, vegetables, and egg are evenly combined. This is the moment where it all starts to look like real fried rice.

Step 5: Season and Sizzle

Drizzle the Shaoxing wine (if using) around the edges of your pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to let the wine sizzle and cook off—when you can’t smell alcohol, it’s ready. Then pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring thoroughly for a couple of minutes until the rice is shiny, evenly colored, and heated through.

Step 6: Flavor Boost and Finish

Switch off the heat and swirl in the toasted sesame oil, tossing briefly to coat the rice with that nutty goodness. Scatter sliced green onions over everything and give it one last quick toss. Go ahead and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you want extra crunch or wow factor!

How to Serve Easy Egg Fried Rice

Garnishes

Easy Egg Fried Rice is a dream canvas for all kinds of delicious toppings. Freshly sliced green onions add a lovely crispness and gentle bite, while a handful of toasted sesame seeds give subtle crunch and a beautiful finish. If you love a bit of heat, try a dash of chili oil or a few chili flakes to liven things up.

Side Dishes

You truly can’t go wrong pairing Easy Egg Fried Rice with homemade chicken and broccoli, tender Mongolian beef, or any saucy stir fry you love. It’s also delightful alongside a simple cucumber salad or with a bowl of hot-and-sour soup for a cozy meal. Of course, sometimes a big bowl of fried rice on its own is all you need!

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your dinner crowd? Try serving Easy Egg Fried Rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical touch, or pack it into small bowls and invert onto plates for perfect dome shapes. For a fun family dinner or party, offer a garnish bar so guests can add whatever toppings they like best.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply scoop any leftovers into an airtight container as soon as the rice cools. Easy Egg Fried Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors deepen, making second-day rice even more tempting!

Freezing

Surprisingly, Easy Egg Fried Rice freezes well! Portion it into zip-top freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as you can, and freeze flat for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop straight into the pan when reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Easy Egg Fried Rice back to life, reheat in a hot nonstick pan with a splash of water or broth, tossing often until hot. Microwaving works in a pinch; just cover loosely with a damp paper towel to keep things moist and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice for Easy Egg Fried Rice?

For the very best texture, it’s best to use day-old rice so the grains are drier and less likely to stick together. If you need to use fresh rice, spread it on a tray to cool and dry out quickly before using.

Is it necessary to add Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine brings a subtle depth and that classic takeout flavor, but the dish will still be delicious if you skip it. Try a splash of dry sherry or rice vinegar if you like a little extra punch!

How do I keep my fried rice from getting mushy?

The secret is using cooled, leftover rice and making sure not to crowd your pan—stir-fry in batches if doubling. This keeps the grains distinct and guarantees that signature fried rice texture.

Can I add protein to Easy Egg Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Diced chicken, shrimp, ham, tofu, or even leftover steak all work beautifully. Just cook the protein first, set aside, and toss back into the rice at the end.

Is Easy Egg Fried Rice gluten-free?

With a quick swap to gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, your Easy Egg Fried Rice can absolutely be made gluten-free. Always double-check the labels to be sure!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to skip the takeout line and serve up the quickest, tastiest comfort food, this Easy Egg Fried Rice won’t let you down. Give it a try, have fun with your add-ins, and let every stir-fried bite remind you how easy homemade magic can be!