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 day-old); 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Express Kitchen

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I need a delicious meal in a hurry. With just a handful of ingredients, I can transform plain rice into a vibrant dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s amazing how, with a few stirs of the pan, scrambled eggs combine with garlic and green onions to create an aroma that fills the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice and make a satisfying meal in just 10 minutes.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:11:35.293Z

When we decided to tackle fried rice at home, I had to figure out how to keep it simple yet delicious. I found that using day-old rice made a huge difference, as it doesn't clump and fries up beautifully. I also love how I can customize this dish by adding whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a perfect clean-out-the-fridge recipe.

The best part about this recipe is its speed; I can prep and cook in just 10 minutes! Keeping everything prepped and lined up makes the process flow smoothly, and soon enough I have a colorful, tasty dish ready to enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation for busy days.
Flavorful yet simple ingredients.
Versatile for adding extra veggies or proteins.

Mastering the Technique

To achieve the perfect texture in your egg fried rice, the key lies in not overcooking the scrambled eggs. Once they start to set, remove them from the heat; the residual heat will finish cooking them to fluffy perfection. This technique ensures they remain soft and blend seamlessly into your dish. Be sure to chop your green onions finely, as this enhances their flavor release during cooking. Aim to have them cut into small pieces, about 1/4 inch, to ensure even distribution throughout the rice.

When frying the rice, use a wide skillet or wok instead of a narrow pan. This will allow for better heat distribution and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying. As you sauté the rice, watch for it to develop a slightly golden hue and a glossy sheen. This indicates that it's acquiring some flavor and texture. Keeping a spatula on hand will help you break up clumps, ensuring each grain gets evenly coated with soy sauce.

Ingredient Insights

Using day-old rice is a game changer for this recipe. The grains dry out slightly in the refrigerator, preventing them from becoming mushy when fried. If you only have fresh rice, try spreading it thinly on a baking sheet and letting it cool for about 30 minutes before using. This technique helps to mimic the texture of day-old rice and will improve your fried rice's overall outcome.

Soy sauce is the backbone of flavor in this dish, contributing both saltiness and depth. For a variation, consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt levels better, or even tamari for a gluten-free option. If you're looking to introduce a little kick, a splash of sriracha or chili sauce can elevate the flavor profile to a delightful level without overwhelming the dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful dish:

Ingredients

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

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your egg fried rice:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Chop the green onions and mince the garlic.

Heat the Pan

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Scramble the Eggs

Pour in the beaten eggs, stirring quickly to scramble them until just set. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.

Fry the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Add soy sauce and mix well, frying for about 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another minute. Serve warm and enjoy!

Your delicious egg fried rice is ready to be served!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other leftover vegetables like peas or carrots to enhance the dish further. You can also add cooked proteins like chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.

Storing and Reheating

Storing leftover egg fried rice is simple and effective. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of oil to prevent sticking and to refresh the texture. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

If you're considering freezing your egg fried rice, portion it out before freezing to ensure convenient reheating. Freeze in zip-top bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw your desired portion in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat in a pan or microwave. Note that the texture may differ slightly after freezing, but adding a splash of water while reheating can help restore some moisture.

Flavor Variations

One of the joys of this quick fried rice recipe is its versatility. Feel free to toss in other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to chop them finely and add them to the skillet before the rice for optimal cooking. Aim for about 1 cup of additional vegetables to keep the balance of flavors intact while enhancing the dish’s volume and texture.

For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If you choose to add protein, ensure it's pre-cooked to allow for a quick incorporation at the end of the cooking process. To keep things light and fresh, garnish your fried rice with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving, elevating the whole meal with a bright, zesty finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

While it's possible, day-old rice is dryer and less sticky, making for better fried rice.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu for a vegan version.

→ What type of soy sauce should I use?

Regular or low-sodium soy sauce works well. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

→ Can I add other proteins to this recipe?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for extra protein.