Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Introduction
Egg fried rice is a quick and satisfying dish that transforms leftover rice into a flavorful meal. With simple ingredients like eggs, soy sauce, and spring onions, it’s perfect as a side or a light main. This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 800 g (4 cups) boiled and cooled long-grain rice (about 1 1/3 cups or 300g dried rice cooked)
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1/2 bunch spring onions/scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add the remaining vegetable oil and minced garlic to the wok. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Increase the heat to high and add the boiled, cooled rice to the wok. Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice.
- Step 4: Use a spatula to toss and stir the rice, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the wok. Continue moving the rice around for about 5 minutes until it is heated through.
- Step 5: Push the rice to one side of the wok. Crack the eggs into the empty space and add about 1/4 tablespoon of soy sauce over the eggs.
- Step 6: Keep the eggs over the heat, gently scrambling them with the spatula until they begin to cook but remain slightly runny.
- Step 7: Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice thoroughly.
- Step 8: Pour in the remaining soy sauce (about 1 3/4 tablespoons). Sprinkle in the salt and garlic salt, then stir everything together well.
- Step 9: Add lemon juice, stir, and taste. Adjust with a little more lemon juice if preferred.
- Step 10: Divide the egg fried rice into four bowls and top with chopped spring onions.
- Step 11: Serve alongside your favorite Chinese dishes like Crispy Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, or Sticky Pork Belly.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old rice for the best texture; freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky.
- Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Substitute dark soy sauce with light soy sauce if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For added protein, include diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- To enhance aroma, consider adding a small piece of ginger with the garlic in step 2.
Storage
Store leftover egg fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in a wok or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to revive moisture. Avoid refreezing once reheated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rice for this recipe?
Yes, frozen rice that’s been properly cooked and cooled works well. Thaw it before cooking to ensure even heating and fluffy texture.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the wok?
Make sure the wok is hot before adding the rice and keep stirring continuously. Using a non-stick wok or pan and adding enough oil also helps prevent sticking.
PrintEgg Fried Rice Recipe
A classic and flavorful Egg Fried Rice recipe that’s quick and easy to prepare. This dish features fluffy long-grain rice stir-fried with onions, garlic, eggs, and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and lemon juice. Topped with fresh spring onions, it’s perfect as a side dish or a satisfying meal on its own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 bunch of spring onions/scallions, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 800 g (4 cups) boiled and cooled long-grain rice (about 1 1/3 cups or 300 g dried rice before cooking)
- 2 eggs
Oils and Sauces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
Seasonings and Others
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring regularly for 5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Oil: Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and the minced garlic to the wok. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Cook Rice: Add the boiled and cooled rice to the wok, then increase the heat to high. Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice.
- Toss Rice: Use a spatula to toss and stir the rice continuously, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the bottom and is evenly heated throughout. This should take around 5 minutes.
- Cook Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the wok and crack the two eggs into the cleared space. Add about 1/4 tbsp of soy sauce over the eggs.
- Scramble Eggs: Keeping the eggs over the heat, stir with the spatula until the eggs begin to cook and scramble but remain slightly runny.
- Combine Eggs and Rice: Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice thoroughly.
- Season: Pour in the remaining 1 3/4 tbsp soy sauce, sprinkle the salt and garlic salt over the rice, and mix well to incorporate all flavors.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and add a little more if needed for brightness.
- Serve: Divide the fried rice between 4 bowls and top with the chopped spring onions.
- Pairing Suggestion: Serve with your favorite Chinese dish such as Crispy Sesame Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, or Sticky Pork Belly for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use day-old or well-cooled rice to prevent clumping and ensure the best texture.
- If you prefer, substitute dark soy sauce with regular soy sauce, but expect a slightly lighter color and flavor.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice to your taste preference.
- This recipe can be customized with added vegetables or proteins like peas, carrots, or shrimp.
- Stir continuously to avoid burning the rice or eggs.
- If you don’t have a wok, use a large non-stick skillet for similar results.
Keywords: Egg Fried Rice, Chinese Fried Rice, Easy Fried Rice, Quick Rice Recipe, Stir-fry Rice, Classic Egg Fried Rice

