Egg fried rice is a dish enjoyed worldwide, and it’s no wonder why—it’s delicious, versatile, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or just craving a comforting meal, this classic recipe will have you covered. Below, I’ll guide you through the process of making perfect egg fried rice, step-by-step.
Ingredients Preparation
To make delicious egg fried rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Rice: 4 cups of cooked and cooled rice (preferably jasmine or long-grain white rice)
- Eggs: 3-4 large eggs
- Vegetable oil: 3-4 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 3-4 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce (optional): 1-2 tablespoons for added flavor
- Sesame oil (optional): A few drops for aroma
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Carrots: 1 medium, diced
- Peas: 1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Green onions: 2-3 stalks, chopped
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Cooking the Rice
Before you start cooking the egg fried rice, it’s important to note that the rice should be cooked and then cooled. This helps to firm up the grains and prevent them from becoming mushy when stir-fried.
Cooking the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This can be done a day ahead to save time.
Preparing the Vegetables
While the rice is cooling, prepare your vegetables. This step ensures that everything is ready to go when it’s time to cook.
Peeling and Chopping: Peel the carrots and chop them into small dice. Finely chop the onion. If using fresh peas, shell them. If using frozen peas, make sure they are thawed.
Chopping Green Onions: Trim the green onions and chop them into small pieces. Separate the white and green parts if you prefer, as the white parts can be cooked a bit longer for a softer texture.
Preparing the Eggs
Next, prepare the eggs. They will be scrambled and mixed into the rice later.
Beating the Eggs: Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the eggs for seasoning.
Cooking the Base
Now it’s time to start cooking. You’ll start by cooking the garlic and onion to build a flavorful base.
Heating the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the ingredients.
Cooking Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Adding the Vegetables
Next, add the vegetables to the pan and cook them until they are tender but still crisp.
Adding Carrots and Peas: Add the diced carrots and peas to the pan with the garlic and onion. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the carrots are tender and the peas are heated through.
Seasoning: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the vegetables to taste.
Adding the Rice
Now it’s time to add the rice to the pan. Make sure the rice is broken up into individual grains before adding it.
Adding Rice: Add the cooled rice to the pan with the vegetables. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
Adding the Scrambled Eggs
Next, it’s time to add the scrambled eggs to the rice mixture.
Scrambling the Eggs: Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Allow the eggs to set slightly, then stir-fry them, mixing them into the rice and vegetables.
Combining: Continue to stir-fry everything together until the eggs are fully cooked and well distributed throughout the rice.
Seasoning and Finishing
Finally, season the egg fried rice with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), and add a few drops of sesame oil for aroma.
Adding Soy Sauce: Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir well to combine. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference. If you like your egg fried rice a bit darker, you can add more soy sauce.
Adding Oyster Sauce (optional): If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of oyster sauce. It adds a rich, savory taste to the dish.
Adding Sesame Oil (optional): Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil over the rice and stir to combine. This will add a subtle nutty aroma to the dish.
Tasting and Adjusting: Taste the egg fried rice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnishing and Serving
Before serving, garnish the egg fried rice with chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Garnishing: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the rice. You can use both the white and green parts for a nice color contrast.
Serving: Serve the egg fried rice hot, either on its own or with additional sides like steamed vegetables, soup, or a fried egg on top.
Conclusion
Making classic egg fried rice at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to control the ingredients and flavor to your liking. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a delicious, fluffy, and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your hunger and taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, egg fried rice is a versatile and delicious option that never disappoints. Enjoy your cooking!
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