You know how much I love rice! In fact, I’ve even compiled a list of rice recipes HERE. But this easy Egg Fried Rice here is on a different level. I remember how this became my family’s go-to dinner back when I was working at a restaurant. Aside from the fact that it’s quite filling for a lazy night dinner, it’s pretty budget-friendly, too. With just a few pantry-staple ingredients, you can make your own explosive fried egg and rice dinner in just 10 minutes! It’s a complete meal on its own and very customizable depending on what you have in your fridge. Want to throw in some leftover chicken? Go ahead! You can add whatever favorite mix-ins you have on hand.
Egg Fried Rice Ingredients
When I say exceptional fried rice, it all boils down to the sauce. If you get the sauce right, then you can absolutely make a mean homemade fried rice anytime, anywhere! Here’s what you need for this easy rice recipe.
Cooked rice
Long grain, short grain, jasmine, brown rice, basmati – any type of cooked rice would work great for this recipe as long as it is chilled or a day old. Why not freshly cooked rice? Well, it’s all about the texture. Freshly cooked rice is too wet, making the rice clump together as you fry them. You can still use it. The flavor will be there, however, it will just not be the right texture you’d expect for fried rice.
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce
Use whatever type of soy sauce (although not the sweet or flavored ones) you have in your pantry – dark, light, etc. Just make sure to adjust the amount though especially if you’re using the high -sodium ones. As for the oyster sauce, it’s THE major flavor booster in our fried rice. You can buy these two in the Asian section at any grocery store. Don’t worry about buying a bottle of it, coz you can use it for other recipes. (Psstt. This blog has tons of recipes using soy sauce and oyster sauce. You can start HERE.😉)
Mixed Vegetables
I’ve had my fair share of lame boring takeout stir-fried rice. And one thing they always have in common: lack of veggies! I mean, come on! Don’t you just love the variety of colors in your rice with these veggies? Whenever I make fried rice at home, my go-to is usually: frozen green peas, carrots (no need to thaw), and green onions. Others would even put in beans and corn kernels in it. Feel free to use whatever veggie combination you love!
Eggs
Eggs are a MUST in this rice meal. It adds color, flavor, texture, and, of course, protein. This is what makes this dish a one-pan meal! Love some other protein to go with eggs? Go ahead and throw in whatever rocks your boat!
How Do You Dry Out Rice for Fried Rice?
In case you have a freshly cooked rice instead of a day-old rice, you can do this trick to lessen the wetness of the rice.
Spread the freshly cooked rice on a tray and put it under a fan for about an hour. Another option is to simply spread it on a sheet and put it on top of the table or on the countertop. And just let the moisture evaporate. For a quicker turnaround, preheat your oven to low, then spread the rice out evenly on a baking sheet forming a thin layer and then bake it for about 5-10 minutes or until it dries out.
What to Serve with Fried Rice?
Actually, you can enjoy this easy fried rice recipe as is. But if you want it as a side dish for dinner, you can try these meaty recipes below.
Thai Basil Chicken Orange Chicken Beef Broccoli Stir Fry
Other Variations of Fried Rice
Remember when I said I love fried rice? Here are other variations that you can make on a weekly rotation.
Chicken Fried Rice Pineapple Fried Rice Coconut Fried Rice Nigerian Fried Rice
Let me know which one made it to the top spot! 😉
How To Make Egg Fried Rice
If rice is clumpy, break it up before proceeding. Heat a large wok or skillet on medium-high heat with about 1-2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil. Then add rice and soy sauce, quickly stir for about a minute. Add oyster sauce and continue stirring, until fully incorporated. Move the rice to one side of the pan. Then add the eggs and quickly stir to break the eggs apart. Quickly stir the rice and eggs together, for about a minute. Remove eggs and rice mixture and set aside. Add about a tablespoon of oil or more to the wok or pan. Once hot, add onions, and garlic, stir. Followed with peas and carrots. Finally, return the rice. Stir until everything has been fully combined. Add pepper flakes or hot sauce – optional. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, if necessary. Garnish with chopped scallion and serve.
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