Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Fast Plate Creations
I absolutely adore making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm pressed for time but still want a delicious, satisfying meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed; with just a few ingredients, I can whip up a flavorful dish that's great for lunch or dinner. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice! In just 10 minutes, you can have a tasty and wholesome meal ready to enjoy.
When I first tried making egg fried rice at home, I couldn't believe how quick and easy it was! By using leftover rice straight from the fridge, I discovered that it helps the grains stay separate and fry up perfectly. It’s incredible how a simple combination of eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce can transform a basic bowl of rice into an exciting one-pan meal.
One tip I found particularly useful is to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This way, everything is at your fingertips, ensuring that the process flows smoothly. I love adding a dash of sesame oil at the end for an extra layer of flavor—it truly elevates the dish!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and satisfying meal that comes together in just 10 minutes
- Versatile recipe – customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins
- Perfect for using up leftover rice and reducing food waste
Perfecting Your Fried Rice Technique
When making fried rice, it's crucial to use day-old, cold rice to achieve the ideal texture. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture, which can make your dish mushy. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool before using it in the recipe. This cooling step helps to evaporate excess moisture and gives your fried rice that delightful, slightly chewy texture.
Another key technique is the use of high heat during cooking. A hot pan allows for quick stir-frying, ensuring that the vegetables are crisp and the rice gets a bit of crispy texture without steaming in the pan. I find that using a wok over a gas stove is optimal for achieving that desired 'wok hei' flavor, a key hallmark of excellent stir-fried dishes.
Ingredient Insights
The choice of soy sauce is essential for flavor depth. I recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt levels, especially since you’ll be adding sesame oil and potentially other salty ingredients. If you want to avoid gluten, try using tamari or coconut aminos as a delicious alternative. These options will still give your fried rice a savory kick without compromising on flavor.
The mixed frozen vegetables are convenient, but feel free to switch them out based on what you have on hand. Fresh bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add a nice crunch and vibrant color to your dish. Just be sure to chop everything into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and to maintain that appealing presentation—after all, we eat with our eyes first!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions:
Cook the Eggs
In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, then toss in the mixed vegetables. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Fry the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes until well combined.
Combine and Serve
Stir the scrambled eggs back into the rice mixture, drizzle with sesame oil, and season with salt, pepper, and sliced green onions. Enjoy your meal hot!
Pro Tips
- Using cold, leftover rice is key to achieving the best texture for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky, so prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance if possible!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This egg fried rice is perfect for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple; just add a splash of water to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat until warmed through. This will help prevent the rice from drying out, ensuring every bite remains flavorful and satisfying.
If you're looking to freeze the fried rice, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in your skillet or microwave.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This egg fried rice can serve as a standalone meal, but it also pairs well with protein additions for a more filling option. Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra texture and nutrition. If you prefer a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before serving. These variations keep the dish exciting and can cater to varying taste preferences.
For a gourmet twist, you can garnish the fried rice with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of additional sesame oil. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also brighten up the dish, adding layers of flavor that complement the savory rice. With these options, you can easily customize your fried rice to accommodate your cravings or pantry contents.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover?
While it's better to use cold, leftover rice, if you must use fresh rice, make sure to spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for a bit.
→ Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it's vegetarian as it only contains eggs and vegetables. You can customize it by omitting the eggs for a vegan version.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more variety!
→ Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Just make sure to add it in while sautéing the vegetables.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I absolutely adore making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm pressed for time but still want a delicious, satisfying meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed; with just a few ingredients, I can whip up a flavorful dish that's great for lunch or dinner. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice! In just 10 minutes, you can have a tasty and wholesome meal ready to enjoy.
Created by: Noemi Turner
Recipe Type: Fast Plate Creations
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large non-stick skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, then toss in the mixed vegetables. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes until well combined.
Stir the scrambled eggs back into the rice mixture, drizzle with sesame oil, and season with salt, pepper, and sliced green onions. Enjoy your meal hot!
Extra Tips
- Using cold, leftover rice is key to achieving the best texture for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky, so prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance if possible!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g