Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Ready-to-Serve
I love making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm short on time but still want something delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it with whatever vegetables or proteins I have on hand. Each bite brings a perfect balance of flavors, and it’s an incredibly satisfying meal that brings comfort without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, I can whip up this quick lunch or dinner in no time!
Experimenting in the kitchen can often lead to exceptional discoveries, and that's how I stumbled upon this Quick & Easy Egg Fried Rice. One evening, with leftovers from dinner, I decided to add some eggs and a few spices, and my taste buds were delighted! It was a hit with the family, and now, it’s a go-to dish for busy weeknights.
What I found intriguing is how quickly the eggs cook when added to hot rice, binding everything together and forming a beautiful harmony of textures. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice, and I particularly love adding peas and carrots for color and freshness. Try it next time you're in a rush—you won't be disappointed!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- A wonderful way to utilize leftover rice and veggies
- Flavorful, satisfying, and customizable to your taste
Perfecting Your Rice
Using cold, day-old rice is a game changer for this recipe. Cold rice grains are firmer, making them less likely to become mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook some and let it cool completely on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes before using. This method helps prevent clumping and allows each grain to separate easily while cooking.
To enhance the texture even further, consider adding a little cornstarch to your cold rice before frying. This will create a slight barrier that keeps the grains intact as they absorb flavors from the soy sauce and vegetables. Just a teaspoon mixed through can work wonders!
Veggie Variations
Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in your fried rice! Not only do they add color, but they also bring different textures and flavors. Broccoli, snap peas, or even bean sprouts are excellent additions. Just remember to chop them finely so they cook evenly and quickly during the stir-frying process—aim for about half-inch pieces.
If you have leftover veggies from previous meals, they are perfect for this dish. Just chop them and toss them in; it’s an excellent way to avoid food waste and gives the fried rice a personalized touch. You can also add scrambled tofu or cooked chicken for extra protein, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your egg fried rice experience, consider topping it with a drizzle of additional soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving. A few dashes of hot sauce can also kick up the flavor, adding a nice heat that complements the dish beautifully. Serving it alongside pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast as well.
For a more complete meal, pair your fried rice with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or enjoy it as a base for grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp. This versatility makes it not only a standalone dish but also a fantastic side that can adapt to whatever flavors you want to explore.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a quick and delicious dish:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything ready before starting to cook.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your fried rice:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all ingredients and chopping the vegetables and green onions. This will make the cooking process seamless.
Cook the Eggs
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Then, push the eggs to one side of the pan.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry them for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
Mix in the Rice
Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the rice is heated through.
Finish and Serve
Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your delicious and satisfying fried rice!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal. Make sure the rice is cold to prevent clumping and achieve the best texture.
Storing and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating it in a skillet with a splash of water helps to retain moisture, preventing the rice from becoming too dry. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
For longer storage, freezing is an option! Let the fried rice cool completely before placing it in freezer bags. It can be kept frozen for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. This makes it a convenient meal to have on hand for busy days.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If your fried rice turns out too sticky, it might be due to using freshly cooked rice or not breaking it apart well enough before adding it to the skillet. Next time, try using rice that’s been cooled, or gently break up any clumps to ensure even cooking. Remember to keep the heat at medium-high to encourage proper frying instead of steaming.
Another common issue is bland flavor. If your dish isn't satisfying, it could be that the ingredients need more seasoning. Don't hesitate to taste as you go, and adjust with additional soy sauce or a dash of pepper or garlic powder. If you're using low-sodium soy sauce, you might need to slightly increase the quantity to match the desired saltiness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover rice?
Yes! In fact, using cold rice from the fridge works best, as it prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
→ What other vegetables can I use?
You can add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, corn, or bell peppers. It's a great way to clean out your fridge!
→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour for a vegan version.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm short on time but still want something delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it with whatever vegetables or proteins I have on hand. Each bite brings a perfect balance of flavors, and it’s an incredibly satisfying meal that brings comfort without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, I can whip up this quick lunch or dinner in no time!
Created by: Sloane Patterson
Recipe Type: Ready-to-Serve
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by gathering all ingredients and chopping the vegetables and green onions. This will make the cooking process seamless.
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Then, push the eggs to one side of the pan.
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry them for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the rice is heated through.
Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal. Make sure the rice is cold to prevent clumping and achieve the best texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g