Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Egg fried rice may seem like a simple, everyday dish, but there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. Achieving a plate of perfectly cooked, golden, and enticing egg fried rice not only satisfies your taste buds but also showcases your culinary skills. Today, I'm going to reveal the secrets to making the perfect egg fried rice, so you can easily enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

Ingredients and Substitutes

To make this delicious egg fried rice, you'll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

Leftover Rice: The star of the dish, leftover rice provides a better texture for fried rice.

Eggs: Essential for adding protein and a rich flavor to the fried rice.

Additional Ingredients

Garlic Chives: Adds a unique flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Carrots: Enhances the color and texture, making the fried rice more vibrant.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and complements the overall flavor.

Green Onions: Elevates the aroma of the fried rice.

Seasonings

White Vinegar: Used to remove any eggy smell and enhance the flavor.

Oil: Prevents the rice from sticking to the pan.

Salt: For seasoning, adding a salty taste.

Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and adds depth.

Oyster Sauce: Adds a savory richness.

Sesame Oil: Boosts the overall aroma of the dish.

Substitutes

Leftover Rice Substitute: If you don't have leftover rice, you can use freshly cooked rice that has been cooled. Spread the freshly cooked rice on a plate to cool and dry out slightly.

Egg Substitute: Duck eggs can be used instead of chicken eggs, but they have a stronger flavor that will alter the taste.

Garlic Chives Substitute: You can use garlic sprouts or chives, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Carrot Substitute: Other colorful vegetables like red or yellow bell peppers can be used to add color and a hint of sweetness.

Cucumber Substitute: Zucchini or other refreshing squash-like vegetables can be used in place of cucumber.

Green Onion Substitute: Chopped regular onions can be used instead of green onions, but they have a stronger flavor.

White Vinegar Substitute: Lemon juice can be used to remove any eggy smell, though it will add a hint of citrus flavor.

Should You Cook the Eggs or Rice First

In the method I'm sharing for this egg fried rice, we start by cooking a portion of the beaten eggs first. This initial batch of eggs coats the rice, allowing the rice to absorb the egg's rich flavor. After that, we add the remaining beaten eggs and continue cooking.

The benefit of this approach is that the rice gets a robust egg flavor from the initial coating, and as you continue to stir-fry, the cooked eggs combine with the rice to create a delightful texture. Whether you cook the eggs or the rice first can affect the dish's flavor profile, but this method ensures that each grain of rice is infused with egg flavor, while the remaining eggs stay in larger, delicious chunks that complement the rice perfectly.

How to Prevent Egg Fried Rice from Sticking to the Pan

Choosing the Right Pan: The best option is a non-stick pan. If you don't have one, a regular iron or stainless steel pan can work, but you'll need to "season" it first. Rub the inside with pork fat or ginger, then rinse with hot water to create a protective layer.

Using the Right Amount of Oil: Ensure you use enough oil. After adding the oil, tilt the pan to coat the surface evenly.

Heating the Pan Properly: Make sure the pan is hot before adding oil and ingredients. A hot pan helps the food set quickly, reducing the chance of sticking.

Stir-Frying Quickly: Keep the rice moving. Don't let it sit at the bottom of the pan for too long. Stir-frying quickly ensures that each grain of rice is evenly cooked and prevents sticking.

By following these steps, you can achieve a perfect, non-sticky egg fried rice with a wonderful blend of flavors and textures.

Tips for Success

Use Leftover Rice: Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and tends to stick. Leftover rice is drier, with distinct grains that provide a better texture.

Choose Quality Eggs: Use authentic chicken eggs. Add a little white vinegar to the beaten eggs to remove any odor and enhance the flavor. Whisk until frothy.

Prep Vegetables Carefully: Dice garlic chives, carrots, and cucumbers evenly. This ensures a colorful, nutritious dish with a layered taste.

Cooking Technique: Mix part of the beaten eggs with the rice so each grain is coated. Use the right oil temperature—cook the eggs first, then the rice. Stir-fry until the moisture evaporates and the rice grains are separate. Add the vegetables and stir-fry. Season precisely with salt, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Finish with green onions and sesame oil for extra aroma.