Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor: egg fried rice is definitely a favorite in my kitchen, and in countless others around the world, of course! It’s the perfect way to use up leftover cooked rice and vegetables, and it’s ready to serve in no time.
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Why this Recipe Works
Did you know that egg fried rice originally comes from Chinese cuisine? It eventually spread all over the world. It’s actually a very simple dish: leftover rice that’s fried up and seasoned with vegetables, egg, and soy sauce.
Fried Rice with Egg Ingredients
For classic fried rice with egg, you’ll need a few basic ingredients: Serve your fried rice with side dishes like chicken satay, homemade satay sauce, and of course shrimp crackers for a complete meal!
- Rice: preferably cooked a day in advance, so it contains less moisture and fries better. Jasmine rice or basmati rice are ideal because of their long, loose grains and low starch content, which prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Vegetables: such as carrots (diced), peas, and scallions for a fresh and crunchy bite.
- Garlic: adds extra flavor.
- Eggs: are fried in the pan and provide a creamy texture.
- Soy sauce & sesame oil: provide that typical savory umami flavor.
In Indonesia, they have a similar dish: nasi goreng. Although the preparation is similar, nasi goreng is often seasoned with spices such as trassi (shrimp paste), cilantro, turmeric, and ketjap, while Chinese fried rice has a milder, soy sauce-based flavor.
Fried Rice: How to get the Perfect Texture
The secret to good fried rice is using rice that’s a day old. Fresh rice contains too much moisture and can become mushy. Want to make authentic Uncle Roger’s egg fried rice? Make sure you have a hot pan (preferably a wok) and stir-fry the rice briefly but vigorously.
Add the ingredients in the correct order:
- First the garlic and vegetables, you can add more vegetables if you like
- Then the egg, slightly beaten so you can incorporate them properly throughout the rice
- And finally the rice with the sauces, I also like to season it with some salt, pepper and sambal for spice
Uncle Roger’s Egg Fried Rice
If you’re wondering, “Uncle Roger, who is that?” Well, he’s the alter ego of the Malaysian-British comedian Nigel Ng, who became famous for his YouTube videos reviewing Asian cooking videos. His reaction to a BBC chef making fried rice the “wrong” way went viral.
According to Uncle Roger, fried rice should be made with a wok, day-old rice, and the right seasonings like garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. His video has made fried rice more popular worldwide! Try my Shanghai beef recipe for more authentic Chinese flavors, or browse through my collection of Asian recipes to get inspired.
Egg Fried Rice FAQ
How long can I keep cooked rice?
Cooked rice will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days. Store it in an airtight container and make sure it cools quickly after cooking, for example by spreading it out in a large bowl or on a plate.
How long can I keep fried rice?
Fried rice will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days. It’s best to reheat it in a pan or wok over high heat.
Is fried rice the same as nasi goreng?
Essentially, yes: “nasi goreng” literally means “fried rice.” The main difference lies in the seasonings: nasi goreng often contains Indonesian seasonings such as trassi and ketjap, while Chinese fried rice has a milder flavor.
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Ingredients
- 150 gram uncooked rice (preferably cooked the day before)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 50 gram green peas
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 eggs (medium – beaten)
- 3 scallions (thinly sliced)
- ⅔ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Vegetable oil, sambal, salt, and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large wok or skillet
INSTRUCTIONS (how to make this recipe):
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet. Sautée the carrot and peas briefly, then add the garlic.
- Then add the beaten eggs and stir them into the dish like scrambled eggs.
- Add the rice and cook for a few minutes until it’s thoroughly heated through.
- Season the dish with the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Taste and add a little more salt and pepper or sambal to taste. Finally, stir in the sliced scallions and enjoy your meal!
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