Whether you're cooking a huge feast to celebrate Chinese New Year or doing your own Chinese Fakeaway, egg fried rice is essential. Get the recipe below.
Rice, a staple of China?
Before I went to China, most of my understanding of Chinese cuisine came from takeaways. Don't get me wrong, I knew that they weren't exactly authentic, with many dishes being adapted for a Western palate, but they gave me an idea of what to expect when we flew to China at the start of last year.
One thing that I thought I had learnt was that egg fried rice is served with just about everything! It turns out this isn't quite true.
Rice (fan) is definitely a staple food in Southern China and is common around the rest of the country. While we were in China we were often served a big bowl of fluffy, steamed rice, with egg stirred throughout. That's right, the egg fried rice was actually steamed not fried.
The egg fried rice we are used to from our local takeaway was no where to be seen at it definitely wasn't eaten every day!
This recipe is much more similar to the Western takeaway style egg-fried rice we all know and love. I've tried making it a little healthier with brown rice instead of white rice. I've also added soy beans to bulk it out (and make it extra delicious!)
You could add in peas (like my local takeaway do) or any other veg for that matter. If you're looking for vegetable fried rice though then you might want to take a look at this recipe.
The Recipe
Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 250 grams brown rice
- 2 handfuls frozen soy beans aka edamame
- 3 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bunch spring onions
- 4 eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- sesame seeds to garnish
Instructions
- Place the brown rice in a pan of hot water and bring to the boil.
- Cook for 10 minutes or until just cooked.
- Add in the frozen soy beans and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat and drain well.
- Using a piece of kitchen roll pat the rice to get rid of any excess moisture.
- In a large frying pan heat the sesame oil and add the spring onions.
- Cook the spring onions for 2 minutes before adding the rice and edamame.
- Cook the rice for another 2 minutes, stirring often to ensure it doesn't stick to the pan.
- Move the rice mix over to one side of the pan - in the other half of the pan pour in the eggs.
- Allow the egg to cook slightly before stirring through the rice along with the soy sauce.
- Serve while piping hot.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition
Find out more about our time spent travelling China
More Chinese inspired recipes
As ever, do leave a comment if you make this recipe. I'd love to hear from you!
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
I love egg fried rice but never think to make my own
Emma Walton says
You must its so easy! And much nicer than a take away 🙂
Eric says
Yes. Please post the other recipes and if you have one for ribs that would be helpful too. That way I could make a feast for Chinese New Year.
Emma Walton says
Good news Eric I already have a chinese ribs recipe on the blog - here you go! http://supperinthesuburbs.com/2015/02/24/chinese-spare-ribs/
Eric says
Thankyou. Will definitely be giving them a go.
Dannii says
I love making my own egg fried rice. The sesame oil is essential as it adds so much flavour. So much healthier than ordering it too.
Emma Walton says
Yay, another sesame oil lover! I think I use it in most Chinese recipes now 🙂
Choclette says
I've never had any luck with egg fried rice, so I think I need to try your recipe and method cos I do like it and this looks fab. I always use brown rice though, so it can't be that that's the problem.
Emma Walton says
Hmmm what exactly is the problem you're having? Happy to try and trouble shoot 🙂
Janice says
ooh, I love Egg Fried Rice, so tasty and so simple.
Natalie says
I love fried rice, it’s such a great idea for a quick dinner or lunch! Looks delicious and healthy ♥
Pam Greer says
I love egg fried rice!! I also love that you used brown rice and the edamame is a great variation!
Emma Walton says
Thanks Pam 😀
Shashi at SavorySpin says
I do love me some egg fried rice and your version with sesame oil sounds delicious!
Emma Walton says
The sesame oil really does make it...
Sara | Belly Rumbles says
I do love fried rice and this is a great recipe, thank you for sharing.
Deanna says
I love fried rice!! This looks so yummy!! I bet it is even better than takeaway kind! YUM!
Emma Walton says
Thanks Deanna - I do love the take away but this is SO much nicer.