Egg fried rice is a popular and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and incorporating a variety of ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for making delicious egg fried rice:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled long-grain white rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
a. Cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool. Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s less sticky and clumps together less.
b. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set them aside.
c. Dice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat the Wok or Pan:
a. Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.
3. Scramble the Eggs:
a. Pour the beaten eggs into the hot pan and quickly scramble them until they’re just cooked but still slightly runny. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables:
a. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
b. Add the diced onion and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
c. Add the minced garlic and continue to stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
d. Toss in the thawed peas and stir-fry for another minute.
5. Add Rice and Eggs:
a. Add the cooked and cooled rice to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
b. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix them into the rice.
6. Season and Finish:
a. Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir to evenly distribute it. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
b. If you like, you can add a few drops of sesame oil for extra flavor. Be cautious, as sesame oil can be quite potent, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve:
a. Garnish the egg fried rice with thinly sliced green onions (scallions) for freshness and color.
b. Serve the egg fried rice hot as a side dish or as a main course. You can also customize it by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
Enjoy your homemade egg fried rice! It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and is great for using up leftovers.