Chinese Egg Fried Rice with Scallions and Day-Old Rice
This traditional Chinese Egg Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying dish that transforms day-old rice into a delicious meal. A perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch!
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 2
Crack the 3 large eggs into a bowl, whisk them gently, and pour them into the skillet.
- 3
Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- 4
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet, then add the chopped scallions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Next, add the cooked day-old rice to the skillet. Stir-fry, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- 6
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix well with the rice and scallions.
- 7
Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture, and stir to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
- 8
Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve immediately while the rice grains are dry and separate.
Cook notes
Tips
Using day-old rice ensures a better texture and prevents mushiness.
Make sure to use a hot skillet to achieve a nice stir-fry effect.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
Substitutions
- Use canola oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Swap scallions for chopped onions or shallots.
What to Serve With
- Steamed broccoli
- Egg rolls
Common Mistakes
- Using freshly cooked rice instead of day-old, which can result in a mushy dish.
- Not heating the skillet enough before adding the rice.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make this dish with fresh rice?
It's best to use day-old rice as it helps maintain the right texture. Freshly cooked rice may be too moist.
What can I add to this fried rice?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots, or proteins like chicken or shrimp.
How can I store leftover fried rice?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Wok
Helpful for stir-fries, fried rice, and fast high-heat noodle dishes.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Chinese Egg Fried Rice with Scallions and Day-Old Rice?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Mapo Tofu
Silky tofu in a spicy Sichuan sauce with fermented bean paste, garlic, and scallions.
Scallion Oil Noodles
Springy noodles tossed in fragrant scallion oil with soy sauce and a touch of sugar.
Dan Dan Noodles
Springy noodles tossed with sesame-chile sauce, savory pork, scallions, and a gentle Sichuan pepper tingle.