10 Minute Easy Egg Fried Rice

When you’re short on time and ingredients, nothing beats the magic of easy egg fried rice. Growing up, my family loved whipping this up whenever there was leftover rice in the fridge. Quick, savory, and delicious, this recipe was—and still is—our ultimate kitchen hack for busy weeknights.

Inspired by the traditional Chinese fried rice flavors, this 10-minute egg fried rice delivers big taste using only six simple ingredients. Whether you need a fast lunch, a budget-friendly dinner, or a comforting side dish, this fried rice will save the day.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Egg Fried Rice

• Ready in just 10 minutes: Seriously, you can’t beat it.
• Only 6 ingredients: Most are pantry staples!
• Tastes like Chinese takeout: Savory, aromatic, and satisfying.
• Budget-friendly: Great for using leftovers.
• Versatile: Serve it solo or pair it with stir-fried veggies, chicken, or tofu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the short and sweet list:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (cold and day-old preferred)
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 2½ tablespoons regular or light soy sauce (avoid dark soy sauce)
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

Note: Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect slightly chewy texture!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Heat

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• If using a wok, let the oil just start to smoke—this is key for that authentic “wok hei” flavor. If using a regular pan, skip the smoking step.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

• Pour the beaten eggs into the hot oil.
• Quickly stir-fry the eggs, gently scrambling them.
• When the eggs are mostly set but still moist, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Toss in the Rice

• Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan.
• Break apart any clumps by pressing with your spatula or tossing gently.

Step 4: Flavor Boost

• Push the rice and eggs to one side of the pan.
• Add the chopped green onions into the empty space and sauté for a few seconds.
• Mix everything together.

Step 5: Season and Finish

• Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil along the edges of the pan (this enhances the aroma and flavors).
• Toss the rice quickly until each grain is evenly coated and golden.

Step 6: Serve Hot

• Remove from heat and serve immediately while it’s steaming hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice tends to be too wet and sticky. If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a tray and chill it in the fridge for an hour first.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large enough pan or wok so everything fries, not steams.
• Customize It: Toss in leftover veggies, shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an even heartier meal.
• Soy Sauce Matters: Light soy sauce gives that balanced flavor without overwhelming the dish—skip dark soy sauce, which is too sweet and heavy for this quick version.

Serving Ideas

This easy egg fried rice is versatile enough to stand alone or to accompany:

• Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Crispy Baked Tofu
• Chinese Garlic Green Beans
• Sweet and Sour Pork

Storing and Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a nonstick pan with a splash of water or microwave it with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture.

Why This Recipe Works

Unlike many “easy fried rice” recipes that turn out soggy or bland, this method locks in flavor, texture, and aroma. Cooking the eggs first ensures fluffy, separate bits of egg, and adding the seasonings at the end guarantees that classic fried rice taste without oversaturating the rice.

Final Thoughts

This 10-minute easy egg fried rice proves that you don’t need a million ingredients or a lot of time to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving something fast, tasty, and homemade—or simply need to use up that container of rice sitting in the fridge—this recipe is your new go-to.

Once you master this base recipe, the possibilities for variations are endless. Happy frying! 🍳🍚

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