A few years ago, I was tired of spending hours in the kitchen after work, trying to come up with something satisfying and quick. One evening, while scrolling through a cookbook, I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient egg fried rice recipe. It was love at first bite-and the simplicity of it completely changed how I view weeknight dinners. I’d been so used to loading up my fried rice with every veggie and sauce under the sun, but the magic of only five ingredients was eye-opening. It wasn’t just fast, it was packed with flavor. That moment made me realize how sometimes, less really is more.
Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Jamie’s approach to fried rice is simple, yet it delivers on taste. The recipe is centered around using a handful of basic ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. He’s known for making cooking accessible, and this dish is no exception. It’s about quality, not quantity, and the results speak for themselves.
I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and each time, I’m surprised by how much depth and flavor you can extract from just a few basic ingredients. I remember one time making it for a friend who claimed they weren’t a fan of fried rice. They were hooked after just one bite.
Ingredients Needed
-
2 Large Eggs
Eggs are the base of the dish and bring a soft texture to balance out the slightly crispy rice. They also contribute to the richness of the dish.
-
3 Cups Of Cold, Cooked Rice
Cold rice is key for making the perfect fried rice. The grains stay separate and get a crispy edge when fried, avoiding that mushy texture that fresh rice can sometimes have.
-
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds that essential umami punch, giving the fried rice its deep, savory flavor. You can opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version.
-
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
The oil helps the rice fry evenly and prevents it from sticking. It also helps bring out the flavors of the soy sauce and eggs.
-
1 Spring Onion (scallion)
Chopped spring onions add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the eggs and soy sauce. They bring brightness and a mild onion flavor.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice
This recipe couldn’t be easier to pull together, and you really don’t need much to get started.
- Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. You want a good, even heat, so everything crisps up nicely.
- Scramble the eggs: Crack both eggs into the pan and scramble them quickly, stirring constantly. They should cook in about 1-2 minutes, leaving you with soft, scrambled eggs.
- Add the rice: Add your cold, cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and spread the rice evenly across the pan. Let it sit for a minute or two to get a crispy layer before stirring.
- Season: Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir everything to combine. The soy sauce should coat the rice evenly, giving it a nice color and flavor.
- Finish with onions: Add the chopped spring onions and stir again. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes until the rice is golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Once everything’s mixed well and crispy, serve hot. You can garnish with a bit more spring onion if desired.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When it comes to ingredients, this recipe is all about balance.
- Eggs: Not only do they provide richness, but they also help bind the rice together and create that wonderful, comforting texture that makes fried rice so satisfying. The protein in eggs adds depth and helps the dish feel more complete.
- Cold rice: The magic of cold rice lies in its starch. Freshly cooked rice has moisture in it, which makes it sticky and soft. When you use cold rice, the moisture content is reduced, and the rice grains separate, resulting in that sought-after fried rice texture. It’s all about avoiding clumps and getting those crispy bits on the edges.
- Soy sauce: This salty liquid is more than just seasoning. The fermentation process of soy sauce breaks down proteins, which releases umami, a savory flavor that elevates dishes. It adds depth without needing a long list of additional spices.
- Spring onions: They offer a fresh, herbal crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich and savory ingredients. The allium family (garlic, onions, etc.) is known for its aromatic compounds, which can enhance other flavors in the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the cold rice: Fresh rice can be too moist, making it hard to get the crispy bits. If you don’t have leftovers, you can spread fresh rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to help dry it out.
- Use a wok: A wok or large, flat pan allows for maximum heat distribution and more surface area for the rice to fry evenly. It’s key for that crispy texture we all love.
- Customize with extras: You don’t have to stop at just these five ingredients. You can toss in a handful of peas, some leftover chicken, or a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Use high heat: The high heat helps to get that crispy, slightly charred texture on the rice. Keep things moving, though, so nothing burns.
- Let the rice sit: After adding the rice to the pan, let it sit for a minute or two before stirring. This allows the rice to crisp up before mixing.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s version is simple and perfect on its own, there are so many ways to make this dish your own:
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Add peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more veggies. You can even add tofu for some extra protein.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Use leftover chicken or stir-fry some chicken breast with the rice for a heartier meal.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add some chili flakes, chili paste, or a few dashes of sriracha to give the dish a kick.
- Sesame Fried Rice: A drizzle of sesame oil in the final steps adds a nutty, toasty flavor that complements the rice beautifully.
Final Words
What makes Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient egg fried rice so brilliant is its simplicity. It doesn’t demand a lot of time or special ingredients, but it still delivers on taste. The key is to focus on the technique-using cold rice, scrambling the eggs just right, and getting that crispy texture we all crave. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy to prepare a complicated meal.
FAQs
What Are The Five Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice Recipe?
The five ingredients are eggs, cooked rice, spring onions, soy sauce, and olive oil.
Can I Use Leftover Rice For Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice?
Yes! Leftover rice works great because it’s drier and makes for better fried rice.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Egg Fried Rice?
It takes around 15-20 minutes to make this simple egg fried rice.