If you have eggs and leftover rice, this easy egg fried rice comes together with just 6 simple ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes. It works as a quick main, go-to meal, or side dish that's family-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Egg Fried Rice (蛋炒饭) is a classic Chinese stir-fried rice dish featuring fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. It's a popular Chinese dish made with humble ingredients and is a staple in many Chinese households.
Growing up, my mother would make this for us hungry kids to get dinner on the table quickly. We would serve it with Char Siu and Stir-Fried Snow Pea Leaves and it left us with full bellies.
Why This Recipe Works
- We use cold, day-old rice because it dries and firms in the fridge, helping the grains separate and preventing clumping.
- I've tested several types of rice and recommend jasmine or long-grain white rice for light, fluffy grains that hold their shape.
- Many egg fried rice recipes turn out soggy, but separating the grains first keeps the texture light and fluffy, while medium-high heat helps it fry quickly instead of steaming.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Please scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Cooked Jasmine Rice: Or white long-grain rice. Use cold, day-old rice for best texture. If using fresh rice, spread on a baking sheet, freeze for 45 minutes, then break it up.
- Large Eggs: This is a main ingredient, so use fresh eggs.
- Green Onions: To add aroma and flavor. Substitution: ¼ cup finely diced shallot or onion.
- Regular Soy Sauce: Any all-purpose brand works [I recommend Kikkoman or Lee Kum Kee]. Low-sodium or light soy sauce also works.
- Neutral Oil: Use high-smoke-point oils like avocado, peanut, vegetable, canola/rapeseed, or sunflower oil. Avoid extra-virgin olive oil (smokes at high heat).
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma [I recommend Kadoya or Maruhon]. Avoid substituting with untoasted sesame oil as it doesn't taste the same.
Note: Most Asian ingredients are typically found at Asian grocery stores, or you can check online.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make egg fried rice:
- Heat the pan and cook the eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil in a large pan or non-stick wok over medium-high heat. If using a steel wok, allow the oil to smoke slightly; if using a regular pan, skip this step. Add the beaten eggs and quickly stir-fry until just set but still soft and moist.
- Add the rice: Add the rice, breaking up any clumps directly in the pan as needed.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push everything to one side of the pan, add the remaining oil to the empty space, and sauté the green onions. Toss everything together until combined.
- Season and finish: Pour soy sauce and sesame oil around the edges of the pan, then toss until the rice is evenly coated and lightly browned. Remove from heat and serve hot. If needed, season with salt to taste.
Expert Tips
- Use a steel wok for authentic smoky flavour (wok hei), which comes from high heat and oil on hot steel. A regular pan also works, but it won't develop the same smoky flavour.
- Use cold, day-old rice: Drier grains stay separate, giving light, fluffy fried rice.
- Break up clumps first: Loosen rice with clean hands or a paddle so it cooks and toasts evenly.
- Cooking over medium-high heat helps dry out excess moisture and prevents soggy fried rice.
- Pour soy sauce around the edge of the hot wok so it lightly caramelizes before mixing in for deeper flavor.
Variations
- Gluten-free version: Swap the soy sauce with tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Sesame-free version: Omit the sesame oil. For extra seasoning, you can add chicken bouillon powder to taste.
- Spicy version: Drizzle chili oil or chili crisp over the fried rice.
Pairing Suggestions
This quick egg fried rice pairs well with:
- Starters: Egg Rolls, Crab Rangoon, Egg Drop Soup, or Hot and Sour Soup.
- Noodle Dishes: Chow Mein or Lo Mein.
- Vegetable Dishes: Chinese Garlic Bok Choy or Garlic Green Beans.
- Protein Dishes: Mongolian Chicken, Black Pepper Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp, Egg Foo Young, or Soy Garlic Tofu.
Storage & Reheating
- Leftover egg fried rice can last up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- Freezer: Egg fried rice can be frozen for up to 1-3 months when quickly cooled to prevent bacteria growth, and stored in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQ
Egg fried rice can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Freshly steamed rice can be used, but you'll need to dry it out first; otherwise it will result in clumpy fried rice. To do this, evenly spread the cooked rice out on a large baking sheet, freeze for 45 minutes, and break it up with a rice paddle.
There are many ingredients you can add to elevate egg fried rice, including peas, carrots, green beans, corn, broccoli florets, bean sprouts, butter, oyster sauce, chili oil, chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
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📖 Recipe
10 min. Easy Egg Fried Rice (only 6 ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or long-grain white rice (cold, day-old recommended)
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 2.5 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil toasted kind
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil in a large pan or non-stick wok over medium-high heat. If using a steel wok, allow the oil to smoke slightly; if using a regular pan, skip this step. Add the beaten eggs and quickly stir-fry until just set but still soft and moist.
- Add the rice, breaking up any clumps directly in the pan as needed.
- Push everything to one side of the pan, add the remaining oil to the empty space, and sauté the green onions. Toss everything together until combined.
- Pour soy sauce and sesame oil around the edges of the pan, then toss until the rice is evenly coated and lightly browned. Remove from heat and serve hot. If needed, season with salt to taste.
Marina Cormier
Delicious !
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and for the positive review! Glad you enjoyed it!
Chris
Simple and tasty.
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe! Glad you found it tasty!
Marilyn
Quick, easy and delicious. I followed the recipe exactly. Next time I will add peas, carrots, garlic and maybe some chicken or pork. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!!!
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and for sharing your positive experience here! So glad you enjoyed it! Those additions would be fantastic 🙂
Kimberly
I used some Basmati rice (the only kind I keep, it's my favorite), gluten free soy sauce, and 3 eggs were all I had left in the fridge. I used steamed brocoli florets instead of green onions, and added a tiny tsp of maple syrup for sweetness (I used to eat my fried rice with some sweet sauce, and I miss the taste). The result was great, I loved it! And so did my 1 yr old daughter 🥰 I have celiac disease, so it's a bit hard to get creative with my meals. Thank you very much for the inspiration! I'm definitely adding this recipe to my weekly menu 👌🏻
Christie Lai
Thank you SO much for this kind and positive review, Kimberly! I also appreciate you sharing your own substitutes to make this recipe work for you 🙂 Happy it worked out well for you and your daughter. I'm so sorry about your condition. I can somewhat relate as I also have gluten and dairy sensitivities and it can be so challenging at times. I wish you well!
Unique places in the World
If you have eggs and leftover rice, this 10-minute fried rice recipe is an absolute lifesaver! With just 6 simple ingredients, it’s quick, budget-friendly, and so versatile. Whether you’re making it as a main dish or a side, it always hits the spot. I especially love the tips you share for getting that classic Chinese takeout flavor — it really elevates the whole dish. This has definitely become one of my favorite go-to meals when I need something delicious in a pinch!
Christie Lai
Wow thank you so much for the very positive review and for making my recipe! I am so glad it worked out so well for you and happy I could share those tips 🙂
Lynette
I really enjoy this recipe 😀🤤 it is must try for people on the go like me so easy so delightful 🥰yum
Christie Lai
Thanks for making my recipe and sharing this positive review, Lynette! So glad you enjoyed it so much 🙂
Irene High
Loved this easy recipe! My family enjoyed it very much.
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe, Irene! So glad it's a keeper!
Kathrin
I love it. Since i moved i searched a restaurant that made the fried rice linke my favorite Chinese resraurant. Now i'm not searching anymore 🙂 greetings from Germany
Christie Lai
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for making my recipe!
Mary
Loved the recipe, the fried rice turned out great thank you
Christie Lai
I'm so glad to read this! Thanks so much for making my recipe and happy you enjoyed it, Mary!
Diane
I have been looking for an easy fried rice recipe for so long, but I come across this simple way of making fried rice in ten minutes with simple ingredients and I am really happy with its outcome. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us!
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for this kind and positive review, Diane! I am really happy to hear it's easy and quick. Have a lovely day!
Rita Kell
I made it, easy and really good. I used 2 eggs instead of 4. I did not have green onions, so I minced a couple tablespoons of white onion.
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe and for the positive review, Rita! I am so happy to hear that it worked out with less eggs and white onion.
Laura
Thank you for sharing this
quick recipe. It's really good and we love it!
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for the kind words and I'm so happy you enjoy it, Laura! Have a lovely day!
Carrie
This simple egg fried rice was delicious and so flavorful. It came together quickly and easily. Loved it!
Christie Lai
Thank you so much for making my recipe, Carrie! I'm so happy that it was delicious and it came together easily in little time 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Max
Tasty and easy! I was able to make this in my college dorm. I didn't have sesame oil, so I replaced it with chili oil as recommended. I also didn't have green onions, so I added some minced garlic to make up for the flavor loss. Overall, super easy and filling!
Christie Lai
Thanks so much for making my egg fried rice, Max! So happy to hear that it worked out with the minced garlic 🙂
Furness N
Thanks so much for this recipe and the tips! I tried it without egg (just out of preference) and I loved it too! Maybe I can impress my mother one day haha
Christie Lai
Thanks so much for making my recipe, Furness! Happy that you enjoyed the recipe and it worked without the eggs! I hope she likes it as just much 🙂
Trisha Mae B. Abata
This fried looks so good and when i try to cook. when i finish to cook it, it was really yummy and its good to eat.
i am really obsessed of this fried rice. THANK YOU for sharing the recipe.
christieathome
Aww thank you so much for making it Trisha! I am so happy that you love it so much! I appreciate the kind review and have a lovely day!
Arlene
Best fried rice! So simple and straight to the point, I’ll be adding shrimp to this next time. Thank you for sharing!
christieathome
Thank you so much for making my recipe, Arlene! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed it and shrimp would be a fantastic addition 🙂 Have a great evening!