Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Speedy Home Meals
I absolutely love making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a satisfying meal in a hurry. The combination of fluffy scrambled eggs with perfectly cooked rice and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that's not only delicious but incredibly versatile. In just 10 minutes, I can whip up this delightful recipe, using whatever leftovers I have on hand. It’s a go-to dish that brings comfort and joy to my busy days.
When I first started experimenting with fried rice, I struggled with getting the rice just right. It wasn't until I learned to use day-old rice that things changed for me. The key is to ensure the grains are dry enough to fry without turning mushy, and that's how this 10-minute dish became a staple in my kitchen.
One of my favorite tricks is to add a splash of soy sauce at the end, which acts as a flavor enhancer while giving the rice a beautiful glaze. It’s quick, easy, and every bite is of deliciousness!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes!
- Flexibility to use your favorite veggies or leftovers
- Delicious and comforting flavor in every bite
Choosing the Right Rice
Using day-old rice is ideal for this egg fried rice recipe because it’s drier and less sticky, which allows for a better texture when frying. Freshly cooked rice can clump together, making it harder to achieve that delightful fried consistency. If you don’t have day-old rice, spreading freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool for about 15 minutes can help reduce moisture content.
Another important factor is the type of rice you choose. Long-grain varieties like Jasmine or Basmati work well here, providing a light and fluffy texture. If you’re using short-grain rice, just be mindful that it can be stickier, which might affect the final dish's texture. Experiment with different types to find what you prefer!
Perfecting Your Technique
When you scramble the eggs, it’s important not to overcook them. Aim for soft curds that are still slightly runny, as they will continue to cook when mixed with the hot rice. Cooking them in a pan over medium heat also prevents them from browning too quickly and ensures they stay tender. If you find your eggs sticking to the pan, consider using a non-stick skillet or adding a bit more oil.
For maximum flavor, make sure to toss the mixed vegetables in the hot oil for just enough time to produce vibrant colors and a slight crunch, typically around 2-3 minutes. This quick sauté helps to keep the vegetables crisp, complementing the soft scrambled eggs and fluffy rice beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store egg fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To prevent the rice from drying out, consider adding a splash of water when reheating. This will help rehydrate the dish, ensuring it remains soft and enjoyable. I often use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried rice. Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above, or stir-fry directly from frozen, adding a splash of soy sauce to enhance flavor during reheating.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for your quick and easy dish:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Have everything ready? Let’s get cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your fried rice:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your chopped veggies and cooked rice. If using leftover rice, break up any clumps with your hands to ensure even cooking.
Scramble the Eggs
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the pan. Scramble until fully cooked, then transfer to a plate.
Fry the Rice and Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in your mixed veggies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are tender, then add the day-old rice, breaking up any remaining clumps.
Combine Everything
Stir in the scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade egg fried rice!
Now that you know how to make it, enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!
Pro Tips
- For a spicier version, consider adding a splash of chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
Vegetable Variations
The beauty of this egg fried rice recipe lies in its versatility. While peas, carrots, and bell peppers are used, feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli florets, corn, or snap peas add great nutrition and vibrant colors. Just be sure to chop all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
For a heartier dish, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like diced tofu, cooked chicken, or shrimp. These additions will not only boost the nutritional value but also enhance the flavor profile, giving your fried rice a delightful twist.
Flavor Boosters
To elevate the flavor of your quick & easy egg fried rice, consider incorporating additional sauces such as oyster sauce or sesame oil for a richer taste. A touch of garlic or ginger sautéed with the vegetables can offer a fragrant and warming note to the dish, making it more satisfying.
Spice lovers might appreciate a dash of sriracha or chili flakes, which can easily be added while cooking or drizzled on top before serving. Pairing the rice with pickled vegetables or a light soy dipping sauce can also enhance the overall experience and add an exciting layer to your meal.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is easily scalable whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. For larger quantities, ensure you have a sufficiently large pan to fry the rice; a wok is preferable for even cooking and preventing overcrowding.
When scaling up, give yourself a few extra minutes for sautéing the vegetables and for the rice to fry properly, as larger batches may require more time to heat through. For large gatherings, you might also prepare the mixed vegetables and scrambled eggs in advance and combine them with warmed rice right before serving for maximum freshness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great time-saver and work perfectly in this recipe.
→ What if I don't have day-old rice?
You can use freshly cooked rice, but make sure to let it cool and dry out a bit before frying to avoid a mushy texture.
→ Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add any cooked proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly. You can add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I absolutely love making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a satisfying meal in a hurry. The combination of fluffy scrambled eggs with perfectly cooked rice and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that's not only delicious but incredibly versatile. In just 10 minutes, I can whip up this delightful recipe, using whatever leftovers I have on hand. It’s a go-to dish that brings comfort and joy to my busy days.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Speedy Home Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Start by gathering all your chopped veggies and cooked rice. If using leftover rice, break up any clumps with your hands to ensure even cooking.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the pan. Scramble until fully cooked, then transfer to a plate.
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in your mixed veggies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are tender, then add the day-old rice, breaking up any remaining clumps.
Stir in the scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade egg fried rice!
Extra Tips
- For a spicier version, consider adding a splash of chili sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g