Egg Fried Rice

By: Vanjo Merano 4 Comments Published: 1/22/24

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Egg fried rice—and fried rice in general, really—is a huge part of Asian cuisine. We know how much Filipinos love rice, and for other Asian countries this is no different. From Thailand to India to Japan, each nation has their own version of fried rice that they know and love. Even the Philippines has its own different variants and renditions! Indeed, fried rice is a very generic term that houses a lot of cultures across different countries. But Chinese fried rice is almost transcendental in its fame; its being beloved worldwide.

No fuss, no frills, all deliciousness—that’s the magic of the glorious egg fried rice. Whether you’re busy working or drowning in school requirements, no quick fix meal speaks to the heart like this takeaway staple. By simply tossing all its ingredients together, egg fried rice is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can make. It’s got all sorts of elements that appeal to every palate—the sweet, the savory, the spicy. A meal all on its own, learning how to make this dish isn’t just a must for the busy bees, but for everyone!

Egg fried rice has Chinese origins; like the Philippines, China has a bunch of different fried rice recipes of its own. This variant of fried rice may be one of, if not the most basic. However, what it lacks in grandeur it makes up for in its colorful appearance, inviting smell—and phenomenal taste! If you’re looking for a timeless yet creative way to spin your leftover rice, this dish is truly the way to go.

Ingredients For This Egg Fried Rice Recipe

4 eggs
4 cups leftover rice
1 onion chopped
1/2 bell pepper chopped
3 sweet peppers chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3/4 cup green onion chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar optional
4 tablespoons cooking oil

Are egg fried rice and yang chow fried rice the same? Not exactly.

Another popular Chinese variant of fried rice is the classic yang chow. Perhaps another one of the most eminent recipes out there, yang chow (or yangzhou) fried rice is a Chinese restaurant favorite. As is in egg fried rice, yang chow makes use of everyday ingredients, tossing them together in a wok to create a symphony of flavors.

Because of the common sight of eggs in this dish, many people mix these two dishes up. Others, meanwhile, regard them as the same thing. While it’s true that both make use of yummy, creamy eggs, in yang chow fried rice there are arguably more sources of protein. From shrimp to ham and sometimes even chicken, yang chow fried rice uses a combination of protein to make your dish even more filling! That doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t add meat to your egg fried rice, of course; with such an adaptable recipe, you can fine tune this fried rice to your choosing!

What can I eat with egg fried rice?

The choices of viands you can enjoy with egg fried rice are endless. Simply put, this rice goes well with pretty much anything! Here are a few of my personal favorites that really hit the spot.

Beef Broccoli Recipe with Carrots

For that combination of healthy and savory, beef broccoli is the perfect partner to your egg fried rice! This dish is yet another Chinese food favorite; it combines crunchy and fresh broccoli florets with succulent beef strips for the perfect bite. Your rice will mix in harmoniously with this classic meal! Dodge the takeout and opt for something equally delicious from the comfort of your own home.

Kung Pao Shrimp

What’s a Chinese food fest without a kung pao version of anything? Your egg fried rice will come in handy when you dive into this delicious and flavorful Kung Pao Shrimp. Sweet, spicy, and loaded with ingredients, kung pao shrimp is a fun and delectable delight you and your family won’t hesitate to chow down. The addition of zucchinis and peanuts give this dish that extra layer of texture, too!

How to Cook Egg Fried Rice

Cook the eggs

Making egg fried rice is as easy as tossing all your ingredients together—literally! Begin by cracking 4 eggs and placing them in a bowl. Then, after heating some oil in a wok, pour them in, cooking them until the side on the pan turns brown and somewhat crispy. Turn the eggs over, doing the same to the other side.

Saute the peppers and onion

Your peppers, both bell peppers and sweet peppers, go in next, as do you onions. Sauté the ingredients for a minute while breaking the eggs apart.

Add the leftover rice

Next, add in half of your leftover rice, stir frying for about 2 minutes. Add the rest of your rice in, and continue cooking and tossing until you’ve incorporated all of your ingredients well.

Pour soy sauce, sesame oil, and add the seasoning

Make your egg fried rice smell—and taste—even better by adding sesame oil and soy sauce. For 2 minutes, stir fry your rice even further, then add salt, sugar, and your green onions.

Toss your egg fried rice one last time, before turning the heat off the stove and transferring it to a serving plate.

Alongside your favorite main dish, your egg fried rice is 100% ready to be enjoyed! Let your family dig into this fantastic and filling fried rice—and don’t forget to let us know what you think!