Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice

Name: Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 eggs; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 green onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Speedy Table Meals

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice whenever I need a comforting yet quick meal. It's amazing how just a handful of ingredients can transform into a satisfying dish in no time. Using leftover rice is my secret weapon here, allowing me to create something delicious without the fuss of cooking rice from scratch. Plus, with the addition of eggs and vegetables, it's not just tasty but also quite nutritious. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy weeknights!

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:37:35.145Z

When I decided to make this dish, I was determined to use up some leftover rice and veggies I had in the fridge. The key was to fry the rice quickly over high heat, which gives it that delightful smoky flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy. I also discovered that adding soy sauce at the end, rather than during cooking, helps to maintain a vibrant color and adds just the right burst of flavor.

Another tip I picked up is to scramble the eggs separately before mixing them in. This technique ensures that each grain of rice gets coated in egg, adding protein and richness without making the dish too heavy. It’s been a game changer for me!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flexibility with ingredients allows you to use up leftovers.
Deliciously satisfying, with a perfect balance of flavor.

Choosing the Perfect Rice

Using leftover rice is key to achieving the best texture in your Egg Fried Rice. Ideally, the rice should be a day old and stored in the refrigerator; this allows it to dry out slightly, preventing mushiness upon cooking. If you’re in a hurry and only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 15 minutes before using. This quick cooling process helps mitigate excess moisture, ensuring your fried rice achieves that desirable fluffy texture.

For this recipe, long-grain rice works excellently due to its individual kernels, while basmati can add a lovely nutty flavor. If you prefer brown rice for a healthier option, remember that it will require a slightly longer cooking time and could make the dish a touch drier. It’s all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite!

Vegetable Variations

The beauty of this Egg Fried Rice lies in its versatility with vegetables. You can easily swap the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just be mindful of cooking times; denser vegetables may require a bit more stir-frying. Make sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly in about 2-3 minutes during the stir-fry step.

If you're looking to make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some leafy greens, like spinach or kale, towards the end of the cooking process. They wilt quickly, infusing the dish with extra flavor and nutrients without diminishing the overall cooking time.

Perfecting Your Technique

Stir-frying on high heat is crucial to achieving that irresistible smoky flavor and slightly crisp texture, often referred to as 'wok hei.' Ensure your skillet or wok is adequately preheated before adding any ingredients. A good tip is to splash a drop of water into the pan; if it evaporates instantly, it’s ready! Also, keep your ingredients moving in the pan to prevent burning—plus, it helps all flavors meld beautifully.

When returning the scrambled eggs to the skillet, mix gently to avoid overcooking them. If you find yourself with overcooked rice, you can add a splash of soy sauce at the last minute to enhance moisture and flavor, harmonizing the flavors and improving the texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice

2 cups cooked rice
2 eggs
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 green onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have available!

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients and have them ready. Beat the eggs in a bowl, and set aside.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat.

Scramble the Eggs

Add the beaten eggs to the skillet, scramble them until fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until tender.

Add the Rice

Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps and stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Combine Everything

Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, and stir in the soy sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined and heated through.

Serve

Enjoy your quick and easy egg fried rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if you like!

This dish is fantastic served on its own or as a side to your favorite Asian-inspired meals.

Pro Tips

Using day-old rice yields the best texture, as it's less sticky and fries more evenly. Additionally, you can add proteins like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal!

Storing and Reheating

Egg Fried Rice is perfect for meal prep! After cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in resealable bags or containers, and it will last for about a month. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive its moisture and flavor.

When reheating, keep stirring to ensure even heating and avoid any hotspots that may create pieces of burnt rice. You can also pop it in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for an even warm-up.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your Egg Fried Rice can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch. You can also drizzle some extra soy sauce or sesame oil for a burst of flavor. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of spring rolls or a simple salad for a colorful, satisfying spread.

For an extra kick, consider serving your dish with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables, which can add contrasting flavors and textures. If you like a hint of heat, adding sliced chili peppers or serving with chili sauce will elevate the dish beautifully!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a great time saver and work perfectly in this recipe.

→ What if I don't have soy sauce?

You can substitute with tamari for gluten-free options or even coconut aminos for a different flavor.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the eggs or replace them with a plant-based alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.