Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Egg Fried Rice is a beloved classic that delivers maximum comfort with minimal fuss, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Every bite is loaded with tender veggies, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice, all coming together in a single pan. The best part? With its simple, everyday ingredients and quick prep, Egg Fried Rice is both approachable for beginners and endlessly customizable for seasoned cooks—there’s a reason it’s a staple in home kitchens around the world!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of kitchen staples can transform into such a colorful, crave-worthy meal. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role—bringing out vibrant color, satisfying texture, or an irresistible savory kick to your Egg Fried Rice.
- Cooked and chilled rice (3 cups): Day-old rice is perfect here, as it’s less sticky and gives your fried rice the ideal chewy bite.
- Eggs (3 large, beaten): These are the star, adding richness and protein while those scrambled golden bits look beautiful speckled throughout the dish.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral in flavor, it allows the other ingredients to shine and prevents sticking.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): These add pops of color, natural sweetness, and a classic fried rice feel.
- Green onions (3, sliced): Fresh and zesty, green onions add crunch and a little sharpness that perks up every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a bit elevates the whole dish with irresistible aroma and savory flavor.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The salty, umami backbone that pulls everything together—taste as you go for your perfect level.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds deep savory sweetness; skip if needed but it takes Egg Fried Rice up a notch.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash for rich, nutty aromas that say “fried rice is ready!”
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For gentle heat and a final flavor flourish.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set. You want soft, fluffy curds—don’t overcook! Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside for now (they’ll go back into the party soon).
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your pan. Stir in the peas, carrots, green onions, and garlic. Keep things moving and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds essential flavor and brings beautiful color to your Egg Fried Rice.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Now for the main event—add your chilled, day-old rice. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking up any clumps along the way. The rice will soak up all those savory aromas and develop that signature slightly toasted texture. Make sure each grain is coated and separated.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return your scrambled eggs to the pan, and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss everything together so every bite is well seasoned. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until everything is heated through and deliciously combined. Your homemade Egg Fried Rice is ready!
How to Serve Egg Fried Rice

Garnishes
Brighten up your Egg Fried Rice right before serving with a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions or a handful of sesame seeds. For a restaurant-style touch, a few chili flakes or a dash of sriracha gives a pop of heat, and a lime wedge on the side is fantastic if you like a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
As a main dish, Egg Fried Rice truly shines with simple sides—think crisp cucumber salad, quick pickled veggies, or miso soup. If you’re serving a crowd, pair it with stir-fried bok choy, crispy spring rolls, or grilled chicken skewers for a feast that rivals your favorite takeout spot.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Egg Fried Rice in individual bowls with toppings laid out for everyone to customize is always a hit. Or, try piling it into hollowed-out bell peppers or even using lettuce cups for an appetizer-style twist. It also looks beautiful heaped onto a large platter, garnished with extra herbs and served family style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Egg Fried Rice to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Yes, Egg Fried Rice can be frozen! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out extra air to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep its flavor and texture well for about a month—just be sure to label for easy grab-and-go meals.
Reheating
For the best results, sprinkle a little water over the rice, cover, and microwave in short bursts, fluffing with a fork between rounds. Alternatively, stir-fry in a pan over medium heat to restore a touch of that just-cooked freshness and the delightful, savory aroma.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice, which can result in a mushy texture. If you’re in a rush, spread the rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes to cool and dry it out as much as possible before using.
What other vegetables can I add?
Egg Fried Rice is endlessly customizable! Try adding bell peppers, corn, edamame, mushrooms, or baby spinach. Just remember to adjust the cooking time so all your veggies are cooked but still vibrant.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce (if using) is gluten free or swap it for a dash more soy or a splash of tamari.
How can I add extra protein?
Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu when you add the scrambled eggs back to the pan. Just dice your protein into bite-sized pieces for even mixing and quick reheating.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, but for the best texture, cook in batches—overcrowding the pan may cause steaming instead of stir-frying. Keep finished Egg Fried Rice warm in a low oven as you work through multiple batches.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much joy in making Egg Fried Rice at home: simplicity, flavor, and comfort all packed into one speedy meal. Whether you keep it classic or make it your own with favorite add-ins, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear from plates. Happy cooking!
Print
Egg Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Egg Fried Rice recipe that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This Asian-inspired dish is packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite veggies and protein.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until set. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir in peas, carrots, green onions, and garlic. Cook until tender.
- Stir-Fry: Add rice, stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. Return eggs to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Day-old rice works best for fried rice.
- Customize with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Try different veggies like bell pepper, corn, or edamame.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 140mg