Egg Fried Rice Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food in 2 Styles

The classic egg fried rice recipe is simple but very tasty. It is a great way to use leftover rice and turn it into a delicious meal. Here is how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, leftover rice works best)

- 2 large eggs

- 2 tablespoons cooking oil

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant.

2. Push the onion and garlic to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them until they are fully cooked.

3. Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula and mix well with the eggs, onion, and garlic.

4. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they are warmed through.

5. Add the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the seasoning.

6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving if you like.

This simple egg fried rice recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes, making it a perfect dish for busy days.

Indonesian egg fried rice, known as "Nasi Goreng," has a unique taste thanks to special seasonings. It is slightly sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy. Here is a version you can try:

Ingredients:

- 3 cups cooked rice

- 2 large eggs

- 3 tablespoons cooking oil

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 shallots, thinly sliced

- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, for heat)

- 1 cup chopped vegetables (cabbage, carrots, or green beans)

- Fried shallots and cucumber slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large wok or pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, then stir-fry until golden and fragrant.

2. Push the garlic and shallots to one side. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until cooked.

3. Add the cooked rice to the pan and break up any clumps with a spatula.

4. Pour in the sweet soy sauce, regular soy sauce, and chili paste if using. Stir well to combine the flavors.

5. Add the vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender but still slightly crunchy.

6. Serve hot with fried shallots sprinkled on top and cucumber slices on the side.

Nasi Goreng is one of the most popular street foods in Indonesia. It has a rich taste that makes it different from the classic egg fried rice recipe.

Making perfect egg fried rice is simple if you follow a few helpful tips. Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Use cold, leftover rice: Freshly cooked rice often turns sticky and clumps together, making it hard to fry. Cold, leftover rice has the right texture and dryness, allowing each grain to stay separate and fry nicely.

2. Cook on high heat: High heat helps give the rice a slightly smoky flavor while keeping the grains dry. Cooking on lower heat makes the rice soggy and less flavorful, so keep the pan hot for best results.

3. Scramble the eggs separately: Cooking the eggs first makes sure they are fluffy and evenly cooked. When added later to the rice, they mix in better and add texture without turning mushy or disappearing into the grains.

4. Don’t overcrowd the pan: When there is too much rice in the pan, it begins to steam instead of fry. Cooking in smaller batches helps you keep the rice dry, flavorful, and with the right fried texture.

5. Season carefully: Soy sauce and salt can easily overpower the dish. Start with a little seasoning, taste the rice, and slowly add more if needed to get a balanced flavor without it being too salty.

By following these tips, your egg fried rice will always turn out flavorful and well-cooked.

Egg fried rice is very flexible, and you can add many ingredients to make it more exciting. Here are some ideas:

1. Meat options: Adding diced chicken, shrimp, or beef gives your egg fried rice more protein and makes it a complete meal. These meats also add extra flavor and texture, making the dish heartier and more filling.

2. Extra vegetables: Including broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers not only makes the rice colorful but also adds more vitamins and minerals. The vegetables bring crunch, freshness, and balance to the savory taste of the rice.

3. Different sauces: Oyster sauce, sesame oil, or chili sauce can change the flavor in simple ways. Oyster sauce gives depth, sesame oil adds nuttiness, and chili sauce brings a little heat for spice lovers.

4. Toppings: Try finishing your fried rice with sesame seeds, fried shallots, or fresh herbs like cilantro. These toppings add aroma, flavor, and a nice crunch that can make the dish taste more special.

5. Add a fried egg on top: Serving egg fried rice with an extra fried egg makes it richer and more satisfying. The runny yolk can mix into the rice, adding creaminess and extra taste with every bite.

With these add-ins, you can turn a simple egg fried rice into a complete meal that fits your taste and style.