Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

Egg fried rice is a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice. With simple ingredients like eggs, garlic, and soy sauce, it delivers a delicious balance of flavors and textures in just under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 800 g (4 cups) boiled and cooled long-grain rice (about 1 1/3 cups or 300g dried rice boiled)
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1/2 bunch spring onions/scallions, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining vegetable oil and the minced garlic to the wok. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma.
3. Step 3: Add the boiled and cooled rice to the wok, then increase the heat to high. Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice.
4. Step 4: Toss the rice continuously with a spatula, making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Keep stirring to heat the rice evenly; this should take about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Push the rice to one side of the wok and crack the two eggs into the empty space. Add about 1/4 tablespoon of soy sauce over the eggs.
6. Step 6: Cook the eggs over the heat, stirring gently with the spatula until they start to scramble but remain slightly runny.
7. Step 7: Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Pour in the remaining soy sauce (about 1 3/4 tablespoons), sprinkle the salt and garlic salt evenly, and stir everything together well.
9. Step 9: Add the lemon juice, stir, and taste the rice. Adjust with more lemon juice if needed to brighten the flavor.
10. Step 10: Divide the egg fried rice between four bowls and sprinkle with chopped spring onions.
11. Step 11: Serve alongside your favorite Chinese dishes such as Crispy Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, or Sticky Pork Belly for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding diced cooked vegetables or leftover cooked chicken or shrimp.
• Use day-old rice for the best texture; freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.
• If you prefer, replace dark soy sauce with light soy sauce for a milder flavor and lighter color.
• To make it vegetarian, omit eggs and add firm tofu or simply extra vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover egg fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain freshness and safety.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and sticky, which can make fried rice clumpy. It’s best to use rice that has been cooked and cooled, ideally overnight, to ensure the grains stay separate when fried.

How do I prevent the egg from overcooking?

Cook the eggs on medium-high heat just until they start to scramble but remain slightly runny, then mix them quickly into the hot rice off the direct heat. This keeps them tender and prevents them from becoming rubbery.

Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

A quick and flavorful Egg Fried Rice recipe perfect for a tasty meal. Made with fluffy long-grain rice, sautéed onions, garlic, eggs, and a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh lemon juice, this dish is garnished with spring onions for an added burst of freshness. Ideal as a side or a stand-alone meal, it’s a simple yet satisfying take on a classic favorite.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/2 bunch spring onions/scallions, chopped

Rice & Eggs

• 800 g (4 cups) boiled and cooled long-grain rice (about 1 1/3 cups or 300g dried rice before cooking)
• 2 eggs

Oils & Seasonings

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring regularly for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Oil: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and the minced garlic to the wok. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to release the garlic aroma.
3. Add Rice and Sesame Oil: Increase heat to high and add the boiled and cooled rice to the wok. Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice.
4. Toss and Reheat Rice: Using a spatula, toss the rice well to combine and prevent sticking, ensuring even reheating. Continue stirring for approximately 5 minutes until the rice is hot.
5. Cook Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the wok, crack in the two eggs in the empty space, and add about 1/4 tablespoon of soy sauce to the eggs. Keep the egg section over the heat.
6. Scramble Eggs: Fry the eggs gently with the spatula, mixing them until they begin to cook and scramble but remain slightly runny.
7. Combine Eggs and Rice: Mix the scrambled eggs thoroughly into the hot rice.
8. Season the Rice: Pour in the remaining 1 3/4 tablespoons of soy sauce, sprinkle the salt and garlic salt over the mixture, and stir everything together evenly.
9. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and taste the dish. Add more lemon juice if desired for extra tanginess.
10. Serve: Divide the egg fried rice evenly between four bowls, then sprinkle with chopped spring onions on top.
11. Enjoy: Serve alongside your favorite Chinese dishes such as Crispy Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, or Sticky Pork Belly for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use cooled, day-old rice for best texture; freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky for frying.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce and lemon juice according to your taste preference.
• For extra flavor, consider adding cooked vegetables or protein like shrimp or diced chicken.
• If you don’t have a wok, a large non-stick skillet can be used instead.
• This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more guests.

Keywords: egg fried rice, Chinese fried rice, quick rice recipe, easy fried rice, wok recipe, soy sauce rice, sesame oil rice