Andhra Egg Fried Rice
A quick and spicy fried rice from Andhra Pradesh, packed with scrambled eggs, fiery green chilies, and aromatic spices. A perfect one-pot meal for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the ingredients
- a.Gently fluff the cold, cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 2
Scramble the eggs
- a.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the whisked eggs and cook, stirring gently, until they are just set but still soft, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside.
- 3
Sauté aromatics and vegetables
- a.In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil. Once hot, add the curry leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears. Add the chopped carrots and beans. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- 4
Add spices and rice
- a.Lower the heat to medium. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir for 30 seconds. Add the cooked rice to the wok along with the soy sauce, remaining 1.25 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Increase the heat to high and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, making sure the rice is well-coated with the spices.
- 5
Finish and serve
- a.Add the scrambled eggs back into the wok. Gently toss to combine with the rice. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and spring onions. Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using cold, day-old rice is crucial. Warm rice will become mushy and clump together.
- 2A hot wok or pan ensures the rice stir-fries rather than steams, giving it the perfect texture.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in two batches to ensure everything fries properly.
- 4Feel free to adjust the number of green chilies and the amount of red chili powder to suit your spice preference.
- 5Scrambling the eggs separately and adding them at the end keeps them soft and prevents them from breaking down too much.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the eggs and add 1 cup of paneer cubes or mixed vegetables like bell peppers and corn.
veganVegan
Replace the eggs with 200g of crumbled firm tofu, scrambled separately with a pinch of turmeric.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 200g of cooked, shredded chicken or pan-fried shrimp along with the scrambled eggs for an extra protein boost.
gluten freeGluten free
Ensure you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the green chilies and reduce the red chili powder to a tiny pinch. You can add a tablespoon of tomato ketchup for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.