Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice

Name: Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty

I absolutely love making this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice whenever I'm short on time but still crave something delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish comes together in under ten minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The fragrant garlic and soy sauce bring the rice to life, while the eggs add a delightful creaminess. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, you'll have a new go-to meal on your hands.

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-26T22:07:34.968Z

When I first tried my hand at making fried rice, I was apprehensive. I wasn't sure if I could capture that perfect balance of flavors and textures that I loved from restaurants. After a few attempts, I discovered that using cold, leftover rice was the key! It prevents the dish from becoming mushy and allows each grain to get nice and crispy.

Another tip I have is to prepare all your ingredients beforehand, ensuring everything is ready to go. This is crucial for the timing, especially since the entire dish cooks in just 10 minutes. Now, it's one of my favorite meals to whip up!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation for busy evenings
Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
Wholesome and satisfying in every bite

Essential Techniques for Fried Rice

When making fried rice, using cold, leftover rice is essential for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky, which can lead to clumping. If you don't have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit. This will help achieve that ideal separate grain texture when stir-frying.

Another important technique is to cook the eggs quickly. Scrambling them over medium-high heat helps create fluffy curds. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can lead to tough eggs. I recommend pushing them to the side of the pan while adding the rice; this retains some residual heat to keep them warm without further cooking.

The Role of Ingredients

Soy sauce adds depth and umami to the dish, but it can also make the fried rice too salty if added too liberally. Start with a tablespoon and taste before adding more. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you're watching your sodium intake. Remember, the seasonings you add at the end will enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, so balance is key.

Green onions not only provide a pop of color but also contribute a fresh, mild onion flavor. Feel free to use other vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers, depending on what you have on hand. Just be sure to chop them finely and add them to the skillet early enough to soften, usually within the first minute of cooking.

Make-Ahead and Variations

Egg fried rice is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the rice a day in advance and store it in the fridge. To save even more time, chop your vegetables ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container. You can easily incorporate other proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu as well, which can be pre-cooked and tossed in during the final minutes of frying.

If you're looking for new flavor profiles, consider adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty taste or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. You can also experiment with different sauces. Teriyaki or oyster sauce can provide a sweet twist while retaining that essential umami flavor that makes this dish so addictive.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your own amazing egg fried rice!

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add any leftover vegetables or proteins you have on hand!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for quick and tasty egg fried rice!

Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the green onions and mincing the garlic. In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Scramble the Eggs

Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble them until just cooked. Push them to one side of the pan.

Add the Rice

Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Break apart any clumps and stir well to combine everything.

Season the Rice

Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and mix everything together. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, incorporating the green onions.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the fried rice hot directly from the skillet.

Enjoy your delicious homemade egg fried rice!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding sesame oil or chili sauce to the finished dish. You can also throw in any leftover vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Storing and Reheating

Fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to help steam the rice back to its ideal texture without drying it out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, typically around 5-7 minutes.

If you want to freeze fried rice, cool it completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags. It can last for about 1 month in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above for the best results.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue with fried rice is sogginess, often caused by using wet rice. If you find yourself with soggy rice, try increasing the heat when stir-frying. This can help evaporate excess moisture. Additionally, be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lead to steaming rather than achieving a nice stir-fry texture.

If the flavors seem subdued, it might need a boost of acidity. A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end can help brighten the entire dish. Remember to taste as you go; adjusting seasonings when cooking can make a significant difference in the final flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice?

It's best to use cold rice as it helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don't have leftover rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool before using it.

→ What can I add to make it more nutritious?

You can add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the eggs or replacing them with scrambled tofu.