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Egg Fried Rice

This classic egg fried rice is a versatile, high-protein dish that delivers a satisfying meal in less than ten minutes. By using chilled, pre-cooked rice and a scorching hot wok, you achieve that coveted smoky flavour and distinct texture found in the best Chinese takeouts. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the delicate savoury notes of the toasted sesame oil and the fresh crunch of spring onions to shine through beautifully.

Perfect for a quick midweek dinner or a nutritious lunch, this recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover white rice from the night before. Serve it as a substantial main course on its own, or as an authentic accompaniment to your favourite stir-fry or braised meat dishes. It is a reliable, budget-friendly staple for any home cook looking for a healthy and fast vegetarian option.

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Ingredients for Egg Fried Rice

  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil

  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 750g cold unsalted steamed white rice

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced spring onion greens (3 to 4 spring onions)

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil

  • a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok

How to make Egg Fried Rice

Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water vaporizes instantly upon contact. Add peanut oil, swirling to coat wok evenly, and heat until hot and just smoking. Add eggs, tilting wok and swirling eggs to form a thin even layer on cooking surface, and cook 30 seconds, then add rice and salt and stir-fry, breaking up eggs and letting rice rest several seconds between stirs, until rice is hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Add spring onion greens and sesame oil (to taste) and stir-fry until combined well.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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