Jamie Oliver 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I still remember the first time I made egg fried rice at home. It was a weeknight. I had just come back from a long day at work. I opened the fridge… nothing but eggs, a couple veggies, and leftover rice. Honestly, I wasn’t feeling very chef-like. But I was starving.

So I pulled out my phone and searched for something easy. Boom-Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient Egg Fried Rice popped up. Simple. Quick. No-fuss.

I gave it a go. It took 10 minutes. And you know what? It turned out incredible. Way better than the greasy takeout version. That moment sparked a little tradition in my kitchen-whenever I’m low on energy or groceries, this is my go-to.

Let me show you how to do it.

Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Jamie’s version is brilliant in its simplicity. No sauces drowning the rice. No complicated techniques. Just five ingredients. All doing exactly what they need to.

Here’s why I love it:

• It’s done in under 15 minutes
• It uses stuff you already have
• It’s budget-friendly
• It tastes fresh-not heavy
• You can scale it up or down

And the best part? It’s the perfect base. Once you’ve mastered it, you can riff on it endlessly. But first, let’s get the basics down.

Ingredients Needed

I keep these ingredients stocked year-round. They’re the backbone of countless quick meals in my kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked rice – preferably leftover rice. Cold and slightly dried-out rice works best
• Eggs – medium or large, depending on your preference
• Spring onions (scallions) – both the white and green parts add different flavors
• Garlic – fresh and finely sliced
• Soy sauce – for that deep umami kick

That’s it. Five things. Nothing fancy. But together, they create something magical.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-Ingredient Egg Fried Rice

Let me walk you through how I do it at home. I’ve probably made this 50 times. Here’s the version that works every single time.

Step-by-step

1. Get Everything Prepped

   • Crack your eggs into a bowl and whisk them
   • Finely slice garlic and spring onions
   • Have your cold rice ready to go

2. Heat Your Pan Or Wok

   • Use medium-high heat
   • Add a touch of oil-vegetable or sesame is great

3. Sizzle The Garlic

   • Toss in the garlic
   • Let it sizzle for 20-30 seconds until golden and fragrant
   • Don’t walk away-garlic burns fast

4. Pour In The Eggs

   • Let them sit for a few seconds
   • Then scramble them gently
   • Don’t overcook-you want them soft and creamy

5. Add Your Rice

   • Break up any clumps as it heats
   • Toss it all together with the egg

6. Add Spring Onions And Soy Sauce

   • Stir them in just before serving
   • Save a pinch of spring onions for garnish

7. Done

   • Taste and adjust soy sauce if needed
   • Serve hot with extra spring onions on top

That’s it. So simple. But so satisfying.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

I’m kind of a food nerd, so let’s geek out a bit. Each ingredient plays a cool little role here.

• Cold rice – When rice is chilled, the starches firm up. That makes it less sticky. Perfect for stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice turns to mush when you try this.
• Eggs – They’re the protein hero here. When cooked right, they add richness and structure.
• Garlic – Adds deep flavor in just seconds. It’s the aromatic foundation. Don’t skip it.
• Spring onions – The white part gives a sharp bite. The green tops add freshness. Think of them as two-in-one flavor tools.
• Soy sauce – Umami bomb. It adds salt, depth, and color. Just a splash transforms the whole dish.

See? Each ingredient pulls its weight.

Expert Tips

These are the tricks I’ve learned after making this countless times. They make a difference.

• Use day-old rice – Always. Cook it the night before and refrigerate it.
• Keep your pan hot – This isn’t a slow, gentle cook. High heat means better flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd – If doubling the recipe, cook in batches. Overcrowding steams the rice instead of frying it.
• Soy sauce last – Adding it at the end preserves its flavor and prevents the rice from getting soggy.
• Play with texture – Want a little crunch? Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve nailed the basic version, the door is wide open. Here’s how I like to mix it up:

Protein Boosts

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Diced tofu (crispy-fried!)
• Cooked shrimp
• Crumbled bacon

Veggie Add-ins

• Peas or corn (frozen is fine)
• Diced carrots
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms

Extra Flavor

• A splash of sesame oil
• Fresh chili for heat
• Ginger (sautéed with garlic)
• Lime juice and chopped coriander for a Thai twist

You can turn this into a full meal with almost anything you’ve got lying around.

Final Words

Here’s what I love most about this recipe. It reminds me that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It doesn’t need a trip to a specialty store. Or 30 ingredients.

It just needs the right few things. Treated with care. Cooked with attention.

Whether you’re in college, working full-time, raising a family-or just craving something cozy and quick-this dish has your back.

I’ve made it on rainy days. After parties. During kitchen cleanouts. It never disappoints.

FAQs

What Are The 5 Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice?

Eggs, cooked rice, soy sauce, spring onions, and olive oil.

Can I Use Any Type Of Rice For This Recipe?

Yes, but day-old cooked rice works best because it’s drier and fries better.

How Do I Make This Dish Vegan?

You can swap the eggs with tofu or just skip them for a vegan-friendly version.

Is It Okay To Use Other Vegetables In The Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, carrots, or any veggies you like.

Can I Use A Different Oil Instead Of Olive Oil?

Yes, you can use sesame oil or any neutral oil like vegetable oil.

How Do I Prevent The Rice From Being Too Soggy?

Make sure your rice is cooled and dry before frying. Day-old rice works great.

Can I Double The Recipe For More Servings?

Definitely! Just adjust the ingredients and use a larger pan.

Is Soy Sauce The Only Seasoning I Need?

Soy sauce is the main seasoning, but you can add a pinch of salt or pepper if you like.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice?

It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, super quick!

Can I Use A Non-stick Pan For This Recipe?

Yes, a non-stick pan is perfect for frying the rice without it sticking.