Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice

Highlighted under: Easy Food Fix

I absolutely love whipping up a quick and satisfying meal, and this 10-minute egg fried rice fits the bill perfectly! With just a handful of ingredients, I can transform leftover rice into a flavorful dish that's packed with protein and veggies. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when I want to eat something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is so versatile that I can easily customize it with whatever I have on hand, making it a go-to for my family.

Nora Ellis

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-01-26T22:57:34.635Z

When I first tried making egg fried rice, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I love that all it takes is pre-cooked rice and a few fresh ingredients, and in just 10 minutes, I can have a satisfying meal. The secret lies in the high heat which allows the rice to fry up beautifully without becoming mushy.

One trick I've learned is to use cold leftover rice that's been stored in the refrigerator. It prevents the grains from sticking together and achieving that perfect fried texture. My family always asks for seconds when I make this dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Versatile; you can add your favorite vegetables or proteins
  • Deliciously fulfilling and satisfying without being heavy

Perfect Rice for Fried Rice

Using cold, day-old rice is crucial for achieving the best texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice often clumps together and becomes mushy when stir-fried. To prepare your rice, cook it the day before, refrigerate it, and allow it to cool. The cooled grains will dry out slightly, making them less sticky and perfect for frying. If you're in a pinch, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly, about 15-20 minutes. Just ensure it's no longer steaming before you cook.

Monitoring the temperature of your pan is key to preventing the rice from sticking. Use medium-high heat to ensure a good sear without overcooking the ingredients. You'll know your pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact. If you experience sticking, add a bit more oil or let the pan heat up longer before adding the rice.

Customize Your Fried Rice

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this egg fried rice recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables—broccoli, bell peppers, or even leafy greens like spinach can all work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking times based on how quickly each vegetable cooks; for instance, harder veggies should go in earlier, while softer ones can be added later to preserve their texture.

For an extra protein boost, consider adding diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If using leftovers, like rotisserie chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in after the vegetables are cooked. This change adds heartiness without taking much additional time—simply cook your protein until warmed through.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make this delicious egg fried rice:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients come together quickly to create a delightful meal!

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your egg fried rice:

Heat the Oil

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Scramble the Eggs

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

Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are heated through.

Fry the Rice

Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps and stirring to combine with the vegetables.

Add Soy Sauce and Eggs

Pour in the soy sauce, mixing well, and then return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade egg fried rice!

Pro Tips

  • For an extra kick, try adding a dash of sesame oil or some chili flakes when cooking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This egg fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly make it ahead of time. Simply cook the rice and vegetables, then let them cool before combining them with the soy sauce and eggs. Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, stir-fry everything together, heating it through for a quick meal on the go.

If you find yourself with leftovers, don't worry! Fried rice stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to loosen it up. This will help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out.

Common Troubleshooting

If your fried rice turns out too greasy, you might have added too much oil or cooked it too over zealous. The solution is straightforward: next time, start with less oil and keep an eye on the cooking process. Aim for a light sheen on the rice rather than a pool of oil at the bottom. Additionally, if your rice is too bland, adjust the soy sauce gradually; remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!

Another common issue is ending up with soggy or mushy rice, often caused by over-stirring or high heat that can trap moisture. Make sure to stir-fry quickly and efficiently, letting the heat do the work to achieve that desired crispness. Incorporating cold rice helps prevent this; just ensure it’s broken up before adding to the pan.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work great and save you even more time.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What if I don’t have soy sauce?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute.

→ Can I add other proteins?

Definitely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added for extra protein.

Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice

I absolutely love whipping up a quick and satisfying meal, and this 10-minute egg fried rice fits the bill perfectly! With just a handful of ingredients, I can transform leftover rice into a flavorful dish that's packed with protein and veggies. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when I want to eat something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is so versatile that I can easily customize it with whatever I have on hand, making it a go-to for my family.

Prep Time5 minutes
Cooking Duration5 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Nora Ellis

Recipe Type: Easy Food Fix

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: Serves 2

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
  2. 2 large eggs
  3. 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  4. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  5. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  6. 2 green onions, chopped
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Step 02

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

Step 03

In the same pan, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are heated through.

Step 04

Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps and stirring to combine with the vegetables.

Step 05

Pour in the soy sauce, mixing well, and then return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra kick, try adding a dash of sesame oil or some chili flakes when cooking.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 12g