Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Highlighted under: Quick Recipe Vault
I love making Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a satisfying meal in a hurry. The blend of beautifully cooked rice, fresh vegetables, and fluffy eggs comes together in mere minutes. It's my go-to dish for using up leftover rice and whatever veggies I have on hand. This recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations based on what you prefer or have in your pantry. Let's dive in and whip up this delightful dish!
When I first tried my hand at making fried rice, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. Using day-old rice is a game-changer; it prevents the dish from becoming mushy and allows each grain to stay distinct. I also discovered that adding soy sauce at the end gives it a delightful flavor boost without making it too salty.
One tip I learned is to keep your veggies colorful and varied. I often throw in some peas, carrots, and green onions for both nutrition and visual appeal. This dish has become a staple in my home, and I love how each time I make it, it can be slightly different based on what’s available!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation, ready in just 10 minutes
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Perfect way to use up leftover rice
Mastering Egg Fried Rice
The key to achieving the perfect fried rice lies in the rice itself. Day-old rice is preferable because it's drier and less sticky, which allows for better separation during cooking. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a tray to cool for about 15-20 minutes before using. This helps to firm up the grains, giving you that desirable texture once fried.
When it comes to the vegetables, choose fresh, vibrant options! Peas, carrots, and corn are traditional choices, but feel free to use any leftover veggies in your fridge. Bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach work wonderfully. Just remember to chop them into small, uniform pieces, allowing them to cook evenly within a two-minute stir-fry time.
Flavor and Seasoning
Soy sauce is the star seasoning here, providing savory depth and umami flavor that elevates the dish. To enhance the richness, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a pinch of garlic and ginger while stir-frying the vegetables. These additions will not only ramp up the flavor but will also introduce a delightful aroma, making your kitchen smell fantastic.
Adjusting soy sauce to taste is essential; depending on your preference or dietary needs, low-sodium soy sauce can be a great alternative. If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Add these ingredients slowly, ensuring they coat the rice evenly without overpowering it.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and ensure the rice is separate and not clumped. If it’s refrigerated, break it apart using a fork.
Cook the Eggs
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
Stir-fry the Vegetables
Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the pan along with the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they're heated through.
Combine Rice and Ingredients
Add the cooked rice to the pan along with the scrambled eggs. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together, allowing it to fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Lastly, fold in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your quick meal!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider tossing in some sesame oil or minced garlic while cooking the vegetables. This can elevate the dish further.
Tips for Perfect Texture
Achieving the right texture in fried rice is all about timing and technique. After adding the rice to the skillet, allow it to fry undisturbed for a minute before stirring. This helps to create slightly crispy bits, adding a pleasing contrast to the overall dish. Pay close attention to the color of the rice; once it starts looking glossy and has a touch of golden edges, it’s on its way to being perfectly fried.
If you find your rice is becoming too sticky during the frying process, increasing the heat slightly may help. A hot pan ensures that the moisture evaporates quickly, preventing clumping. Just be mindful not to let it burn, stirring frequently to achieve an even cook.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover egg fried rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. For best results, allow it to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to help revive the texture. Continue stirring for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, ensuring it remains fluffy.
If you want to extend the life of your fried rice, consider freezing it. Portion the rice into freezer-safe bags and enjoy it within three months. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and then follow the same reheating instructions to bring it back to life without losing flavor or texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use uncooked rice?
It's best to use cooked rice for this recipe, preferably day-old rice, as it holds together better.
→ What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the eggs and use tofu or additional vegetables for protein.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
I love making Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a satisfying meal in a hurry. The blend of beautifully cooked rice, fresh vegetables, and fluffy eggs comes together in mere minutes. It's my go-to dish for using up leftover rice and whatever veggies I have on hand. This recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations based on what you prefer or have in your pantry. Let's dive in and whip up this delightful dish!
Created by: Lydia Barrett
Recipe Type: Quick Recipe Vault
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Gather all your ingredients and ensure the rice is separate and not clumped. If it’s refrigerated, break it apart using a fork.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the pan along with the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they're heated through.
Add the cooked rice to the pan along with the scrambled eggs. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together, allowing it to fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Lastly, fold in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your quick meal!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider tossing in some sesame oil or minced garlic while cooking the vegetables. This can elevate the dish further.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g