Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Rushed & Ready
I absolutely love making quick meals that deliver on flavor, and this 10-minute egg fried rice is a standout! It's a perfect solution for those busy days when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients like leftover rice, eggs, and some veggies, I can whip up this satisfying dish that's great for any meal. Plus, it's incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a fridge-cleanout favorite.
When I first made this 10-minute egg fried rice, I was surprised at how simple yet delicious it turned out. One trick I've learned is to use day-old rice instead of freshly cooked rice. This keeps the grains from getting mushy and ensures each bite is perfectly textured. I usually make a batch of rice the night before just for this recipe!
Another great aspect of this dish is its adaptability. Inspired by my travels, I've experimented with different proteins and vegetables, but I always come back to the classic combo of eggs and peas. It's not just quick; it’s also packed with protein, making it a wholesome meal that I often crave.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Super quick to prepare in just 10 minutes
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Deliciously savory flavor that satisfies
- Perfect for using up leftover rice
Ingredient Importance
Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in egg fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can lead to a mushy outcome. The day-old rice has had time to dry out slightly in the fridge, allowing each grain to stand apart and absorb flavors without clumping. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and let it cool for about 30 minutes before using it.
The choice of mixed vegetables can greatly enhance the dish's flavor and texture. While this recipe suggests carrots, peas, and corn, feel free to incorporate bell peppers, broccoli, or even frozen veggies that you have on hand. Just remember that denser vegetables should be chopped smaller or pre-cooked to ensure everything is evenly stir-fried without any crunchy bits. This recipe is an excellent opportunity to clear out your fridge while still making a delicious meal.
Cooking Technique
A hot skillet is your best friend for stir-frying. Preheating the vegetable oil until it's shimmering will give the eggs and vegetables a nice sear, adding depth to their flavors. When you scramble the eggs, aim for a soft as opposed to a dry texture by cooking them just until they’re set with a slight gloss. This will allow them to blend beautifully into the rice without becoming rubbery.
Stir-frying the vegetables for just 2 minutes may not seem like much, but it’s enough to maintain their vibrant colors and crispness. Keep the heat at medium-high for the best results, and don’t overcrowd the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than frying. If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking the vegetables in batches to achieve that perfect stir-fried finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you're using day-old rice, make sure it's broken up and not clumped together.
Scramble the Eggs
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then pour into the skillet. Stir gently until fully cooked, and then remove them from the skillet. Set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they're heated through.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the scrambled eggs and soy sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Season and Serve
Taste the cooked rice and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger when cooking the vegetables. You can also toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking for a protein boost, consider adding leftover chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the fried rice. Simply sauté them after cooking the vegetables and before combining with the rice. For a different flavor profile, try swapping out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. This also adds a slightly sweeter taste that can complement the other ingredients beautifully.
Feeling adventurous? Spice it up by adding some chili flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil for those who enjoy a bit of a kick. You can also throw in a splash of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro at the end for added texture and freshness, really making it your own!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Egg fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice and heat it in the microwave to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a nonstick skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, which helps to revive its original texture.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the rice a day in advance and prepping the vegetables. Keep the scrambled eggs separate until you are ready to cook, as they are best fresh. This way, the meal can come together in even less time on those busy days!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great in this recipe. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu for a plant-based alternative.
→ What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old rice is ideal since it's less sticky. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out to cool before using.
→ Can I add other proteins?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp can be added for a heartier meal.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I absolutely love making quick meals that deliver on flavor, and this 10-minute egg fried rice is a standout! It's a perfect solution for those busy days when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients like leftover rice, eggs, and some veggies, I can whip up this satisfying dish that's great for any meal. Plus, it's incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a fridge-cleanout favorite.
Created by: Quinn Harper
Recipe Type: Rushed & Ready
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you're using day-old rice, make sure it's broken up and not clumped together.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a bowl, then pour into the skillet. Stir gently until fully cooked, and then remove them from the skillet. Set aside.
In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they're heated through.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the scrambled eggs and soy sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Taste the cooked rice and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. Finally, sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger when cooking the vegetables. You can also toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 10g