Name: How to Make Egg Fried Rice in 10 Minutes (Only 6 Ingredients!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cold, cooked rice (preferably day-old); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)

If you’ve ever stared into your fridge wondering how to transform yesterday’s rice into something mouthwatering in just minutes, this Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice Recipe is your answer. Designed to be both satisfying and speedy, this meal comes together with just six humble ingredients and minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or even lunch prep. With the comforting aroma of sesame oil, the creaminess of scrambled eggs, and the savory touch of soy sauce, this dish proves that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.

This is more than just a recipe—it’s a life-saver for parents on the go, college students needing something hearty and affordable, or anyone who enjoys a satisfying bowl of fried rice without spending hours in the kitchen. In fact, what makes egg fried rice so timeless is its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or breathing new life into leftovers, it’s a dish that works beautifully every time

Why You’ll Love This egg fried rice recipe

✅ Ready in 10 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights, school lunches, or lazy days.
✅ Only 6 simple ingredients – No complicated shopping lists or specialty items needed.
✅ Great way to use leftovers – Ideal for repurposing day-old rice into something tasty.
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, tofu, or chicken for extra variety.
✅ Budget-friendly – Affordable ingredients you probably already have.
✅ No pork or alcohol – Suitable for a wide range of diets and households.
✅ Healthier than takeout – Control the oil, salt, and ingredients.
✅ Minimal cleanup – One pan, one spatula—done!
✅ Kid and family approved – Mild flavors everyone will enjoy.

What You’ll Need

To make this quick and easy egg fried rice, you only need six everyday ingredients—all budget-friendly and likely already in your kitchen. Each one plays a key role in building that signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients List:

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old white rice for the best texture)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil adds more depth)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

Ingredient Notes:

Cooked rice: Cold, leftover rice works best. Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky, but if you’re using it fresh, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before cooking.
Eggs: Provide creaminess and protein. You can use just egg whites for a lighter version.
Soy sauce: Brings in saltiness and umami flavor—use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free.
Sesame oil: Adds rich, nutty aroma—don’t skip this!
Garlic: Gives that extra savory punch.
Green onions: Offer brightness and crunch—optional but recommended.

Optional Add-ins: Frozen peas, diced carrots, leftover chicken or tofu, or a dash of chili flakes for heat.

How to Make egg fried rice recipe

This dish comes together in just 10 minutes from start to finish. Follow these simple steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep everything ahead of time. Fried rice cooks quickly, so have all ingredients measured and ready.
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Crack in 2 eggs, and scramble them in the pan. Stir frequently until they’re just cooked through.
Add 2 cups of cold, cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and mix well with the eggs.
Drizzle in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, tossing everything together until well-coated and heated through—about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the green parts of the green onions, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot and enjoy! Pair with grilled chicken, steamed veggies, or enjoy it solo as a quick lunch or dinner.

You Must Know

For the best egg fried rice, start with day-old cooked rice—it’s drier and less sticky, so the grains stay separate and crisp when cooked. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out to cool before using.

Use toasted sesame oil for that signature nutty flavor, but watch your heat to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. Add the eggs early and scramble gently so they stay soft and creamy.

Remember to add the white parts of green onions first for flavor and the green parts last for freshness and color. Use soy sauce sparingly to avoid sogginess, and always taste as you go.

Finally, use a large pan or wok to avoid overcrowding—this keeps the rice from steaming and getting mushy.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Heat your pan well before adding oil to ensure the rice crisps up nicely. Sauté garlic and white onion parts until fragrant but not burnt.

Add beaten eggs and scramble gently until just cooked. Then toss in cold, cooked rice, breaking up clumps and mixing it well with eggs and aromatics.

Drizzle soy sauce evenly and stir to coat the rice without pooling liquid. Add green onion tops last for freshness.

Don’t over-stir—letting the rice sit briefly helps create a slight crispy texture. Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly fluffy, flavorful egg fried rice every time.

Add Your Touch egg fried rice recipe

One of the best things about this egg fried rice recipe is how customizable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can mix in your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Here are a few delicious add-in ideas:

🥕 Veggies: Add frozen peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, or chopped spinach.
🍗 Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even scrambled plant-based sausage (alcohol-free and no pork, of course).
🌶️ Flavor Boosters: Try a dash of sriracha, chili flakes, or a spoonful of hoisin or oyster sauce (non-alcoholic).
🍋 Fresh Finishes: Top with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Just make sure add-ins are fully cooked before stirring them into the rice—this keeps everything hot and ready in minutes.

Storing & Reheating

Got leftovers? Egg fried rice stores beautifully for future meals.

Take your leftovers up a notch with this idea.

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To store:

Let the rice cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat:

In a skillet: Add a teaspoon of oil and heat over medium. Stir-fry rice for 3–5 minutes until hot.
In the microwave: Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Pro tip: Sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to prevent the rice from drying out. Avoid reheating more than once for food safety.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for egg fried rice recipe

Here are some expert-level tricks to make your egg fried rice taste like it came from your favorite takeout spot:

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🔥 Use high heat: A hot pan gives the rice that irresistible toasty flavor and light crisp edges.
🍚 Cold rice is key: Day-old rice has the perfect texture. If using fresh rice, cool it on a tray for 30 minutes first.
🥢 Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed. Too much at once = steamed, soggy rice.
🍳 Scramble eggs first: Cooking eggs separately ensures soft, fluffy results that don’t disappear into the rice.
🧄 Add garlic early, green onion late: Garlic builds flavor at the start, green onions finish it off fresh.
🧂 Taste and adjust: Always check seasoning before serving. A splash more soy sauce or a pinch of salt can make a big difference.

These small tips lead to big flavor and the perfect texture—every single time.

FAQ for egg fried rice recipe

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice adds a nutty taste and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and chilled before using.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can use a neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil. For flavor, add a drop of sesame oil at the end (optional).

Pair it with this side dish for a complete meal.

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Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

How do I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to taste.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Let it cool fully, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a pan or microwave until piping hot.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice is the ultimate go-to recipe when time is short, but you still want something warm, comforting, and satisfying. With just six simple ingredients and one pan, you can transform leftover rice into a flavorful meal that rivals your favorite takeout—without the grease, mystery ingredients, or high cost.

It’s endlessly customizable, kid-friendly, budget-smart, and made without pork or alcohol, making it ideal for a variety of households and lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for one, meal prepping for the week, or throwing together a last-minute dinner, this recipe always delivers.

So the next time you have leftover rice sitting in the fridge, skip the food waste and make something amazing in minutes. Once you try it, this easy egg fried rice will quickly become a regular in your weekly meal rotation. Quick to make, easy to love—this is comfort food at its simplest and best.