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 chilled); 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Kitchen Wins

I love making Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice for those busy weeknights when I need to whip up something delicious in no time. Using leftover rice and a mix of fresh veggies, this dish becomes a satisfying meal packed with flavor. It's not just quick to prepare, but it's also incredibly customizable. I like to add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for an extra kick. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll be saying goodbye to takeout!

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:07:35.055Z

During one particularly hectic evening, I decided to make use of some leftover rice and created this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice. With just a handful of ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful it turned out. The scrambled eggs give it a hearty touch, while the fresh vegetables add great color and crunch.

After experimenting with various combinations, I found that using day-old rice yields the best texture. It avoids the mushy consistency that freshly cooked rice can sometimes develop. I also learned that a bit of garlic and green onion elevates the dish’s flavor significantly!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's a quick meal ready in just 10 minutes.
Utilizes leftover rice, reducing waste and saving time.
Packed with veggies for a colorful and nutritious dish.

Choosing the Right Rice

Using chilled rice is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky and clumpy, which can result in an undesirable mushy consistency. I recommend using leftover rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours, as this allows the grains to firm up. If you don't have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and cool it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Short-grain or sticky rice might not be the best choice for this dish. Opt for long-grain varieties like Jasmine or Basmati, which separate easily during cooking. The fluffy grains soak up the flavors of the vegetables and soy sauce without becoming overly sticky. In a pinch, you can also substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free or low-carb version.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings

The balance of flavors in this egg fried rice recipe can be uniquely customized with a few simple seasonings. Aside from the soy sauce and sesame oil, consider adding a dash of oyster sauce for a savory depth or a sprinkle of white pepper for some warming spice. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully.

To get more complex flavors, sauté your garlic until it turns golden brown before adding in the vegetables. This will infuse the oil with an aromatic taste that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasonings at the end; a bit more soy sauce or a squeeze of lime can make a remarkable difference.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients and ensure the rice is cold. This helps in achieving the best texture.

Scramble the Eggs

In a heated pan, add a tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and mixed vegetables until they are tender.

Add the Rice

Stir in the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps. Mix well with the vegetables.

Combine All Ingredients

Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan along with soy sauce. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.

Finish and Serve

Stir in chopped green onions for freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade egg fried rice!

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite proteins or vegetables!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, always use chill rice. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

This egg fried rice is perfect for meal prep! You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté it in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water to avoid dryness. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30- to 60-second intervals, stirring to ensure even heating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the egg fried rice. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a pan as mentioned earlier.

Exploring Variations

This fried rice recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins like cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu, adding them in after sautéing the garlic. If you want a vegetarian option, mushrooms and bell peppers make excellent substitutes for the mixed vegetables, enhancing the umami flavor.

For a fun twist, you can transform this recipe into a spicy kimchi fried rice by incorporating chopped kimchi and a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) along with the scrambled eggs. This adds an exciting kick and depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the egg and vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen mixed vegetables for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables are a great shortcut that saves time.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can easily omit the eggs and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.

→ What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old rice is ideal as it is drier and results in a better texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and stir-fry them just before serving.