Egg Fried Rice from Leftover Rice

Egg fried rice is the great rescue dish. It turns the small amount of rice left over from last night into a satisfying dinner in about ten minutes, with very little shopping and hardly any skill. The surprising secret is that leftover rice is actually better than fresh. Cold rice has dried out slightly, so the grains stay separate and fry up with a lovely bit of bite rather than clumping into a sticky mass.

Why cold rice works best

Freshly cooked rice contains a lot of moisture, which means it steams in the pan and turns mushy. Rice that has been chilled overnight is drier and firmer, and it fries properly. That is why cooks often make extra rice on purpose. If you do not have any leftovers, you can cook fresh rice, spread it on a tray to cool quickly and chill it before frying, though leftover rice is easier.

A note on food safety

Rice needs a little care. Cooked rice that is left sitting at room temperature can allow bacteria to grow. To keep it safe, cool it quickly, ideally within an hour, then store it in the fridge in a covered container and use it within a day. When you reheat it, make sure it is steaming hot all the way through, and do not reheat it more than once.

Getting the pan hot

A hot pan makes all the difference. Use a large frying pan or wok and let it heat before adding oil. High heat gives the rice a lightly toasted flavour and stops it from sticking. Work in small steps, keeping everything moving, and you will have dinner on the table very quickly. Do not overcrowd the pan, as that cools it down. If you are feeding more than two people, cook in two batches.

Adding flavour

The base recipe is simple, but a few small touches add depth. Fry the white parts of the spring onions with the garlic first, and keep the green tops for the end, where they add freshness. Soy sauce adds salt as well as flavour, so taste before adding extra salt. A few drops of sesame oil at the end give a lovely nutty aroma. If you would like to explore how to balance salt, acid and heat, our guide to seasoning as you cook is a good place to start.

Ideas for using up odds and ends

Egg fried rice is endlessly adaptable:

• Add leftover roast chicken, ham or cooked prawns for extra protein.
• Throw in chopped peppers, sweetcorn, carrots or mushrooms.
• Stir through a spoonful of chilli sauce for heat.
• Top with a fried egg for an even heartier dinner.
• Use up a few spoonfuls of kimchi or pickled vegetables for tang.

Serving suggestions

It is lovely as a main course on its own, or it can sit beside a simple curry, some grilled fish or stir-fried greens. A squeeze of lime or a little chilli oil on top brightens the dish. If you are making this for children, keep the flavours mild and add a little extra egg or peas.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use freshly cooked rice? It is possible, but spread it out and let it cool and dry before frying, otherwise it can turn sticky.

Which type of rice is best? Long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine works well, because the grains stay separate.

Can I make this without soy sauce? Yes. Season with a little salt and pepper, or use a different savoury sauce you prefer.