Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Rice: Preferably day-old cooked rice, which helps achieve the perfect texture for fried rice.

Eggs: Beaten and scrambled, they add protein and a rich flavor to the dish.

Mixed vegetables: A combination of carrots, peas, and corn, providing color, texture, and nutrition.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that ties the dish together.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the eggs and sautéing the vegetables and rice.

Garlic: Minced and sautéed to add a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor.

Green onion: Chopped and used as a garnish to add a fresh, zesty finish.

To achieve the perfect texture for egg fried rice, it's essential to use day-old cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can become mushy when stir-fried. If you don't have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to dry it out. This helps the rice grains to separate and absorb the flavors of the soy sauce and vegetables more effectively.

• 2 cups preferably day-old cooked rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that can mimic the texture of rice when cooked properly.

• 2 beaten eggs - Substitute with tofu scramble: Tofu can be crumbled and cooked to resemble scrambled eggs, making it a great vegan alternative.

• 1 cup carrots, peas, corn mixed vegetables - Substitute with broccoli, bell peppers, and edamame: These vegetables provide a similar mix of colors and nutrients, adding variety to the dish.

• 2 tablespoon soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that offers a similar umami flavor.

• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in fried rice.

• 2 cloves minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, though it may have a slightly different intensity.

• 1 chopped green onion - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or mixed into the dish.

• Allow the egg fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the cooled egg fried rice into an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the egg fried rice within 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the egg fried rice in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored and ensures you consume it while it's still good.

• When ready to eat, thaw the frozen egg fried rice in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the egg fried rice in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of vegetable oil to refresh the flavors and prevent sticking.

• Stir the rice occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming and to bring back its delightful texture.

• Once heated through, garnish with fresh green onions to add a burst of color and flavor before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil.
  2. Add the leftover egg fried rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
  3. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is hot throughout.
  4. If the rice seems dry, sprinkle a little water over it and cover the pan for a minute to steam.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the egg fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or soy sauce to help retain moisture.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the egg fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is thoroughly heated.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the egg fried rice in a heatproof bowl that fits into your steamer.
  2. Fill the steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Stir the rice occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the egg fried rice in a heatproof dish that fits into the air fryer basket.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is hot and slightly crispy.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with a rounded bottom, ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: A flat, broad tool used for flipping and stirring ingredients in the wok, ensuring even cooking.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the green onion and mincing the garlic to the desired size.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface used to safely chop and prepare ingredients like vegetables and garlic.

• Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the rice and mixed vegetables to ensure the correct proportions.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring out the soy sauce and vegetable oil to maintain the recipe's balance.

• Bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before scrambling them in the wok.

• Garlic press: An optional tool for efficiently mincing garlic if you prefer not to use a knife.

Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is drier and separates easily, preventing clumping and ensuring even frying.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop vegetables and green onions in advance, so you can quickly add them to the wok.

Cook eggs first: Scramble and set aside the eggs before starting the rice to streamline the process.

High heat cooking: Use high heat to quickly stir-fry the vegetables and rice, reducing cooking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick meal later, saving time on future cooking.