Learn how to make authentic Egg Fried Rice at home—a quick, flavorful, and fluffy fried rice with eggs, vegetables, and seasonings. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish.

Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Egg Fried Rice is a classic, quick and versatile Asian-inspired dish made with rice, scrambled eggs, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s a go-to comfort food that’s simple to prepare and loved worldwide.

Whether as a main dish or a side, Egg Fried Rice can be enjoyed on its own or paired with dishes like stir-fried vegetables, chicken, beef, or shrimp. Its fluffy texture, light soy-based seasoning, and golden eggs make it a favorite for both home cooks and food lovers.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or using leftover rice, this recipe shows you how to achieve restaurant-quality Egg Fried Rice right at home.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, cold rice)
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
2–3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Beat the eggs in a small bowl and season lightly with salt.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
Pour in the eggs and scramble gently until just set. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 3: Add Rice

Add cold, day-old rice to the skillet, breaking up clumps with a spatula.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes to evenly heat the rice and combine with vegetables.

Step 4: Season the Rice

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice.
Stir thoroughly to coat every grain.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Eggs and Rice

Add the scrambled eggs back into the skillet.
Toss everything together gently until eggs are evenly distributed.
Stir in chopped green onions just before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot as a main dish or side.
Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.

Tips for Perfect Egg Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice – Prevents mushy rice and helps achieve fluffy grains.
High Heat Cooking – Ensures a light, slightly crispy texture and avoids steaming the rice.
Scramble Eggs Separately – Keeps the eggs fluffy and prevents overcooking.
Cut Ingredients Evenly – Ensures even cooking and a better texture.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan – Gives rice room to fry properly.
Add Soy Sauce Gradually – Prevents over-seasoning and soggy rice.

Variations

1. Vegetable Egg Fried Rice

Add extra veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Great for a vegetarian option and packed with color and nutrients.

2. Chicken Egg Fried Rice

Stir in diced cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or leftover rotisserie chicken).
Makes the dish more filling and protein-rich.

3. Shrimp Fried Rice

Toss in peeled, deveined shrimp and cook quickly before adding the rice.
Gives a light seafood flavor and pairs well with garlic and soy sauce.

4. Beef Fried Rice

Add thinly sliced beef strips or leftover steak.
Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of ginger for depth.

5. Pork Fried Rice

Use diced ham, Chinese BBQ pork (char siu), or ground pork.
Adds a savory-sweet richness.

6. Spicy Fried Rice

Mix in chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or red pepper flakes.
Perfect if you enjoy heat with your meal.

7. Pineapple Fried Rice

Add fresh pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Works especially well with shrimp or chicken.

8. Kimchi Fried Rice

Stir in chopped kimchi for tangy, spicy Korean-style fried rice.
Top with a fried egg for extra richness.

9. Garlic Butter Fried Rice

Swap sesame oil for butter and add lots of garlic.
Rich, aromatic, and indulgent.

10. Thai Basil Fried Rice

Add Thai basil leaves and a splash of fish sauce.
Gives a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with spring rolls or dumplings.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables, sweet and sour chicken, or General Tso’s chicken.
Top with crispy fried onions or extra green onions for garnish.
Enjoy as a quick lunch, dinner, or meal-prep option.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Microwave or stir-fry again with a splash of oil for best texture.
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 250
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 8g
Sugar: 2g

(Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.)

Final Thoughts

Egg Fried Rice is a quick, versatile, and satisfying dish perfect for any meal. Whether as a side or main, this recipe provides fluffy rice, tender eggs, and flavorful seasonings that come together effortlessly.

Using day-old rice, high heat, and proper seasoning, you can achieve restaurant-quality Egg Fried Rice at home in under 20 minutes. Its versatility allows you to add proteins or vegetables according to your preference, making it a go-to comfort food for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Egg Fried Rice