Chinese fried rice

Low Effort, High Reward = Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is the definition of a dish that doesn’t require fancy ingredients but delivers big on flavor. The kind of meal that you can make with whatever’s in your kitchen, and yet, it always tastes amazing. It’s quick, comforting, and surprisingly satisfying.

Honestly, I’ve made this so often that I can whip it up in under 5 minutes! 😎

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch idea, a dinner idea that comes together in a flash, or just a go-to comfort food when you’re craving something warm and savory, egg fried rice has got you covered.

While authentic Chinese egg fried rice tends to use a lot of oil, I prefer to go a little lighter on it. After all, we don’t need to drown the rice in oil to get that perfect crispy texture and smoky flavor. Plus, it’s nice to have a bit of balance in what we cook, right? 😉

Ingredients

The best part about egg fried rice is that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make it. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:

• Eggs (2-3 depending on your preference)
• Steamed rice (preferably cooled down rice; freshly made rice works too)
• Sliced garlic (about 1-2 cloves)
• Chopped green onion (1-2 stalks)
• Soy sauce (2 tbsp)
• Salt (to taste)

If you want to add more protein, you could even throw in some cooked chicken or shrimp. This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on whatever you have on hand. Add in some leftover veggies or even a bit of cooked beef. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge while making a quick meal.

How to Make it

Now let’s get to the fun part – making this simple, quick, and seriously delicious egg fried rice. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Start with a Cold Pan

This step might seem a little strange, but trust me, it works! Begin with a cold pan and add the sliced garlic and chopped green onion. This allows the oil to absorb all the wonderful aromas from the garlic and green onion as it heats up. Don’t rush this step – let the flavors infuse the oil, which will give the fried rice a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

2. Scramble the Eggs

Once the oil is hot and fragrant, crack in the eggs. Scramble them right in the pan, breaking them into small pieces as they cook. I like to let the eggs cook until they’re just set, so they stay tender and fluffy. The eggs will provide a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors in the dish.

3. Add Soy Sauce for Flavor

Once the eggs are cooked, push them to one side of the pan and pour 2 tablespoons of soy sauce directly into the pan. Let it cook for just a minute so it gets a little bit of that slightly burnt, smoky flavor. The soy sauce will give the rice that beautiful umami kick - TRUST ME, turning it into a satisfying meal that’s perfect dish

4. Add the Rice

Now, add the steamed rice. The key here is that the rice should be cold, or at least room temperature. This prevents the rice from getting mushy and ensures that the grains stay separated and slightly crispy when fried. Stir everything together – the soy sauce, eggs, and rice – until everything is evenly coated and well-mixed.

5. Season and Serve

Once everything is mixed, give it a taste. If needed, add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, throw in a small knob of butter for extra richness. The butter will give the rice a smooth, silky texture that’s just irresistible.

And that’s it - simple, quick, and seriously delicious! This egg fried rice is the perfect food idea when you want something hearty yet not too heavy. It’s also super customizable depending on what you have in your fridge.

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Customization Ideas

If you’re looking to make this dish more filling, here are a few ways you can mix it up:

• Add vegetables: Frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers work great in fried rice.
• Add protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be tossed in to make it a complete meal.
• Try different sauces: If you want to switch up the flavor, try using oyster sauce or hoisin sauce in place of soy sauce for a different twist.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to give the rice a nice kick.

Pairing Suggestions

Egg fried rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Hot broth: A comforting bowl of miso soup or any type of hot broth is a perfect side for this fried rice.
• Mapo tofu: If you like bold flavors, try pairing it with mapo tofu for a spicy and satisfying meal.
• Grilled meats: Egg fried rice goes well with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. The rice absorbs the savory juices from the meat, creating an irresistible combination.

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Egg fried rice is the perfect quick and easy meal for any occasion. Whether you need a speedy lunch, a satisfying dinner, or just a quick snack, it’s a go-to dish that never disappoints. The best part? It’s so versatile that you can customize it however you like.