Egg Fried Rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal in a flash. Made with leftover rice, eggs, and a handful of vegetables, this dish is endlessly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make easy and flavorful Egg Fried Rice and offer tips for making it even more exciting.
Why Choose Egg Fried Rice?
Egg Fried Rice is a simple, versatile dish that uses pantry staples and leftover rice to create a meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to whatever ingredients you have, making it perfect for reducing food waste. For more quick and easy weeknight meals, check out Creamy Chicken Carbonara, which also comes together in a flash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Egg Fried Rice:
- Cooked White Rice: 3 cups, preferably leftover and chilled.
- Eggs: 2, whisked.
- Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup (peas, carrots, corn, or whatever you have on hand).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Scallions: 2, chopped.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional for extra flavor).
- Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons for frying.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Cilantro or Extra Scallions: For garnish (optional).
How to Make Egg Fried Rice
1. Scramble the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the whisked eggs and scramble them until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Scallions
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic and scallions for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables and Rice
- Toss in your mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender. Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Season and Combine
- Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using) over the rice. Stir everything together until well combined. Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and toss gently to mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or extra scallions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Customization Ideas for Your Egg Fried Rice
Here are a few ways to customize your Egg Fried Rice:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Use Different Veggies: Swap the peas and carrots for bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes for some heat.
For another easy rice-based dish, try Vegetarian Singapore Fried Noodles, which combines noodles, veggies, and bold flavors for a tasty weeknight meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can freeze the fried rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Health Benefits of Egg Fried Rice
Egg Fried Rice provides a good balance of protein from the eggs and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Using brown rice instead of white rice can boost the fiber content, and you can control the amount of sodium by adjusting the soy sauce. For another nutrient-packed dish, check out Healthy Chicken Casserole, which offers a lighter yet equally satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Egg Fried Rice is a quick, customizable, and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With its savory flavors, crunchy veggies, and fluffy scrambled eggs, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and create a delicious meal in no time. For more comforting rice dishes, try Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice, another easy and satisfying dinner option.