Looking for a quick, satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and packed with flavor?

This Jamie Oliver Egg Fried Rice is your go-to solution. It’s simple, fast, and incredibly versatile—perfect for using up leftover rice and transforming it into a delicious dish in just minutes. With eggs, vegetables, and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in no time.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice?

Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice is a fast and flavorful dish made with cold cooked rice, eggs, vegetables, soy sauce, and fresh herbs. Inspired by classic Chinese fried rice but tailored to home kitchens, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal ingredients. The key lies in high heat, simple prep, and smart seasoning.

Other Popular Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Quick and ready in under 20 minutes – Great for busy nights
Budget-friendly ingredients – Use leftover rice and fridge staples
Healthy and balanced – Includes protein, carbs, and veggies
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or proteins
Kid-friendly – Mild flavors and familiar texture
One-pan recipe – Easy cleanup

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice

2 cups cooked, cold rice – Best if day-old for better texture
2 large eggs – Lightly beaten
2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil – Adds flavor and prevents sticking
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small onion or spring onions, finely sliced
½ cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, bell pepper)
2 tbsp soy sauce – Use low sodium if preferred
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh coriander or parsley (optional)
Chili flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)

Equipment Needed

Non-stick frying pan or wok
Spatula or wooden spoon
Mixing bowl for eggs
Knife and chopping board

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Ahead

Ensure the rice is cold and clump-free. Use your fingers or a fork to separate grains.
Beat the eggs in a bowl. Chop all vegetables and garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add chopped garlic and onions. Sauté until fragrant.
Toss in the vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan.
Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until just set.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Add the cold rice to the pan. Mix everything together and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Break up any rice clumps with your spatula.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and stir well.
Season with salt and pepper, add chili flakes or sriracha if using.
Top with chopped herbs and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice

Grilled or baked chicken – Adds extra protein
Sweet and sour sauce – For a tangy contrast
Spring rolls or dumplings – Perfect as appetizers
Stir-fried vegetables – Light and crunchy side
Asian cucumber salad – Refreshing and crisp
Hot chili sauce or sambal – For spice lovers
Miso soup or clear broth – Balances the richness

Expert Tips for Making the Best Egg Fried Rice

Always use cold, cooked rice – Prevents a soggy or sticky texture
Use high heat for stir-frying – Helps everything cook quickly and evenly
Pre-chop all ingredients – This dish moves fast once you start
Add eggs before rice – This keeps them soft and separate
Don’t overcrowd the pan – It reduces the heat and causes steaming
Use sesame oil at the end – For a nutty aroma
Taste before adding extra salt – Soy sauce often provides enough

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice

Add leftover chicken or beef – For a heartier meal
Stir in prawns or tofu – Great protein alternatives
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice – For a healthier twist
Add pineapple chunks – For a sweet-savory flavor
Toss in spinach or kale – Boosts nutrition
Top with a fried egg – Runny yolk adds richness
Include crushed peanuts or sesame seeds – For added texture

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice

Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation
Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh up to 3 days
Label with date – For easy tracking
Separate into single servings – Easier to reheat later
Avoid storing hot rice – Can cause food safety issues

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice

Use a frying pan with a little oil – Stir-fry over medium heat until hot
Microwave in short bursts – Cover and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between
Add a splash of water or broth – Keeps the rice moist
Avoid overcooking – Just heat until warm through
Serve with fresh herbs or a drizzle of soy sauce – Refreshes the flavor

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Egg Fried Rice Healthier?

Use brown rice or quinoa – Adds fiber and nutrients
Reduce or skip the oil – Use a non-stick pan
Add more vegetables – Bulk it up without extra calories
Use low-sodium soy sauce – Better for heart health
Skip the extra salt – Let the soy sauce do the job
Scramble egg whites only – Cuts down on cholesterol
Limit processed add-ins – Stick to whole, fresh ingredients

Nutrition Value (per serving, approx.):

Calories: 320
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice for egg fried rice?

It’s best to use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too soft and can turn mushy. If you need to use fresh rice, spread it on a tray and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes first.

Why does my fried rice turn out soggy?

Soggy fried rice usually results from using hot or overcooked rice. Always use cold, dry rice to ensure the grains stay separate and fry up crispy.

What vegetables work best in egg fried rice?

Classic choices include peas, carrots, spring onions, bell peppers, and corn. Chop vegetables finely so they cook quickly and evenly during stir-frying.

Do I cook eggs before or after adding rice?

Scramble the eggs before adding the rice. This keeps the eggs soft and distinct, rather than coating and disappearing into the rice. Push veggies aside and cook eggs in the same pan for convenience.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Egg Fried Rice is proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and some clever cooking, you can create a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your weekly rotation, especially on those nights when you need dinner on the table—fast.