Easy Homemade Garlic Fried Rice – Authentic Asian Cuisine Recipe

Discover the perfect companion to your favorite savory dishes with this mouthwatering garlic fried rice recipe. Bursting with aromatic flavors, this Filipino-inspired side dish will elevate any meal to new heights.

Our unique approach to preparing garlic fried rice ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile. By infusing the oil with garlic before cooking the rice, we create a rich, savory base without the risk of bitter, burnt garlic. The result? A delightfully crispy, aromatic rice dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

A Versatile Side Dish for Any Occasion

While this garlic fried rice pairs exceptionally well with chicken adobo, its versatility knows no bounds. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, grilled meats, or even as a satisfying base for a quick and easy meal. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (75ml) canola oil or other neutral oil
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed and sliced thinly
• 4 cups cooked white rice (24 ounces; 700g), preferably long-grain, but any variety will do

Directions

1. Begin by infusing the oil with garlic. Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Watch carefully as the garlic softens, becomes fragrant, and turns a light golden color. This step is crucial for developing the rich garlic flavor without burning.
2. Once the garlic is golden, quickly strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer directly into a wok. Set aside the cooked garlic bits – we’ll be using them later to add an extra punch of flavor to our rice.
3. Now, it’s time to fry the rice. Heat the garlic-infused oil in the wok over high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Add the cooked rice, using your spatula to break up any large clumps. Toss the rice to ensure it’s evenly coated with the aromatic oil.
4. Continue cooking the rice, stirring and tossing frequently, for about 4 minutes. This process helps to warm the rice thoroughly and creates those irresistible crispy bits that make fried rice so delicious. Make sure there are no remaining clumps of rice.
5. As the finishing touch, add the reserved garlic bits to the rice and toss everything together. This step brings an extra layer of garlicky goodness to every bite.
6. Serve your garlic fried rice immediately while it’s still hot and at its crispy best. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering at the table!

Perfecting Your Garlic Fried Rice

For the best results, use day-old rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. This helps the grains dry out slightly, resulting in a crispier texture when fried. If you’re short on time, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for an hour before frying.

Customizing Your Dish

While this recipe focuses on the pure, intense flavor of garlic, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients. Try adding diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. For a protein boost, stir in some scrambled eggs or diced chicken towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic fried rice is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main courses, or enjoy it as a quick and satisfying meal on its own. For a complete Filipino experience, pair it with chicken adobo, lechon kawali, or sinigang.

Storage and Reheating

While garlic fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a hot wok or skillet with a little oil until warmed through and crispy again.