If you’ve got leftover rice and a couple of eggs, you’re already halfway to dinner. Egg Fried Rice hits that perfect middle ground between fast and satisfying. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up in one pan and eat straight from the skillet—no shame.
This version is inspired by the classic takeout style: savory, fluffy, just a little crispy at the edges, and packed with tiny bursts of scrambled egg, green onion, and peas. No long ingredient list. No fancy sauces. Just real flavor, real quick.
Use it as a side dish, build it into a main meal, or eat it cold from the fridge (you know you do it).
Why You’ll Make This On Repeat
Egg fried rice earns its spot in the weekly lineup for good reason.
- Quick and satisfying – Done in under 20 minutes with stuff you probably already have
- Great for leftovers – Day-old rice works best, so nothing goes to waste
- One pan, no fuss – Cooks fast in a single skillet or wok
- Flexible and forgiving – Add shrimp, tofu, chicken, veggies—whatever you’ve got
- Tastes like takeout – But cheaper, faster, and way fresher
It’s comfort food that doesn’t ask much—and delivers every time.
What You’ll Need for Takeout-Style Egg Fried Rice
This base recipe keeps it simple. Everything here is pantry-friendly and easy to adjust.
- Cooked Rice – About 3 cups, preferably day-old and cold
- Eggs – 2 large, scrambled directly in the pan
- Vegetable Oil – Or any neutral oil, for stir-frying
- Soy Sauce – Adds salt and depth
- Green Onions – Bright, sharp flavor to finish
- Frozen Peas – Optional, but classic
- Garlic – Minced for a savory boost
- Salt & Pepper – To taste
- Sesame Oil (Optional) – Just a drizzle for a toasty finish
Optional add-ins: diced carrots, leftover protein, chili crisp, or a splash of oyster sauce.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Simple moves. Big payoff. The only rule: have everything ready before you start. It goes fast.
- Heat the Oil – Get your skillet hot, then add a tablespoon of oil.
- Scramble the Eggs – Crack in the eggs and scramble them loosely. Once set, remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic & Peas – Add more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and peas (or any other quick-cooking veggies). Cook until fragrant.
- Add the Rice – Break up the rice with your hands before adding to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until warmed through and a little crisp on the edges.
- Season It Up – Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and sesame oil if using. Stir well to coat.
- Bring Back the Eggs – Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan. Break them up and mix into the rice.
- Finish with Green Onions – Toss them in last so they stay bright.
That’s it. Plate it up or eat it straight from the pan. Zero judgment.
Simple Sides to Serve with Egg Fried Rice
You can eat this on its own, but a few simple sides make it a complete takeout-style meal.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Dumplings or Potstickers | Crispy and chewy—perfect combo with fluffy rice |
| Cucumber Salad | Cool, crunchy, and vinegary to contrast the heat |
| Stir-Fried Greens | Adds color and nutrition without much effort |
| Sweet Chili Tofu | Brings protein and a sticky-sweet balance |
| Egg Drop Soup | Light and warm—pairs perfectly with fried rice |
| Roasted Broccoli | Charred edges + soy sauce = pure magic |
| Kimchi | Spicy and fermented for a funky, delicious contrast |
Mix and match based on what you’re craving—or just double up the rice and call it dinner.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
How to Store and Reheat Fried Rice
Fried rice keeps well and comes back to life in minutes.
Perfect for meal prep or midnight snacks.
How to Store It
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
Let it cool fully first to avoid excess moisture. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat It
- Stovetop: Add a splash of oil or water and reheat over medium heat. Stir often.
- Microwave: Loosen the rice with a fork, cover with a damp paper towel, and zap in 30–45 second bursts.
Freezing?
You can freeze it in a pinch.
Let cool, then seal in freezer bags. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need day-old rice?
Yes, if possible. Fresh rice is too moist and gets mushy. Cold rice fries up better and gives that slightly crispy texture.
Can I add meat or tofu?
Totally. Dice up some leftover chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu and toss it in after the garlic. Stir-fry it before adding the rice.
What oil should I use?
Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point—like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Avoid butter or olive oil.
Why is my rice soggy?
It’s probably too wet. Use cold, dry rice and a hot pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan so moisture can evaporate.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a spoonful of chili crisp with the soy sauce.
Egg Fried Rice (Quick Takeout Style)
Equipment
- Wok or Skillet For stir-frying everything
- Spatula To stir and scramble
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice preferably day-old and cold
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
- 2 green onions sliced
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add eggs and scramble quickly. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the pan. Add garlic and peas. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cold rice. Break apart any clumps with a spatula and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp.
- Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add cooked eggs back to the pan and stir to combine.
- Toss in green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
- Add leftover meat or tofu to make it a full meal.
- Drizzle chili oil or sriracha for a spicy version.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!