🍳 Simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)
This quick egg fried rice comes together in just minutes, yet tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot — fluffy rice, perfectly scrambled eggs, and a savory aroma you can’t resist.
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, cold rice for the best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (optional: carrots, peas, corn, bell pepper, green beans)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy sauce for flavor, dark soy sauce for color — optional mix)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra aroma)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a plate and let it cool to room temperature so it’s less sticky. Day-old cold rice works best because the grains stay separate.
- Scramble the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt.
- Pour the eggs into the hot pan, scramble quickly, and cook until just set. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics & Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add your vegetables (if using) and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the Rice
- Increase the heat to high.
- Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until heated through and lightly toasted.
- Season & Combine
- Drizzle in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir until the rice is evenly coated and smells amazing.
- Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, breaking them into smaller pieces, and mix everything together.
- Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.
- Serve hot straight from the pan.
What to Serve It With
Egg fried rice is delicious on its own, but it’s also perfect with:
- Sweet & sour chicken
- Teriyaki beef or tofu
- Garlic butter shrimp
- A side of kimchi for a spicy kick
- Chili oil or sriracha for extra heat