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 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Tasty

When I need a meal in a hurry, this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice is my go-to. It’s astonishing how quickly you can pull together a delicious and satisfying dish using just a handful of ingredients. This recipe combines leftover rice with eggs and a medley of vegetables to create a meal that’s both nourishing and delightful. I love that it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies I have on hand, making it a perfect weekday dish that’s ready in the blink of an eye.

Created by

Harper Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-27T00:43:35.016Z

My love for fried rice started in college when I would whip up meals with whatever leftovers were in the fridge. I remember the day I discovered how simple it is to make this dish from scratch. By using day-old rice, I found it could absorb flavors wonderfully without turning mushy. I quickly learned the secret to a satisfying fried rice lies in high heat and constant stirring!

Two key tips I’ve picked up along my cooking journey are: first, make sure your vegetables are diced small for even cooking. I also highly recommend using a little soy sauce for that umami kick. No matter the occasion, this dish has saved me from cooking disasters on more than one occasion!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation time for busy weeknights
Customizable with any leftover vegetables you have
Deliciously satisfying and full of flavor

Mastering the Base: Rice and Eggs

Using day-old rice is crucial for achieving the best texture in this fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy dish. If you don’t have day-old rice on hand, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes before using it in the recipe. This step helps to dry out some of the moisture and makes it easier to fry.

The eggs are the protein star of this dish, providing both texture and a rich flavor. When scrambling the eggs, be careful not to overcook them. You want soft, fluffy curds that are still slightly moist. This will ensure they remain tender when combined with the rice and vegetables. Keep the heat at medium-high and stir gently for about 2-3 minutes until just cooked through.

Vegetable Variations and Seasoning

This recipe shines with a variety of vegetables, so feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your fridge. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are excellent alternatives to the mixed vegetable blend. Just make sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. A quick sauté of 2-3 minutes should be enough to bring them to a tender state while retaining some crunch.

Soy sauce adds a savory depth to your fried rice, but you can enhance the flavor even more by considering a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of garlic powder during the frying process. Just a teaspoon of sesame oil will impart a nutty aroma that lifts the dish. Adjust your seasoning according to personal taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a dash of chili sauce for heat.

Ingredients

For the Egg Fried Rice

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

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and ensure your cooked rice is ready to use. If you’re using leftover rice, break up any clumps for even frying.

Cook the Eggs

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then pour them into the hot skillet. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then transfer them to a plate.

Fry the Rice

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender. Then, add the rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, add soy sauce, and mix everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Pro Tips

For best results, use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This helps to keep the grains separate and prevents them from becoming mushy while cooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover egg fried rice, make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. To reheat, either microwave it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to help steam the rice, keeping it moist and fluffy during the reheating process.

Freezing is also an option; just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it should last for about a month. When reheating frozen rice, transfer it directly from the freezer to a skillet or microwave, adding a bit of oil or water to avoid dryness. This method helps to maintain the texture without compromising the flavor.

Creative Serving Suggestions

For a more substantial meal, serve your egg fried rice alongside protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This complements the flavors beautifully and adds a nutritious protein punch to your dish. You can also turn it into a complete dinner by topping it with a sunny-side-up egg, allowing the creamy yolk to enrich every bite.

To add extra freshness, consider garnishing with additional chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sesame seeds just before serving. A drizzle of sriracha or your favorite chili sauce can also elevate the dish, adding a delightful kick that pairs well with the mild flavors of the egg and rice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add more protein to this dish?

Absolutely! You can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.

→ What vegetables can I use?

Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply replace eggs with scrambled tofu and use a vegan soy sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.