Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Effortless Plate Creations
I absolutely love quick meals that pack a punch of flavor, and this 10-minute egg fried rice recipe is one of my favorites. It’s effortless to whip up with leftover rice, some fresh veggies, and a few eggs. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can personalize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fast lunch, this recipe doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
When I first decided to make fried rice at home, I didn’t expect it to be this simple! My secret weapon is using cold cooked rice, preferably a day old, as it keeps the grains separate and prevents clumping. I love loading it up with colorful veggies, which not only add nutrients but also enhance the presentation.
What makes this dish extra special is how quickly it comes together—just a matter of minutes! I usually toss in whatever vegetables I have in the fridge, like peas and carrots, for a burst of flavor and texture. It’s genuinely a one-pan wonder!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and hassle-free preparation in just 10 minutes
- Customizable with any veggies or proteins you like
- Perfect for using up leftover rice and reducing food waste
Ingredient Importance
Each ingredient in this egg fried rice recipe plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The cold jasmine rice is key; using leftover rice helps prevent the grains from becoming mushy. The firmer texture keeps the dish light and fluffy. I recommend allowing leftover rice to sit in the fridge for at least a few hours or overnight, as this will significantly enhance the dish's overall quality.
Fresh vegetables add a delightful crunch and a burst of color to the fried rice. My go-to mix usually includes peas, carrots, and bell peppers, but feel free to swap in whatever you have available. Broccoli, corn, or even snap peas work wonderfully, too. Just remember to cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking during the stir-frying stage.
Cooking Techniques
When stirring the eggs in the skillet, keep the heat at medium-high to ensure they scramble quickly, resulting in fluffy, tender curds. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so aim for about 1-2 minutes until they're just set. Removing them from the skillet immediately prevents further cooking and maintains their ideal consistency, allowing for a light, airy finish in your fried rice.
The stir-frying process is equally crucial. After adding the mixed vegetables, keep the heat hot enough to produce a bit of char without burning. Continuously stir for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant. This method brings out their natural sweetness while preserving a slight crunch that complements the rice and eggs beautifully.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal!
Instructions
Instructions
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Egg
Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they're tender.
Combine Ingredients
Add the cold rice, cooked eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Enjoy this delightful meal fresh off the skillet!
Pro Tips
- Make sure to use cold, day-old rice for the best texture
- fresh rice can become mushy. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce for your preferred taste.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the egg fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain flavor and texture, reheating on the stovetop is preferable over the microwave. Just add a teaspoon of water or oil to the skillet, and heat over medium until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes. This prevents the rice from drying out and helps retain that desirable fluffy texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing your cooked egg fried rice. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, spreading it out flat to maximize space and speed up freezing. It will last up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal.
Variations and Additions
To elevate your egg fried rice, consider adding proteins such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If using raw proteins, sauté them first before adding the vegetables. This can easily turn your basic recipe into a more filling dinner option. For a hint of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha can give your dish a nice kick without overpowering its essence.
You can also experiment with various sauces for different flavor profiles. A splash of oyster sauce or hoisin can add depth, while swapping out soy sauce for tamari makes it gluten-free. Lemon or lime juice can brighten up the dish right before serving. Don't be afraid to get creative with whatever you have; the beauty of fried rice is its adaptability.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works fine, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
→ Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ What vegetables can I use?
You can use any veggies you like, such as corn, broccoli, or even spinach!
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I absolutely love quick meals that pack a punch of flavor, and this 10-minute egg fried rice recipe is one of my favorites. It’s effortless to whip up with leftover rice, some fresh veggies, and a few eggs. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility; you can personalize it with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fast lunch, this recipe doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Effortless Plate Creations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they're tender.
Add the cold rice, cooked eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips
- Make sure to use cold, day-old rice for the best texture
- fresh rice can become mushy. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce for your preferred taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g