Egg Fried Rice

This easy fried rice recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.  I love to make this as a quick vegetarian option for Meatless Mondays, but feel free to customize by adding your protein of choice. 

Tip 1: Use day-old Jasmine rice

The trick to achieving that perfect fried rice texture lies in one essential ingredient: day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and sticky, which can lead to clumpy, mushy fried rice. Day-old rice, on the other hand, dries out slightly, giving each grain a chance to crisp up as it cooks.  

Jasmine rice is ideal for fried rice as it holds up beautifully when stir-fried.  Jasmine rice has a fluffy texture that is less sticky than short grain rice.

If you don’t have day-old rice, a quick hack is to spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet.  Let it cool for about 15 minutes before refrigerating for an hour. This helps the rice dry out so it will be crisp up nicely once fried.

Tip 2: Break up the rice with your hands 

Often when working with day old rice, you’ll find clumps will naturally form.  Before adding the rice to the hot pan, use your hands and fingers to gently break up the rice.  Trying to break the rice apart while in the pan may cause the rice to get smushed. Doing it by hand will ensure your rice gets a nice even fry when added to the hot pan.

What you’ll need:

• Eggs: Of course this wouldn’t be egg fried rice without the eggs.  This recipe showcases this as the main protein so I recommend going with fresh, good quality eggs.

• Day-old Jasmine rice: This is key to achieving that perfect fried rice texture. Jasmine rice has a slightly floral aroma and soft texture that works wonderfully in fried rice.
• Carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and color. Carrots are also firm enough to hold up well during stir-frying.
• Frozen peas and corn: These frozen veggies are super convenient and add both color and sweetness to the dish. 
• Butter: Adds an extra layer of flavor and gives the rice a rich, indulgent finish.

For the sauce:

• Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base flavor.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. You can use vegan oyster as well. 
• Agave syrup: Balances the saltiness with a mild sweetness. Honey or a pinch of sugar works just as well.
• Toasted sesame oil: The nutty and earthy flavor of sesame oil brings everything together.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice that enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Prep your ingredients

Start by chopping your carrots and measuring out the sauce ingredients. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, agave syrup, sesame oil, and black pepper in a small bowl, then whisk until everything is mixed. 

In a separate bowl, crack your eggs, add a pinch of salt, and whisk them lightly. 

2. Sauté the vegetables

In a large pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add your diced carrots and cook for about two minutes until they start to soften. Then add the peas and corn, stirring them in for another two minutes. Cooking the veggies before adding the rice helps develop their flavors, creating a more delicious base for the fried rice.

3. Add the rice and sauce

Break up any clumps in the day-old rice with your hands before adding it to the pan. This ensures that each grain cooks evenly and allows the sauce to coat the rice thoroughly. Pour in your prepared sauce and stir to combine, making sure all the rice is evenly coated.

4. Cook the eggs

Push the rice to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add a small amount of oil, then pour in the egg mixture. Let the eggs cook for about 30 seconds until they start to set, then scramble them gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Once they’re just cooked through, mix them into the rice until evenly distributed.

5. Finish with butter and serve

Finally, add a tablespoon of butter and give everything a final toss. The butter adds a delicious richness to the fried rice, giving it that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped green onions if you’d like, and enjoy your homemade fried rice.

Customizations

• Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal. Simply sauté the protein first on it’s own, then add it back in later with the rice.
• Spicy fried rice: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. You can also add diced chili peppers for an extra kick.
• Garlic and ginger: For an aromatic twist, add minced garlic or ginger to the pan with the carrots. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Extra veggies: Don’t limit yourself to carrots, peas, and corn. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas also work beautifully in fried rice, adding flavor as well as giving the dish a nutrient boost.

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, fried rice is one of those recipes you’ll want to have in your repertoire. It’s quick, adaptable, and incredibly satisfying. From its crisp-tender vegetables to the savory sauce that coats every grain of rice, this easy fried rice recipe will likely become a regular in your meal rotation.

Print