Description This Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that rivals any restaurant takeout. Using simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is customizable and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, or coconut oil)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium or regular)
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha sauce
Preparation
This recipe focuses on efficiency and flavor, ensuring a delightful meal with minimal effort.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Using day-old rice is key to achieving the right texture for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy final product. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to dry it out slightly.
Step 2: Chop Vegetables and Prepare Ingredients
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Thaw the frozen peas and carrots. Having all ingredients prepped and ready to go ensures a smooth cooking process, as fried rice comes together quickly.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
- Add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
- Lower the heat to medium-low and push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet or wok, creating an empty space.
- Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty space. Let the eggs cook for a few seconds, then scramble them with a spatula until they are fully cooked but still slightly soft. Avoid overcooking the eggs, as they can become rubbery.
Step 5: Combine and Season
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice and vegetables. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring the rice is well coated with the soy sauce and evenly mixed with the vegetables and eggs.
- Continue to stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through thoroughly and develop a slightly crispy texture.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
- Season the fried rice with ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of soy sauce as needed, depending on your preference for saltiness.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. A dash of sriracha sauce can add a spicy kick if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Egg Fried Rice recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables, proteins, or sauces.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
- Better Than Takeout: Healthier and more flavorful than restaurant versions, with control over ingredients and seasonings.
- Great for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use up leftover rice and vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Satisfying: A complete and balanced meal that provides both comfort and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Egg Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways:
- Main Course: Serve it as a standalone meal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for a complete and balanced meal.
- Appetizer: Serve small portions as an appetizer at gatherings or parties.
- Lunch Box: Pack it in a lunch box for a delicious and convenient midday meal.
- Topping: Top with a fried egg, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Accompaniment: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad for a more substantial meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce for added flavor.
Tips
To ensure your Egg Fried Rice turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier and holds its shape better when stir-fried, preventing the dish from becoming mushy.
- Pre-Cook Ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than stir-fried ingredients.
- Use High Heat: Stir-fry over medium-high heat to achieve a slightly crispy texture and prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
- Scramble the Eggs Separately: Cooking the eggs separately ensures they don’t overcook and become rubbery.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season generously with soy sauce, pepper, and other spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or sauces to customize the recipe to your liking.
- Garnish for Presentation: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Store Properly: Store leftover Egg Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving
- Protein: 10-15 grams per serving
- Sodium: 500-700 mg per serving
Conclusion
This So Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and customizable nature make it a winner for any occasion. So, ditch the takeout menu and whip up a batch of this fantastic Egg Fried Rice—you won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
- While it’s best to use day-old rice for fried rice, you can use freshly cooked rice if you don’t have any on hand. To make it work, spread the freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to dry it out slightly. This will help prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy.
- What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
- The possibilities are endless! Some great additions include broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them until tender before adding the rice.
- Can I add protein to this recipe?
- Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, beef, or tofu can be added to this recipe for a more substantial meal. Simply stir-fry the protein with the vegetables until heated through before adding the rice.
- Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe?
- Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian by omitting any meat-based proteins. To make it vegan, use a plant-based alternative to eggs, such as scrambled tofu or a vegan egg substitute. Also, ensure that your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
- How can I make this recipe spicier?
- To add a spicy kick, incorporate a dash of sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, or chili oil into the fried rice. You can also add a minced jalapeño pepper or a spoonful of sambal oelek (an Indonesian chili paste) for extra heat.
