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 frozen peas and carrots; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 green onion, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love making Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm in a pinch for time but still want something delicious and satisfying. This dish is my go-to because it takes just a few minutes to whip up, and it’s packed with flavor. With a few basic ingredients that I always have on hand, I can create a comforting meal that tastes like a restaurant classic. Whether I’m cooking for myself or entertaining friends, this egg fried rice never fails to deliver a quick and tasty option!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:21:35.131Z

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the first dish I learned to cook as a child. I remember my mom showing me how to properly sauté the vegetables just enough to retain their crispness while also infusing the rice with flavor.

If you’re ever in a hurry, like I often am, this dish proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for speed. The key is to use day-old rice, which has dried out a bit and helps maintain that delightful texture when fried.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Quick to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins
Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal

      

Perfecting the Rice

Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving the right texture in your egg fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in clumps rather than that desired fluffy texture. If you don’t have leftover rice on hand, you can cook some and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 30 minutes before using. This will help reduce the moisture content and give you the best results.

When stir-frying the rice, it’s essential to keep the heat at medium to medium-high. Too low, and the grains won't fry properly; too high, and you risk burning. You want to keep the rice moving in the pan so it heats evenly. Look for a slight gloss on the rice once it’s heated through, which indicates it's ready for the next steps.

Vegetable and Protein Options

While this recipe calls for peas and carrots, feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, and corn are excellent alternatives that add nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Sauté the vegetables along with the rice to enhance their flavor and tenderness – typically just 2-3 minutes should do it.

If you want to add protein, consider incorporating diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. These can be added just after the rice has heated through but before mixing in the soy sauce. For a vegetarian option, using a plant-based protein can enhance the dish while maintaining a delightful texture.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the egg fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent drying out, add a splash of water before reheating. This will create steam and make sure the rice stays fluffy. I recommend reheating it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot, about 5-7 minutes.

For longer storage, you can freeze the egg fried rice. Spread it out on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method helps prevent clumping. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Quick, easy, and delicious!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 green onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure you have everything ready to go for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your egg fried rice:

Scramble the Eggs

In a large frying pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Fry the Rice

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary. Add the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir fry for about 2 minutes until heated through.

Combine Ingredients

Add the frozen peas and carrots to the rice, followed by the scrambled eggs. Pour in the soy sauce and mix everything together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Season and Serve

Add the chopped green onion, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your quick meal!

Enjoy your meal and impress yourself with this quick and easy recipe!

Pro Tips

For best results, use day-old rice as it will yield a better texture than freshly cooked rice. Feel free to add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or other vegetables to customize your dish.

Serving Suggestions

Egg fried rice is versatile and can be served on its own or alongside a variety of dishes. Consider pairing it with stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or even a spicy chicken dish to create a well-rounded meal. The flavors of the fried rice complement many Asian-inspired meals beautifully, making it a fantastic side option.

For a fun twist, serve your egg fried rice in lettuce wraps. Simply scoop the fried rice mixture into fresh lettuce leaves for a light, fresh presentation. This adds a crunchy texture and makes for a great finger food option when entertaining guests.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different sauces to elevate the flavor of your fried rice. Switching out soy sauce for teriyaki or even a dash of sesame oil can bring unique tastes to the dish. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle sriracha for a kick of heat if you prefer a spicier profile.

Another fun variation is to add scrambled eggs at the end instead of during cooking. This will give you larger, fluffier egg pieces throughout the dish. You can beat the eggs separately and add them just before serving, allowing them to sit atop the fried rice like a glorious crown.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Yes, but it’s best to let fresh rice cool down and dry slightly to prevent it from getting mushy when frying.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can customize your dish with any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, corn, and broccoli are great options.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the eggs or replace them with tofu or a plant-based egg substitute for a fully vegetarian option.