Easy Egg Fried Rice Just Like Chinese Takeout
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Easy Egg Fried Rice, a dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen.
This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe captures the essence of Chinese takeout, transforming leftover rice into a delicious meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
- Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins
- Deliciously satisfying, perfect for lunch or dinner
A Perfect Takeout Alternative
Who doesn’t love the convenience of takeout? However, making your favorite Chinese dishes at home can be just as easy and even healthier. This Easy Egg Fried Rice recipe captures the essence of authentic Chinese takeout, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without leaving your kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up this delightful dish that satisfies your cravings.
Using day-old rice is key to achieving that perfect fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, resulting in a mushy consistency. The cold rice clumps together, allowing you to achieve that desirable stir-fry effect. This recipe ensures that you can create a delicious meal any day of the week.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of fried rice is its versatility. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. Want to add some protein? Consider incorporating diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra boost. If you're looking to pack in more nutrients, toss in some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. The options are endless, making this dish a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Additionally, feel free to switch up the seasonings! While soy sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with oyster sauce, sesame oil, or even a touch of chili sauce for a spicy kick. This adaptability makes Easy Egg Fried Rice not just a meal, but a delightful experience every time you make it.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Egg Fried Rice is perfect as a standalone dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside sweet and sour chicken, beef and broccoli, or any of your favorite Chinese dishes for a complete meal. Alternatively, consider it as a filling lunch option or a quick dinner on busy weeknights.
For an extra touch, garnish your fried rice with additional green onions or sesame seeds just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your homemade takeout experience, and watch as this dish becomes a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Gather all ingredients before starting your cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Ensure that your rice is cold and clumped together, which helps in avoiding mushy fried rice.
Scramble the Eggs
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Combine Rice and Seasonings
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Eggs and Green Onions
Return the scrambled eggs and add the chopped green onions to the rice. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve your egg fried rice hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Fried Rice
To ensure your fried rice is a success, using the right type of rice is crucial. Long-grain rice, like Jasmine or Basmati, works best due to its ability to remain separate after cooking. Day-old rice is ideal because it dries out slightly, making it easier to fry. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool it down.
Another tip is to keep your heat high while cooking. A hot skillet allows the rice to fry rather than steam, giving you that coveted stir-fried texture. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking and to avoid any sticking or burning.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce and microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit more oil if necessary. This will help revive the dish and maintain its texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing the fried rice. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
→ What vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or any vegetables you like.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the eggs and add more vegetables or tofu.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Easy Egg Fried Rice Just Like Chinese Takeout
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Easy Egg Fried Rice, a dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen.
Created by: Diana Brooks
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Ensure that your rice is cold and clumped together, which helps in avoiding mushy fried rice.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the scrambled eggs and add the chopped green onions to the rice. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g