Easy Egg Fried Rice Just Like Chinese Takeout

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout.

Rebecca Mills

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2025-12-23T00:00:36.185Z

This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option that can be made in just 20 minutes. It's packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • Versatile and customizable with your choice of vegetables and proteins
  • Deliciously seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for authentic flavor

Perfect for Leftover Rice

One of the best aspects of this Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe is its fantastic use of leftover rice. Day-old rice works best as it has dried out slightly, preventing the dish from becoming mushy. If you find yourself with extra rice from a previous meal, this recipe is a delicious way to repurpose it. Simply break up any clumps, and you’re ready to go!

Using leftover rice not only saves you time but also adds a layer of flavor that freshly cooked rice often lacks. The rice absorbs the seasonings and sauces beautifully, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and economical. Plus, it’s a great way to minimize food waste in your kitchen.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the great things about fried rice is its versatility. This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe serves as a perfect base that you can customize according to your preferences. Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to increase the nutritional value and flavor profile.

For a protein boost, consider adding diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These ingredients not only enhance the dish but also make it a more filling meal. This adaptability makes fried rice a popular choice for families, as everyone can tailor their portion to suit their tastes.

Tips for Making the Best Fried Rice

To achieve the best results, use a large skillet or wok to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding. This allows the rice to fry rather than steam, giving it that desirable texture. Additionally, make sure your cooking oil is hot before adding the ingredients to prevent sticking and to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.

Another tip is to not rush the process. Allow each ingredient to cook properly before adding the next. This ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Easy Egg Fried Rice:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu)

Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Easy Egg Fried Rice:

Prepare the Rice

If using day-old rice, break up any clumps. If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool slightly.

Scramble the Eggs

In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more oil and sauté the mixed vegetables until tender.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Egg Fried Rice, just like from your favorite Chinese takeout!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Fried rice can last up to 3-4 days when stored properly. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out and warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, and you'll have a quick meal ready in no time.

Avoid reheating fried rice more than once, as this can lead to food safety issues. Always ensure that it is heated to a safe temperature before consuming. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this dish multiple times without sacrificing its deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Egg Fried Rice can be served on its own as a satisfying meal or as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite Asian-inspired entrees. Consider pairing it with dishes like sweet and sour chicken, teriyaki salmon, or vegetable stir-fry to create a well-rounded meal.

For an extra touch, serve your fried rice with soy sauce, chili paste, or pickled vegetables on the side. This allows each person to customize their meal to their liking, enhancing the overall dining experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work well and save time.

→ Is it necessary to use day-old rice?

Day-old rice is preferred as it is drier and helps prevent mushiness.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit any meat and add more vegetables or tofu.

→ What can I serve with fried rice?

Fried rice can be served as a standalone dish or paired with spring rolls or dumplings.

Easy Egg Fried Rice Just Like Chinese Takeout

Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with this Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time20 minutes

Created by: Rebecca Mills

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  2. 2 large eggs
  3. 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  4. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  5. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  6. 2 green onions, chopped
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Optional: protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu)

How-To Steps

Step 01

If using day-old rice, break up any clumps. If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add a little more oil and sauté the mixed vegetables until tender.

Step 04

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the scrambled eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 10g