I’ll never forget the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient egg fried rice. I had just gotten home from a long day, craving something quick and comforting. My fridge was nearly empty, but I had eggs, rice, and a few basic pantry staples. I stumbled across this recipe, and I thought, “No way can something so simple be this good”! But sure enough, I made it and was blown away by how a handful of ingredients could turn into something so delicious.
Jamie Oliver has a gift for making cooking approachable. This egg fried rice recipe is a perfect example: it takes minimal effort, it’s versatile, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers. It’s so easy to prepare, yet it feels like you’ve put some real thought into it. Plus, you don’t need to be a chef to pull it off. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking, this is the perfect starter recipe.
Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice Recipe
When Jamie Oliver designed this recipe, he was focused on simplicity. His aim was to create a dish that’s affordable, quick, and still tasty. You’re not looking for complex flavors or hard-to-find ingredients here-just five staples that you probably already have in your kitchen.
The beauty of this dish is that it can be made in under 15 minutes, using only these five ingredients:
- Eggs
- Cooked rice
- Soy sauce
- Spring onions
- Olive oil (or any other oil you prefer)
That’s it. No fancy sauces or spices required. Yet, it’s somehow incredibly satisfying. The eggs provide a rich texture, the soy sauce adds a savory kick, and the spring onions give it a fresh, zesty crunch. Every bite is a balance of soft and crunchy with a salty hit from the soy sauce.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this recipe are so basic, you could probably make this any time you find yourself with leftover rice.
- Eggs: Eggs are the backbone of this dish. They bring a rich, smooth texture that complements the rice perfectly. Plus, they’re a great source of protein and give the fried rice its characteristic richness.
- Cooked Rice: You want to use day-old rice if possible. The grains are a bit drier and separate easily when frying. Freshly cooked rice can sometimes be too sticky, making it harder to get that perfect fried rice texture.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings the savory, salty notes to the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, you can experiment with dark soy sauce for a deeper flavor or use tamari for a gluten-free version. But basic soy sauce does the job just fine.
- Spring Onions: They’re essential for a burst of freshness and crunch. They cut through the richness of the eggs and soy sauce with their sharp flavor. They also add color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
- Olive Oil (or any other oil): This is what you’ll use to fry the rice. Olive oil is a good option for a mild flavor, but you can use sesame oil for a more Asian-inspired profile. A neutral vegetable oil works too.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice
Making this dish is like a mini adventure in the kitchen. Let me walk you through it:
- Prepare the rice: If you don’t have day-old rice, cook it and let it cool down completely. The rice should be cold when it hits the pan. This step is essential to achieving the right texture.
- Heat the oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat up some oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want it hot enough that when you add the eggs, they cook quickly, without being too greasy.
- Cook the eggs: Crack the eggs directly into the pan. Let them cook for about 30 seconds, and then scramble them until they’re fully cooked. Don’t overcook the eggs; they should remain soft and fluffy.
- Add the rice: Toss in the cold rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir it around, letting the rice get coated with the egg and oil. The key here is to keep the rice moving so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Season: Drizzle in some soy sauce to taste. Stir again to ensure the soy sauce evenly coats the rice and eggs. Taste it as you go, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
- Add spring onions: Toss in the chopped spring onions towards the end, just to soften them slightly but still keep their crunch.
- Serve: Plate it up and serve immediately. This is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
It’s amazing how five ingredients can come together to create such a balanced dish. Let’s break down why each ingredient works so well:
- Eggs: Eggs are packed with protein and fat, which gives the dish richness. The proteins in eggs help bind everything together, making the rice feel smooth and velvety.
- Cooked Rice: Rice is starchy and neutral, providing the perfect base for absorbing the soy sauce and the eggs. The slightly dry texture of day-old rice helps each grain stand out, making it easy to stir-fry.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce contains glutamates, which are naturally occurring compounds that amplify the savory ’umami’ taste. This makes the fried rice incredibly flavorful, even with minimal ingredients.
- Spring Onions: Spring onions are full of antioxidants and give a nice sharp contrast to the rich egg and soy sauce. Their mild onion flavor pairs perfectly with the softness of the eggs and the chewiness of the rice.
- Olive Oil: While olive oil adds a touch of flavor, it also allows the eggs to cook quickly and evenly. Its fat content helps create that crispy texture on the edges of the rice, which is one of the hallmarks of great fried rice.
Expert Tips
To really elevate your fried rice game, here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Use day-old rice: Fresh rice can be too soft and clumpy. Day-old rice has a firmer texture that makes frying easier and gives you that classic fried rice “bite”.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a big batch, fry the rice in batches. Overcrowding the pan means the rice steams instead of frying, and you’ll lose that crispy edge.
- Be mindful of the soy sauce: Soy sauce is salty, so start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Customize it: Add a dash of chili for heat, or some peas for extra texture. You could even add a splash of sesame oil to deepen the flavor.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add protein: You can easily turn this into a more substantial meal by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Just stir them in with the rice and eggs for a one-pan meal.
- Vegetarian style: Swap the eggs for scrambled tofu to make it a fully plant-based dish. You can also toss in more veggies like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Spicy version: If you like things spicy, add a sliced chili pepper or a drizzle of chili sauce when you stir in the soy sauce. You’ll get a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
- Asian twist: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, and try adding a touch of rice vinegar for a bit of acidity.
Final Words
This recipe might be simple, but it’s full of potential. The beauty of Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient egg fried rice is that it serves as a canvas for so many different flavor profiles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this dish is forgiving and easy to personalize. It’s a perfect weeknight meal or a great way to use up leftover rice.
FAQs
What Are The 5 Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice?
The five ingredients are eggs, cooked rice, soy sauce, spring onions, and peas.
Can I Add Extra Ingredients To The Recipe?
Yes, you can add things like garlic, ginger, or leftover meat to customize it.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice?
It takes about 15-20 minutes to make, including prep time.