Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe that just hits the spot any time of day. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl — quick to throw together, packed with flavor, and perfect for using up leftover rice. I find this recipe to be one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s so versatile and takes almost no time to make.
What makes this particular version special is the delightful combination of sesame oil and fresh green onions, which elevates the humble fried rice into something fragrant and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a late-night snack, this Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe is always worth trying — I promise, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in such a simple way to deliver big flavor. A couple of shopping tips: look for good quality jasmine rice and always have some sesame oil handy because it adds that incredible nutty aroma that’s impossible to replicate with other oils.
- Cooked jasmine rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less likely to clump up when frying.
- Green onion: Use fresh, bright green onions for that crisp, slightly sharp freshness.
- Soy sauce: I prefer regular or light soy sauce — dark soy sauce can overpower the delicate sesame notes.
- Sesame oil: Adds a rich, toasty flavor; just a little goes a long way.
- Eggs: Large eggs give the best texture and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil to cook the eggs and rice without masking flavors.
Variations
I love how flexible this Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe is — you can easily make it your own. Sometimes I like to add a bit more crunch or a touch of heat depending on my mood, and it always turns out great.
- Add vegetables: Peas, carrots, or bell peppers bring color and extra nutrition. I often toss in frozen peas for an easy upgrade.
- Protein boost: Throw in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a fulfilling meal.
- Make it spicy: A splash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the rice a nice kick.
- Use different rice: If you don’t have jasmine, long grain white rice or even brown rice works — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe
Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Before you turn on the stove, make sure your rice is cold and preferably a day old — this helps the grains fry up fluffy rather than mushy. Beat the eggs lightly and chop your green onions finely so they cook evenly. Having everything ready to go is critical because stir-frying happens fast!
Step 2: Cook the eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently. Cook them just until they’re softly set but not completely dry — they’ll finish cooking later with the rice. Set the eggs aside on a plate.
Step 3: Fry the rice and green onions
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan, then toss in the cold rice. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Toss in the chopped green onions and continue stirring so the aroma can release and the rice gets evenly heated.
Step 4: Season and finish with sesame oil
Pour the soy sauce evenly over the rice and toss to coat every grain. Now, add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and combine gently. Finally, drizzle the sesame oil around the edges — this step is key for that nutty depth. Give everything one last stir, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe

Garnishes
I always top my egg fried rice with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds because it adds a beautiful texture and freshness. Sometimes I also add a little drizzle of chili oil for color and a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs wonderfully with simple stir-fried veggies, crispy spring rolls, or even a light soup. I personally love serving it alongside garlic bok choy or a quick cucumber salad for some crunch and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to use a small bowl to mold the fried rice, then plate it overturned so it holds a neat shape — it immediately makes the dish feel fancy! A side of halved soft-boiled eggs or charred baby corn adds an elegant touch as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to 3 days. Because the sesame oil flavor is so prominent, the dish holds up nicely and tastes almost as good the next day.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen this exact recipe often, fried rice can freeze well if stored properly. Just cool it completely before packing it in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
I prefer reheating egg fried rice in a hot skillet with a splash of water or oil to revive its texture and prevent drying out. Microwave works too, but adding a little moisture and stirring halfway through makes a big difference.
FAQs
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Can I use freshly cooked rice for this recipe?
Freshly cooked rice is too moist and tends to clump, making your fried rice mushy. For best results, use rice that’s been cooked and chilled in the fridge for at least a few hours or overnight to dry out the grains.
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Is sesame oil necessary in this recipe?
While you can technically leave it out, sesame oil adds a unique nutty, toasty flavor that’s essential to classic egg fried rice. It’s worth having a small bottle in your pantry just for dishes like this.
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Can I use other types of oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes! Neutral oils like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil work well because they don’t overpower the flavors. Avoid strong-flavored oils like olive oil as they mask the sesame and soy sauce.
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How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Cook the eggs just until they’re softly scrambled and still a little moist since they’ll continue cooking when combined with the hot rice. Removing them from the heat right away helps avoid dryness.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Replace eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour-based scramble and use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want gluten-free options. The sesame oil and green onions still bring fantastic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Egg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create something truly delicious. I hope you give it a try — it’s quick, adaptable, and has saved me more than once on busy days. Plus, it’s a comforting dish that you can feel good about sharing with family and friends. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a staple in your rotation too.
PrintEgg Fried Rice with Green Onion and Sesame Oil Recipe
This classic Egg Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful dish made with day-old jasmine rice, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a savory mix of soy sauce and sesame oil. Perfect as a side or a simple main, it combines basic ingredients to deliver a satisfying meal in minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cold and day-old (or substitute with any white long grain rice)
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs, beaten
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 2.5 tablespoons regular soy sauce or light soy sauce (avoid dark soy sauce)
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Ensure that your cooked jasmine rice is cold and preferably day-old to prevent clumping and achieve a better fried rice texture.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the hot oil, stirring gently to scramble them until just set but still soft. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté green onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped green onion and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add the rice: Increase the heat to high and add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to warm through and start to crisp slightly.
- Season the rice: Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the sesame oil over the rice, tossing well to evenly coat and flavor.
- Combine eggs and rice: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet with the rice and gently mix everything together until fully incorporated and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately as a flavorful side dish or a light meal on its own.
Notes
- Using day-old rice is key to preventing soggy fried rice.
- Adjust the soy sauce quantity based on your salt preference.
- For added texture and nutrition, consider adding peas, carrots, or cooked proteins like shrimp or chicken.
- Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor but should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Keywords: Egg Fried Rice, Fried Rice Recipe, Quick Fried Rice, Easy Egg Fried Rice, Chinese Fried Rice