Garlic butter fried rice with egg and scallions
Japanese Fried Rice
Japanese Fried Rice
13 minEasy
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
8 min
Total Time
13 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Japanese Fried Rice
Garlic butter fried rice with egg and scallions
Fluffy grains of rice stir-fried with garlic, butter, and soy sauce, studded with scrambled egg and crispy bits of ham or bacon. Chahan is the Japanese comfort food you can make in under 15 minutes.
5m
Prep Time
8m
Cook Time
13m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Japanese chahan differs from Chinese fried rice in its use of butter and a lighter hand with seasoning. Each grain should be separate and glistening, with a subtle garlic-butter fragrance.
Ingredients
- 3 cups day-old steamed rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 scallions, sliced
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Wok
Helpful Tool
Why a wok helps here
High-heat cooking gets easier when the pan can move food quickly without steaming it. That is the real advantage for stir-fries like this one.
This recipe benefits most from faster heat response and more tossing room.
- Keeps vegetables and proteins from steaming
- Makes quick sauce reduction easier
A flat-bottom wok is the most useful upgrade if you cook stir-fries more than once in a while.
Shop wok options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Melt half the butter in a hot wok. Scramble eggs until just set, break into pieces, and remove.
- 2
Add remaining butter and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 3
Add rice and stir-fry over high heat, pressing and tossing to separate grains, about 3 minutes.
- 4
Drizzle soy sauce along the edge of the wok so it sizzles and caramelizes.
- 5
Return eggs, add scallions, toss everything together, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
ButterSesame oil
Dairy-free option with a nuttier flavor profile
Soy sauceTamari
Gluten-free alternative with the same savory depth
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Sesame Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the sesame oil matters
A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.
This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.
- Adds nutty depth with very little effort
- Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades
Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.
Shop sesame oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Break up the cold rice with your hands before adding to the wok for the most separated grains.
Add soy sauce to the hot wok surface, not directly on the rice, for a smoky caramelized flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Stir-fry in a hot wok for 2 minutes with a small pat of butter.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (185mg) · 2 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat50g
Fiber620mg
Sugar1g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use freshly cooked rice?
- Spread it on a tray and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour to dry it out.
- What protein can I add?
- Diced ham, bacon, shrimp, or char siu pork are all classic additions.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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