Golden Scramble Egg Fried Rice: Wok Hei Perfection

Why I Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the rice: Ensure your cooked rice is cold and slightly dried out. This prevents it from clumping together and allows for better separation and crisping during cooking. Break up any large clumps with your hands.

   ~2 min

   Tip: Spreading the rice on a baking sheet for 15 minutes can help dry it out further.
2. 2

   Scramble the eggs: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until they form a soft, fluffy scramble. Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Don't overcook the eggs – they should still be slightly moist.
3. 3

   Infuse the oil: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the wok and heat over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden brown, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Watch the garlic closely – it can burn quickly.
4. 4

   Add the vegetables: Add the diced carrot and frozen peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened and heated through. This step adds both texture and freshness to the rice.

   ~3 min

   Tip: Feel free to substitute other vegetables you have on hand.
5. 5

   Incorporate the rice: Add the cold rice to the wok and break it up with a spatula. Stir-fry vigorously, using a tossing motion to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the oil and vegetables. The high heat and constant stirring will start to develop the 'wok hei' flavor.

   ~4 min

   Tip: Use a metal spatula to scrape the bottom of the wok and prevent sticking.
6. 6

   Season with soy sauce: Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and continue to stir-fry for another minute, ensuring that the soy sauce is evenly distributed and absorbed. The soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and helps to caramelize the rice.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Add soy sauce gradually to avoid making the rice too salty.
7. 7

   Return the eggs: Gently fold the scrambled eggs back into the rice. Stir-fry for another minute, until the eggs are heated through and evenly distributed throughout the rice.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Be gentle when folding in the eggs to avoid breaking them up too much.
8. 8

   Add sesame oil and green onions: Drizzle the sesame oil over the rice and sprinkle with the chopped green onions. Stir-fry briefly to combine. The sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and the green onions provide a fresh, vibrant finish.

   ~1 min

   Tip: Don't add the sesame oil too early, as it can lose its flavor when heated for too long.
9. 9

   Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Keep in mind that soy sauce already adds salt, so taste before adding more. The rice should be savory, slightly smoky, and perfectly seasoned.

   ~1 min

   Tip: A dash of white pepper can also add a nice touch.
10. 10

    Serve immediately: Serve the golden egg fried rice immediately while it's hot and the flavors are at their peak. Garnish with extra green onions, if desired. Enjoy the perfectly balanced flavors and textures of this classic dish!

    ~1 min

    Tip: Serve as a side dish or a light meal.

How Do I Know It's Ready?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts