Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making egg fried rice! It’s one of those dishes that’s not only super popular but also incredibly versatile. I love that I can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something quick yet satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and whatever veggies I have hanging around in the fridge. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself making this again and again, customizing it to your heart’s content. Seriously, you can’t go wrong!
Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for that perfect texture)
- 2 eggs (scrambled until fluffy and golden)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (you can use fresh or frozen—just make sure they’re chopped evenly)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to your taste for that savory kick)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any oil you prefer for frying)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for a fresh touch and flavor)
- Salt (to taste, but don’t overdo it since the soy sauce adds saltiness)
These ingredients come together to create a colorful, flavorful dish that’s truly satisfying!
How to Prepare Egg Fried Rice
Now, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s as easy as pie. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the veggies go in, but not so hot that it splatters everywhere—yikes! Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your mixed vegetables and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender but still vibrant in color.
Next, push those veggies to one side of the pan. In that empty space, crack your eggs and scramble them until they’re fully cooked—this should only take a minute or two. Once your eggs are fluffy and golden, it’s time to add in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix everything together, ensuring the rice gets nicely coated. Season with salt to taste and toss in the chopped green onions. Give it all another quick stir for about 2 minutes, and voilà! Your egg fried rice is ready to serve hot and steaming!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
- Crack 2 eggs into the pan and scramble until fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of cooked rice and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Season with salt to taste, then stir in 2 chopped green onions.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Egg Fried Rice
For the best egg fried rice, always use leftover rice if you can—it’s drier and helps prevent clumping. If you’re using fresh rice, make sure it’s cooled completely. Feel free to get creative with your veggies; bell peppers, peas, or even spinach work wonderfully! And remember, adjusting the soy sauce to your preference is key for those flavor notes. A splash of sesame oil at the end can elevate the dish even more, adding a lovely nutty aroma. Enjoy experimenting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
- A delicious way to use up leftover rice, reducing food waste.
- Satisfying and filling, making it a complete meal in one dish.
- Rich in flavor thanks to the soy sauce and fresh ingredients.
Trust me, once you make this egg fried rice, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this egg fried rice! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, typically contains around 250 calories. You’ll also get about 8 grams of fat, with 1 gram being saturated. In terms of protein, it brings in a solid 8 grams, making it a satisfying choice. The carbs come in at approximately 38 grams, along with 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of rice or how much oil you decide to add. So, feel free to tweak it while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ About Egg Fried Rice
I know you might have some questions about making the perfect egg fried rice, so let’s dive into a few common ones!
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a fantastic option for egg fried rice. They’re super convenient and often flash-frozen at peak freshness, which means they retain their nutrients and flavor. Just toss them in straight from the freezer and give them a little extra time to cook. It’s a real time-saver, and you won’t even notice the difference!
How can I make egg fried rice healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up your egg fried rice, there are a couple of easy swaps you can make. First, try using low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. You can also load it up with more veggies—carrots, broccoli, or even some leafy greens like kale can add great nutrition without a lot of calories. It’s all about balancing flavor with health!
What type of rice works best?
The best rice for egg fried rice is day-old, long-grain rice, like jasmine or basmati. It’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried texture. If you don’t have day-old rice, just cook some fresh rice and let it cool completely before using it. This way, you’ll avoid clumps and get that lovely, fluffy result!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your egg fried rice, simply let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy lunch days! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to help it steam a bit and regain that lovely texture. Stir it around until it’s heated through, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time. Just don’t microwave it for too long, or it might get a little too dry!
Serving Suggestions
Egg fried rice is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes to elevate your meal! I love serving it alongside some crispy spring rolls or golden-brown dumplings for that perfect crunch. You could also add a simple stir-fried protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier option. And don’t forget a side of sweet and sour sauce or a tangy salad to balance out those flavors. Trust me, these combinations will make your dining experience even more delightful!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of vegetables, check out this article. You can also learn about the benefits of using day-old rice for frying at Serious Eats.
Print
Egg Fried Rice: 5 Easy Steps to Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Egg fried rice is a popular dish made with rice, eggs, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
- Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them until fully cooked.
- Add the cooked rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
- Season with salt and stir in green onions.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover rice for best results.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust soy sauce according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: egg fried rice, fried rice, Chinese rice
