Egg fried rice is a classic Chinese dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and sauces. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines and has become a global favorite due to its adaptability and rich flavors. While traditionally a way to use up leftover rice, egg fried rice has evolved into a dish that people prepare deliberately because it’s just that good.
It’s not just about tossing rice and eggs into a pan. A good egg fried rice has layers of texture and flavor—the fluffiness of rice, the softness of scrambled eggs, the crunch from fresh vegetables, and the umami from soy sauce or oyster sauce. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, egg fried rice is a recipe that you can tweak endlessly to match your taste.
Key Ingredients
Ingredients
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3 cups day-old cooked rice (preferably Jasmine or long grain)
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2–3 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell pepper)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
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2 tablespoons light soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prep Ingredients: Break up the day-old rice with your hands or a fork to remove clumps. Set aside. Whisk eggs with a pinch of salt.
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Cook Eggs: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from pan and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onion for 30 seconds.
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Add Veggies: Toss in the vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
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Add Rice: Stir in the rice, breaking up any remaining clumps. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
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Season: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Mix well to coat every grain.
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Combine: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Finish: Garnish with green onion tops and serve hot.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftover Fried Rice
Egg fried rice stores surprisingly well, which makes it great for meal prep or next-day lunches. But to keep it fresh and safe to eat, follow these tips:
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Cool it quickly: Don’t leave cooked rice sitting out too long. Transfer it to an airtight container within 1 hour of cooking.
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Use shallow containers: This helps it cool evenly and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
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Store in the fridge: Leftover fried rice will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.
Make sure to label your container with the date so you don’t accidentally eat expired food. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it—just make sure the container is freezer-safe.
To freeze, portion it into individual servings, wrap in plastic or foil, and then place it in a sealed bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
What to Serve with Egg Fried Rice
While egg fried rice is often satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to the next level. Whether you’re planning a full dinner spread or just want something to accompany your rice, there are plenty of flavorful options that complement it beautifully.
Here are some fantastic dishes to serve with egg fried rice:
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Sweet and Sour Chicken: The tangy-sweet sauce contrasts wonderfully with the savory rice.
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Kung Pao Chicken or Tofu: A spicy, saucy dish that balances the mild flavor of fried rice.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A medley of broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and baby corn makes a healthy, colorful pairing.
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Hot and Sour Soup: A warming, zesty starter that preps your palate.
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Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Perfect for adding texture and variety to your plate.
You can also serve egg fried rice as a side dish instead of a main. Pair it with grilled meats, roast duck, or even barbecue skewers for a delicious fusion twist.
Don’t forget the garnishes—fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil can make your plate pop with flavor and visual appeal.
Ideal Pairings for Maximum Flavor
If you’re serving egg fried rice as part of a larger meal, consider these flavor combinations for a truly satisfying experience:
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Salty + Sweet: Combine your savory rice with something like honey garlic chicken or teriyaki beef.
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Spicy + Mild: Let spicy Szechuan dishes balance the mellow, rich flavor of the fried rice.
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Crunchy + Soft: Serve it with crispy wontons, prawn crackers, or tempura veggies to contrast the soft texture of the rice.
Drinks also matter! Pair your meal with:
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Iced green tea: Refreshing and light.
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Cold beer: Especially good with spicy or heavily seasoned variations.
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Lemon water or soda: To cleanse the palate between bites.
With these thoughtful pairings, even a simple egg fried rice can anchor an impressive and delicious dinner.
Conclusion
Egg fried rice isn’t just a simple stir-fry—it’s a versatile, budget-friendly, and delicious dish that you can customize in countless ways. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a fancy dinner spread, it delivers flavor and satisfaction every time. From choosing the right rice to mastering sauces and stir-fry techniques, now you’ve got everything you need to cook egg fried rice like a pro.
So go ahead, grab that leftover rice, heat up the wok, and get cooking. Once you perfect your version of egg fried rice, it’ll become a regular on your weekly menu—and maybe even your signature dish.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for egg fried rice?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Fresh rice is moist and sticky. Let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up before stir-frying.
What vegetables work best in egg fried rice?
Peas, carrots, onions, corn, bell peppers, green beans, and scallions are great choices. Use what you have available.
How do I make vegan egg fried rice?
Skip the eggs and use tofu or a vegan egg substitute. Add black salt for an eggy flavor and load up on veggies.
Is egg fried rice healthy?
Homemade versions can be very healthy, especially when made with brown rice, minimal oil, and lots of veggies.
Can I freeze leftover egg fried rice?
Absolutely! Store in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat.
Print
Egg Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic egg fried rice recipe is your go-to solution for a fast, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal. Made with leftover rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and a touch of soy sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with flavor and easy to customize.
Ingredients
3 cups day-old cooked rice (preferably Jasmine or long grain)
2–3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell pepper)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep Ingredients: Break up the day-old rice with your hands or a fork to remove clumps. Set aside. Whisk eggs with a pinch of salt.
Cook Eggs: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onion for 30 seconds.
Add Veggies: Toss in the vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Add Rice: Stir in the rice, breaking up any remaining clumps. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Season: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Mix well to coat every grain.
Combine: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Finish: Garnish with green onion tops and serve hot.
Notes
Always use day-old rice for best texture.
Cook ingredients in stages to avoid overcooking.
Customize with proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Add a dash of chili oil or sriracha for heat.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
For extra flavor, try a sprinkle of white pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes