Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice

Name: Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold); 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice whenever I'm in a rush or craving something delicious! This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also super satisfying. With a delightful combination of fluffy eggs, vibrant veggies, and savory soy sauce, it makes for a perfect meal any time of day. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rice. Trust me, you'll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-27T01:04:47.428Z

Making this Quick & Easy Egg Fried Rice was a delightful experience for me. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; it was an impromptu dinner with friends. I rushed to the kitchen, and within moments, the intoxicating smell of sautéed garlic filled the room, setting the tone for what turned out to be a fun dinner party.

What sets this egg fried rice apart is the technique of using cold, leftover rice. This ensures that the grains stay separate and don’t clump together, giving a lovely texture to the dish. A quick stir-fry, and you have a satisfying meal in just 10 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick to make, perfect for busy schedules
Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins

Understanding the Rice

Using cold, cooked rice is crucial for achieving that ideal fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and clumpy. Instead, aim for rice that has been refrigerated for at least a couple of hours, allowing the grains to firm up and separate. If you're short on time, leftover rice from a previous meal works perfectly. You can even use day-old rice directly from the fridge, which will help you save time in the kitchen while enhancing the dish's texture.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to regular white rice, consider using brown rice or cauliflower rice. Brown rice will deliver a nuttier flavor and a chewier bite, while cauliflower rice offers a low-carb option that's still delicious. Keep in mind that if you switch to cauliflower rice, you'll want to sauté it for a shorter time to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

Vegetable Variations

The beauty of this egg fried rice recipe lies in its versatility, especially when it comes to veggies. While mixed frozen vegetables are convenient, feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add vibrant colors and textures. Just make sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Generally, about 1 cup of your choice will suffice, or approximately 2 cups if using fresh ingredients.

When using fresh vegetables, remember to blanch them beforehand to retain their brightness and crunch, especially if they are denser like carrots or green beans. Simply immerse them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to ice water before adding to the skillet. This step elevates the dish's presentation and nutritional punch.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the eggs

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.

Sauté the veggies

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.

Combine ingredients

Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir in the soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes! You can also include cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Quick & Easy Egg Fried Rice is not only quick to prepare but can also be made ahead of time. Prepare the ingredients in advance by chopping the vegetables and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, when you're ready to cook, everything is already prepped and ready to go. You can even beat the eggs and store them in a separate container for seamless cooking.

If you want to make a larger batch, fried rice actually refrigerates well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming and to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving your egg fried rice with a protein on the side for a complete meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can complement the fried rice beautifully and elevate the dish to a full dinner. A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil on top adds flavor and spices up the dish without overwhelming its innate goodness.

For added freshness, consider topping the dish with a simple salad or pickled vegetables. The acidity from the pickles contrasts perfectly with the savory rice, enhancing your eating experience. I love to add a side of cucumber salad tossed in vinegar to balance the rich flavors of the fried rice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky, which can make the fried rice clump together. It's best to use cold rice for the best texture.

→ What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them small for even cooking.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the eggs or substitute with tofu for a vegan option, and you can still enjoy a delicious meal.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for the best texture.