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 cold cooked rice; 2 large eggs; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Easy Everyday Cooking

I love whipping up this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice when I'm short on time but craving something delicious. In just ten minutes, I can create a satisfying dish that's packed with flavors and textures. Not only is it versatile—allowing me to use up any leftover vegetables—it's also incredibly comforting. The fluffy rice, coupled with the rich, scrambled eggs and fresh green peas, creates a meal that's not only quick but truly delightful.

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-26T23:05:39.274Z

Every time I make this dish, I'm reminded of my late-night study sessions in college, where a quick meal was essential. This recipe evolved from my need for speed without sacrificing flavor. The key is using cold, day-old rice as it prevents the dish from becoming mushy. I also love adding a splash of soy sauce for that umami punch, which elevates the simplest ingredients into a gourmet experience.

This recipe is an exciting opportunity to be creative. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or carrots can easily be added based on what I have in the fridge. It’s remarkable how something so quick to prepare can bring joy and comfort, making it a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Speedy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile and customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Satisfying comfort food that's both filling and flavorful.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Egg Fried Rice

To achieve the right texture in your egg fried rice, it's crucial to use cold, cooked rice. This prevents the grains from getting mushy. Leftover rice is ideal, but if you’re making fresh, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps cool it down and firm up the grains, making them easier to sauté and ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy during cooking.

When scrambling the eggs, keep the heat at medium-high and continuously stir them in the pan. This quick cooking will yield soft and creamy eggs, preventing them from becoming rubbery. Remove the eggs as soon as they're just set; they will continue to cook from residual heat when set aside. This technique preserves their delicate texture and allows them to mix harmoniously with the rice later.

Customizing Your Dish

This egg fried rice recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly; for instance, diced carrots might need a minute longer to sauté until tender. You can also switch out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, maintaining that umami flavor while catering to dietary needs.

For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil at the end of cooking. Incorporating proteins such as diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu is another great option. Just pre-cook the proteins and add them back to the pan when you mix in the peas and soy sauce. This way, you can create a heartier meal that still retains the signature flavors of traditional egg fried rice.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious egg fried rice:

Ingredients

2 cups cold cooked rice
2 large eggs
1 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are ready for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this quick fried rice:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. Ensure your rice is cold and clumped together.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Scramble the Eggs

Add the beaten eggs to the pan and scramble quickly until just cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Fry the Rice

In the same skillet, add the cold rice and break up any clumps. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to get warm.

Combine Everything

Add the frozen peas, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve

Stir in sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Enjoy your homemade egg fried rice!

Pro Tips

Using cold rice is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If you have leftover rice, it's even better. Also, don't skip the green onions as they add a lovely burst of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking and cooling the rice a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge; tightly packed rice can stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to prepare your fried rice, simply break up any clumps and follow the recipe as directed. This can save you significant prep time on busy nights.

Leftover egg fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet or a microwave, adding a tablespoon of water to the skillet or covering the dish in the microwave to keep it moist. For best results, heat it on medium heat until warmed through, ensuring the rice doesn't dry out.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your egg fried rice alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. This not only balances the dish but also adds freshness. You may also consider garnishing with fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil, for an extra burst of flavor.

If you want to elevate the presentation, try serving the fried rice in a bowl and topping it with a soft-boiled egg. The runny yolk adds a rich creaminess that complements the dish beautifully, creating a more indulgent experience while still being quick and easy to prepare.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice?

It's best to use cold, day-old rice to prevent the dish from getting mushy. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, carrots, or corn are great options.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

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

→ How can I add more protein?

Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to boost the protein content.