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 large eggs; 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice whenever I need a delicious meal in a hurry. This recipe has become my go-to because it checks all the boxes: it's fast, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether it’s leftover rice or fresh veggies, I can toss in whatever I have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal packed with protein and veggies in just ten minutes. Trust me, you'll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for busy nights.

Created by

Vivienne Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:46:37.079Z

When I first tried making fried rice, I was amazed at how versatile it could be. Using day-old rice transformed my usual scramble into an incredible dish full of flavor and texture. The tip I found most helpful was to keep my ingredients prep time minimal, allowing the entire cooking process to come together seamlessly.

One evening, with a few leftover veggies in my fridge, I decided to invent my own recipe. The result was a fragrant, colorful egg fried rice that stole the show! Since then, I’ve consistently made this dish and discovered that adding soy sauce for umami and a splash of sesame oil elevates the flavors beautifully.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick cooking time fits into any busy schedule.
Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables.
A satisfying and complete meal in a single bowl.

      

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Fried Rice

The key to achieving that signature fried rice texture is using cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky, while day-old rice grains are drier and firmer, allowing for a better stir-fry. If you’re in a pinch for time, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to mimic that texture. This adjustment ensures that each rice grain stays separate and absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy.

When stir-frying, it’s crucial to use high heat to achieve that slightly smoky flavor known as 'wok hei.' Preheat your skillet or wok until it’s hot enough that a splash of water evaporates immediately. This high temperature helps in browning the ingredients, providing a pleasing crunch to the vegetables. If the pan starts to smoke, you’ve hit the right temperature; just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add different textures and flavors. If you're aiming for a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu along with the scrambled eggs. For a vegan version, simply replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour, and opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Adding aromatics like garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor profile of your egg fried rice. I recommend sautéing minced garlic and ginger in the sesame oil for a minute before adding the eggs. This extra step infuses the oil with rich flavors, creating a more aromatic and delicious dish. Additionally, topping the final product with sesame seeds or drizzling with sriracha offers an extra layer of flavors that can be tailored to your palate.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust the quantities based on your preferences!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to cook:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set aside.

Scramble the Eggs

Add the beaten eggs to the pan and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until tender.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce and stir well to combine.

Finish and Serve

Finally, add the scrambled eggs back to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your quick and satisfying meal!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, try adding garlic or ginger to the oil before cooking the eggs. You can also use leftover meats or tofu for added protein!

Storage and Reheating Tips

For any leftovers, allow the egg fried rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, it can last for up to three days. When reheating, you can use a microwave; adding a splash of water helps to steam the rice and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until it’s warmed through.

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, consider cooking the rice the day before and storing it in the fridge. This not only saves you time but also improves the texture for frying. You can also chop your vegetables a day ahead, keeping them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This way, when you're ready to cook, you'll have all your ingredients ready to go, streamlining the cooking process even further.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this egg fried rice as a standalone dish, but it pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired sides. Consider serving it alongside sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, or crispy dumplings for a complete meal experience. You can also enjoy it with a simple side salad dressed in a sesame vinaigrette to balance the richness of the fried rice.

For a special touch, consider garnishing your egg fried rice with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This not only adds brightness but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. If you’re entertaining, you can serve it family-style in a large bowl, allowing your guests to help themselves. This communal approach makes meals more enjoyable and encourages sharing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice may require a little extra cooking time.

→ What if I don’t have sesame oil?

You can substitute with vegetable oil, but sesame oil adds a unique flavor that enhances the dish.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

→ Can I add protein to the fried rice?

Definitely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions.