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; 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); 2 green onions (chopped); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fast Family Favorites

I love how simple and quick this egg fried rice recipe is, taking only 10 minutes from start to finish! It’s a fantastic last-minute meal that satisfies my cravings and uses up leftover rice, making it a great zero-waste option. The ingredients are almost always on hand, and you can customize it to your taste with whatever veggies or toppings you have. Plus, this dish packs a punch of flavor, making even a busy weeknight feel special.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-26T22:47:34.372Z

When I first tried making fried rice at home, I was surprised at how easy it was to create a flavor-packed meal in just 10 minutes. The key is to use cold, leftover rice because it helps prevent the grains from getting mushy and clumps together. You can toss in any vegetables you have, making it very adaptable.

Over time, I've learned to enhance the flavors with soy sauce and sesame oil, which add depth to the dish. I love to top it off with a sprinkle of green onions for freshness. This is my go-to recipe for a quick lunch or dinner, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick cooking time perfect for busy days
Versatile with endless vegetable or protein options
Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home

Ingredient Insights

The key to making this egg fried rice truly delicious lies in the quality of your ingredients, particularly the rice. Using cold, day-old rice is preferable because it dries out slightly in the fridge, resulting in grains that won’t clump together when stir-fried. Freshly cooked rice often retains too much moisture, leading to a mushy texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to achieve the right texture.

The mixed vegetables in this recipe offer great versatility and a burst of color to your dish. You can use a range of veggies such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli. If using frozen vegetables, ensure they are completely thawed and drained to avoid excess water that could lead to soggy rice. Alternatively, you could omit the vegetables altogether for a simpler version, or even add proteins like diced chicken or shrimp if desired.

Cooking Technique Tips

Heat management is crucial when making egg fried rice. Start your pan on medium heat; too high, and your eggs may scramble too quickly, becoming rubbery rather than fluffy. When scrambling the eggs, I recommend gently stirring until they are just set. This results in soft, creamy curds that will enhance the overall texture of the dish. After removing the eggs, don’t wash the pan; the residual heat and flavors will contribute to a better-tasting rice.

When adding the cold rice, ensure to use a wide spatula or a wooden spoon to break up clumps gently. It’s important to not stir too vigorously initially, as this can lead to breaking the grains and making them mushy. Stir-fry the rice and veggies until everything is well-coated with soy sauce; look for a slight glossiness on the rice to indicate that it has absorbed the flavor properly without becoming overly wet.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious egg fried rice:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
2 large eggs
1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
2 green onions (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your egg fried rice:

Scramble the Eggs

In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them until fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.

Stir-fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil. Add minced garlic and mixed vegetables, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and tender.

Combine Rice and Flavors

Add the cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up clumps and mix with the vegetables. Stir in the soy sauce, combining everything well.

Add the Eggs and Serve

Finally, stir in the scrambled eggs and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat everything through, then serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade egg fried rice!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of chili sauce or some sriracha for heat! You can also top it with sesame seeds for added crunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This egg fried rice is not just a quick meal but also a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare it in advance and simply reheat it when you're ready to eat. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water and cover the container to create steam, which helps to revive the rice’s texture and prevents it from drying out.

If you’d like to freeze the fried rice, ensure it's cooled completely first. Divide it into portions in zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers, and it can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the rice overnight in the fridge and then warm it in a frying pan with a little oil, stirring continuously until heated through to preserve that nice, fried texture.

Flavor Variations

One of the most enjoyable aspects of egg fried rice is its adaptability. For a slight twist, try adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the soy sauce for a deeper flavor profile. If you're craving some heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can add a tantalizing kick. For a different texture, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds before serving for a lovely crunch.

If you're following a special diet, this recipe is easily adjustable. For a vegetarian option, substitute the eggs with scrambled tofu and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Additionally, using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari can accommodate those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this quick and easy meal without compromising on taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice?

Freshly cooked rice is usually too moist, and can lead to mushy fried rice. It's best to use rice that's been cooked and chilled.

→ What vegetables work best in fried rice?

You can use any vegetables you like! Popular choices include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and corn.

→ Can I add meat or tofu to this recipe?

Absolutely! Cook any protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu separately and add it to the fried rice along with the eggs.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the eggs and replace them with tofu or chickpeas for added protein. Use a vegan soy sauce to keep it plant-based.