Simple Egg Fried Rice is the weeknight hero every home cook needs in their repertoire. Imagine spoonfuls of fluffy rice, glistening with a hint of sesame oil, studded with green onions, peas, and carrots while fresh ribbons of scrambled egg weave throughout for comforting richness. This recipe transforms a handful of pantry staples into a crave-worthy dish perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends alike. It’s quick, bursting with savory flavors, and guaranteed to become your go-to whenever that fried rice craving strikes.

Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of staples is all it takes to create Simple Egg Fried Rice, and trust me, each ingredient plays a key role. The rice brings structure and chew, the eggs offer creamy pockets of protein, and the veggies add bursts of color and sweetness. Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions layer in those signature flavors that make every bite irresistible.

Cooked and chilled white rice: Day-old rice is your best friend for fried rice; it stays separate and gets delightfully crispy in the pan.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil to evenly fry your ingredients without overpowering the other flavors.
Large eggs, lightly beaten: These create soft, savory ribbons throughout, giving every spoonful that classic fried rice texture.
Frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Colorful, sweet, and tender, they bring both nutrition and vibrancy to the dish.
Green onions, sliced: Tossed in at the end, these add a fresh, slightly sharp bite and a pop of color.
Garlic, minced: The aromatic base that infuses the rice with depth and warmth.
Soy sauce: The umami backbone of any fried rice, lending that savory, salty finish.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle brings a toasty aroma and ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper to taste: Fine-tune the seasoning to your liking for the perfect balance.

How to Make Simple Egg Fried Rice

Step 1: Scramble the Eggs

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in your lightly beaten eggs and gently scramble them, stirring until they’re just set. Once they look slightly glossy and fluffy, scoop them out and set aside. This ensures your eggs stay tender and won’t get overcooked later when everything comes together.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics

Return your skillet to the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir in the minced garlic first, letting its fragrance bloom for about 30 seconds. Next, add the thawed peas and carrots. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through and just beginning to soften, building the sweet and savory foundation of your Simple Egg Fried Rice.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Stir-Fry

Time for the star ingredient! Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing down slightly to help the rice crisp up on the bottom. The slight crunch you get here is pure fried rice bliss and really sets this Simple Egg Fried Rice apart.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slide the cooked eggs back into the pan. Pour in your soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything together until every grain of rice is evenly coated and glistening. Keep things moving so the flavors distribute well, then toss in the sliced green onions. Let them cook for one more minute—just enough for their flavor to mellow while staying vibrant and crisp.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Always take a final taste to check for seasoning. Some folks like an extra dash of salt or a sprinkle of pepper to accentuate the flavors even more. Serve hot and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve Simple Egg Fried Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra sliced green onions or a pinch of toasted sesame seeds adds color and aroma. If you like, a few drops of chili oil or a squirt of sriracha can bring a gentle heat that lifts each bite of Simple Egg Fried Rice.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad, some steamed or stir-fried veggies, or even simple miso soup. If you want a little extra protein, sliced grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp on the side work wonderfully with the savory rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, pack Simple Egg Fried Rice into a bowl, press it down, then flip onto a plate for a dome-shaped presentation—watch the steam rise as you lift the bowl away! Or spoon it into lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer or lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Simple Egg Fried Rice completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for three to four days—perfect for a lightning-fast lunch or quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch, portion the fried rice into individual containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last for up to two months, and the texture holds up surprisingly well when you reheat it.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Simple Egg Fried Rice is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed. You can also microwave it, stirring partway through to ensure even heating. Either way, just a few minutes and you’ve got hot, satisfying rice again.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?

You can, but freshly cooked rice tends to be stickier and less likely to crisp up. If you’re in a rush, just spread hot rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to cool it quickly before making Simple Egg Fried Rice.

What other vegetables can I add?

The sky’s the limit! Try chopped bell peppers, baby corn, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and crunch. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook quickly and blend well with the rice.

Is there a way to make it gluten free?

Absolutely! Simply opt for a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) to make your Simple Egg Fried Rice completely gluten-free, while still packing in all that umami goodness.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Toss in diced cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even edamame for a heartier Simple Egg Fried Rice. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover proteins in your fridge.

How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

Always use chilled, day-old rice and high heat in your pan. Stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the rice and make it soggy instead of crispy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, thoroughly satisfying meal, Simple Egg Fried Rice checks every box. It’s fast, endlessly customizable, and comforting to the last spoonful. Try it and watch this easy favorite become a regular request in your kitchen!

Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful recipe for Simple Egg Fried Rice that rivals your favorite takeout version. This dish features fluffy white rice stir-fried with eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions, all seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)

Vegetable Oil:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Eggs:

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Peas and Carrots:

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Green Onions:

3 green onions, sliced

Garlic:

2 cloves garlic, minced

Soy Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce

Sesame Oil:

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and Pepper:

To taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Scramble eggs until just cooked, then set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic, peas, and carrots for 2–3 minutes.
Add Rice: Stir in chilled rice and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until hot and slightly crispy.
Combine Ingredients: Return cooked eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing to coat. Stir in green onions and cook for an additional minute.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.