Gordon Ramsay Fried Rice Recipe [+Tips]

I remember the first time I watched Gordon Ramsay’s fried rice recipe. It was late at night and I was craving something simple yet flavorful. His approach wasn’t just about throwing rice and veggies in a pan. No, it was about precision, technique and balancing flavors like a pro chef.

Gordon’s fried rice isn’t just any fried rice. It’s a masterclass in transforming leftover rice into a dish bursting with savory, smoky and fresh notes. He emphasizes quick high-heat cooking that keeps ingredients vibrant and textures perfect.

• It’s a celebration of textures. fluffy rice, tender vegetables and crisp bits of meat or egg.
• Balanced flavor layers – salty, sweet, umami and a hint of acidity.
• Technique-focused – tossing rice at the right moment, controlling heat to avoid sogginess or burning.

This fried rice feels like restaurant quality at home, yet it’s surprisingly approachable once you know the steps.

Gordon Ramsay Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients Needed

I learned early on that the key to great fried rice isn’t just the cooking. it’s having the right ingredients at hand.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Gordon Ramsay’s fried rice shine:

• Cooked rice (preferably day-old, cold rice for perfect texture)
• Eggs (lightly beaten)
• Vegetable oil (or peanut oil for a mild nutty flavor)
• Soy sauce (adds savory depth)
• Oyster sauce (for rich umami notes)
• Spring onions (for freshness and crunch)
• Garlic (minced, for that aromatic punch)
• Ginger (finely grated, adds warmth and zing)
• Cooked protein like chicken, shrimp or pork (optional but adds heartiness)
• Frozen peas and diced carrots (classic mix-ins for sweetness and color)
• Sesame oil (to finish, for fragrance)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Each ingredient plays a role beyond flavor. For example, soy sauce adds color and umami while sesame oil delivers that unmistakable toasted aroma.

Equipment Needed

When I started making fried rice at home, I realized the tools you use change everything.

Gordon Ramsay swears by simple yet effective equipment:

• Wok Or Large Skillet

  • A wok is ideal because its shape allows tossing and high-heat cooking.
  • If you don’t have a wok, use a large non-stick skillet with high sides.

• Spatula Or Wooden Spoon

  • For stirring and tossing ingredients quickly and efficiently.

• Bowl For Eggs

  • To beat eggs evenly before adding.

• Rice Cooker Or Pot (for Cooking Rice)

  • Great to prep rice ahead of time.

• Knife And Cutting Board

  • To prep veggies and proteins.

Having a hot pan and the right tools means faster cooking and better texture. something Gordon always stresses.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s a fun story: I once ruined fried rice by using freshly cooked, steaming hot rice. It ended up mushy and sticky. That’s when I started digging into the science behind fried rice ingredients.

• Rice

  • Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky.
  • Freshly cooked rice has excess moisture and clumps, causing sogginess.

• Eggs

  • Adding eggs early and scrambling separately keeps them fluffy, rather than rubbery.

• Soy And Oyster Sauce

  • Soy sauce contains amino acids that create umami, the “fifth taste”.
  • Oyster sauce adds a thick, sweet-savory flavor and helps caramelize the rice.

• Oil

  • High smoke point oils like vegetable or peanut oil allow cooking at high heat without burning.
  • Sesame oil is added last for aroma, not cooking.

Understanding these details transforms your cooking. It’s about managing moisture, flavor layers and heat for perfect results.

Instructions To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Fried Rice

I remember feeling intimidated the first time I tried to follow Gordon’s steps. But breaking it down made it simple.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to nail it:

1. Prep Everything First

   • Beat eggs, chop veggies, protein and spring onions.
   • Have sauces ready.

2. Heat Wok On High

   • Add vegetable oil, swirl to coat.

3. Cook Eggs

   • Pour in eggs and scramble quickly. Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics

   • Add more oil if needed. Toss in garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add Protein

   • If using cooked meat/shrimp, stir-fry briefly until heated.

6. Cook Veggies

   • Toss in carrots and peas, stir-fry for 2 minutes.

7. Add Rice

   • Break up any clumps. Stir-fry to coat rice in oil and heat through.

8. Return Eggs

   • Mix scrambled eggs back in.

9. Add Sauces

   • Pour soy and oyster sauce evenly, stirring constantly.

10. Finish With Spring Onions And Sesame Oil

    • Toss and serve immediately.

The key is fast, high-heat cooking to keep ingredients separate and flavorful.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

When I first tried, I made a bunch of mistakes, like soggy rice or overpowering soy sauce. Here’s what I learned:

• Using Fresh Rice

  • Fix: Cook rice a day ahead or spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry.

• Overcrowding The Pan

  • Fix: Cook in batches to keep heat high and allow even frying.

• Too Much Soy Sauce

  • Fix: Start with less; add more gradually to avoid saltiness.

• Cooking Eggs Too Long

  • Fix: Scramble eggs quickly on high heat and remove immediately.

• Not Prepping Ingredients

  • Fix: Mise en place is essential. Have everything chopped and ready before cooking.

Avoid these and you’ll be cooking like Ramsay in no time.

Smart Substitutions

I’ve had friends who don’t have oyster sauce or want to keep it vegetarian. Here are some smart swaps:

• Oyster Sauce

  • Substitute with mushroom stir-fry sauce or hoisin sauce for similar umami depth.

• Protein

  • Use tofu, tempeh or extra veggies instead of meat.

• Rice

  • Jasmine or basmati rice works well if you let it cool completely.

• Soy Sauce

  • Use tamari for gluten-free options.

• Vegetables

  • Bell peppers, corn or bean sprouts can add crunch and sweetness.

These swaps keep the spirit of the dish without losing the magic.

FAQs

How Does Gordon Ramsay Make His Fried Rice So Flavorful?

He uses a mix of fresh ingredients, like garlic, ginger, and spring onions, along with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil to bring out deep flavors.

Can I Make Gordon Ramsay’s Fried Rice With Leftover Rice?

Yes! In fact, leftover rice works best as it’s drier and won’t get mushy when fried.

What Type Of Rice Is Best For This Recipe?

Jasmine rice is recommended because of its fragrance and texture, but any long-grain rice will do.