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 jasmine rice; 2 large eggs; 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced

Highlighted under: Fast Family Favorites

I love a good, quick meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor, and this 10-minute egg fried rice perfectly fits the bill. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up a deliciously satisfying dish that always leaves me feeling fulfilled. The best part? It's incredibly customizable! You can easily toss in leftover vegetables or proteins. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, allowing me to create a delicious meal in no time, even on my busiest days.

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2026-01-27T01:09:35.125Z

During a particularly busy week, I found myself needing quick meals that were also satisfying. That's when I concocted this 10-minute egg fried rice. The beauty lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The eggs provide protein while the rice acts as a comforting base. This dish is ideal for using up any leftover ingredients lurking in the fridge – I often add in some greens or a bit of chicken for extra substance.

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste. When I prepare it, I make sure to use day-old rice since it separates better and gives that perfect fried texture. Plus, there's something delightful about the aroma of sizzling garlic and soy sauce that fills the kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation that fits into any busy schedule
Delicious flavor combinations enhanced with fresh ingredients
A great way to use leftover rice and veggies

The Importance of Day-Old Rice

Using day-old rice is a key to achieving the perfect texture in your egg fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky, leading to clumps rather than separate grains. If you're short on time, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to cool quickly. This step helps achieve that ideal consistency and ensures each grain absorbs the flavors of the soy sauce and vegetables effectively.

If you don’t have leftover rice on hand, consider cooking a batch earlier in the day and refrigerating it until you're ready to use it. This not only makes your fried rice extra delicious but also allows the rice to firm up, making it less likely to turn mushy during cooking. A light drizzle of oil over the cooled rice can also help keep it from clumping together during frying.

Mastering The Cooking Technique

A crucial technique in making perfect egg fried rice is to cook each component separately before combining. Start by scrambling the eggs until they're just set, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Take those eggs out while you cook the vegetables so they remain fluffy and don’t overcook. Remember to add garlic at the beginning for maximum flavor, sautéing it until it's fragrant but not browned, which can lead to bitterness.

When incorporating the cooked rice with the vegetables, use a spatula to break up any clumps gently. This ensures even distribution and allows the soy sauce to coat every grain. Keep the heat at medium-high during this stage; it helps achieve a slightly crispy texture on some grains while keeping the overall dish vibrant and glossy.

Customizing Your Fried Rice

One of the beautiful things about this egg fried rice recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking to add protein, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be excellent additions; just toss them in along with the mixed vegetables. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or edamame for extra protein. I often use whatever leftover veggies I have, but bell peppers or peas work particularly well because they add a pop of color and sweetness.

Herbs can also elevate your dish; try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh cilantro right before serving for added flavor and freshness. If you're a fan of spice, a dash of chili paste or Sriracha can take the egg fried rice to the next level. Remember to adjust seasonings, like soy sauce, accordingly when adding extra ingredients to maintain a well-balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
2 large eggs
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for the best results!

Steps

Prepare the Rice and Eggs

If you're using leftover rice, make sure it's cold and broken up into separate grains. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked and then set them aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they're tender.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked rice to the pan and pour in the soy sauce. Stir everything together, then fold in the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions. Ensure everything is evenly mixed and heated through, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired!

Pro Tips

For a vegetarian option, feel free to replace the eggs with tofu or leave them out entirely. Adding sesame oil instead of vegetable oil can also enhance the flavor.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover egg fried rice, it's best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply toss it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly. You may also use a microwave, but be aware that it might not achieve the same crispy texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing your leftover fried rice. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out the excess air before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan. Although frozen rice might lose some of its texture, adding a bit of oil during reheating can help restore some of its original character.

Scaling the Recipe

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its scalability. If you need to prepare a meal for a larger group, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities. Just ensure not to overcrowd the pan when frying; working in batches can help maintain high heat, which is essential for that desirable consistency. For each batch, repeat the steps as listed, ensuring even seasoning throughout.

When scaling up, consider the size of your cooking vessel. A large wok or skillet can accommodate larger quantities, but if that’s not available, you might need to utilize multiple pans. This helps ensure that the fried rice cooks evenly without stewing in its own moisture, leading to a perfect dish every time, regardless of the number of servings.

Flavor Enhancements

To further enhance the flavors in your egg fried rice, consider adding a splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking. This quick addition provides a nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables. Alternatively, a sprinkle of furikake, a Japanese seasoning blend, can introduce new textures and tastes to your dish, making it a delightful surprise for the palate.

If you're seeking a different twist, try incorporating curry powder or a splash of coconut milk as you sauté the vegetables. This will create a unique fusion dish that maintains the core essence of fried rice while exploring different flavor profiles. With a few simple tweaks, you can make this quick meal feel entirely new each time you prepare it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to prepare.

→ What vegetables can I add to the fried rice?

You can use any vegetables you like! Carrots, peas, bell peppers, or even broccoli work great.

→ Is it necessary to use day-old rice?

While it's not necessary, day-old rice is drier and helps create a better texture for fried rice.

→ Can I freeze leftover fried rice?

Yes, fried rice freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and consume it within a month.