Garlic Fried Rice
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of fried rice with a delightful twist – Garlic Fried Rice! This dish is a harmonious blend of aromatically sautéed garlic and fluffy rice.
Sinangag is a beloved Filipino breakfast meal, often served alongside savory meats and eggs, adding flavor to the morning meal.
Garlic Fried Rice is a testament to the art of simple yet extraordinary cooking. This garlic rice recipe makes a great side dish or a satisfying main dish,
Join us as we delve into the world of Garlic Fried Rice, where simple meets comfort food, and every bite tells a story of culinary ingenuity.
History of garlic Fried Rice
Garlic Fried Rice, also known as “Sinangag” in the Philippines and “Ninniku Meshi” in Japan, has a rich and diverse history deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions. The dish’s origins can be traced back to ancient China, where garlic has long been revered for its medicinal properties and culinary versatility.
Over time, the simple yet ingenious combination of garlic and rice found its way into the culinary repertoire of various Asian cultures, including the Islands of Hawaii.
Ingredients You’ll need
The key to creating a delectable Garlic Fried Rice Recipe starts with a few simple ingredients.
- Fresh garlic. The star of the dish is lots of garlic. Lightly browned garlic adds the signature flavor to this dish.
- Cooked White Rice. Long grain rice white rice is traditionally used in this recipe. Leftover rice is best. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated overnight is ideal for making fried rice.
- Oil and butter. Use a neutral flavored cooking oil in this recipe. I like to steer clear of vegetable oil, so I usually use avocado oil or even butter for this recipe.
- Salt and pepper. Garlic rice is seasoned with salt and pepper. Some recipes call for soy sauce or oyster sauce but they are not traditional ingredients in this recipe.
- Green onions (optional) Garnish this fried rice recipe and add an extra kick of color and fresh but savory flavor.
- Eggs (also optional). Garlic fried rice is often served with scrambled or fried eggs.
Step-by-step guide
Making this Filipino Garlic Fried Rice is as simple as making garlic oil by browning minced garlic and then sauteing rice in garlic-flavored oil.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet or large wok, heat the oil over medium heat, add the garlic and cook until fragrant and golden brown, taking care not to burn it. Remove the crispy garlic and set it aside. You’ll be using it later, so don’t toss it.
- Add the Rice: Add the chilled rice to the garlic oil, breaking up any clumps and ensuring it is evenly coated with the aromatic garlic oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir-fry the rice until it’s warmed. Spread the rice in an even layer in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes. This will give the rice a touch of crispiness.
- Season the rice: Once the rice is a little crispy, season it with salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Return the garlic chips to the rice. You can save some of the fried garlic to sprinkle on the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Garlic Fried Rice to a serving dish, garnish with the remaining garlic chips and a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions.
- If desired, serve the rice topped with fried eggs.
Tips for perfect garlic fried rice
- Chill the Rice: For optimal results, use day-old or chilled cooked rice, as it tends to have a firmer texture and is less likely to become mushy during the stir-frying process.
- Master the Garlic: Avoid overcooking the garlic during the sautéing process, as it can turn bitter and overpower the dish’s delicate flavors. Aim for a golden-brown hue and a fragrant aroma to achieve the perfect balance.
- Control the Heat: Sauté the garlic and rice over medium heat, ensuring the ingredients cook evenly without becoming overly crispy or undercooked.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to personalize your Garlic Fried Rice by incorporating additional ingredients such as diced vegetables and protein options like shrimp, chicken, or eggs.
Variations and additions to garlic fried rice
While the classic recipe for Garlic Fried Rice is a timeless favorite, there are endless possibilities for incorporating creative variations and additions to tailor the dish to your preferences.
- Protein: Elevate the dish with succulent shrimp, tender diced chicken, or thinly sliced Chinese sausage to make this more of a main dish meal.
- Eggs: Serve this dish with eggs. Scrambled or fried eggs are a classic addition to this fried rice recipe.
Health benefits of garlic fried rice
Garlic, a key ingredient in the dish, is renowned for its potent medicinal properties, including its ability to boost the immune system, promote heart health, and exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, garlic is celebrated for its potential to lower cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular wellness.
The inclusion of long-grain rice in the dish provides a source of complex carbohydrates, essential for sustained energy levels, and a moderate amount of dietary fiber, contributing to digestive health.
What to Serve With Garlic Fried Rice
Garlic fried rice is the kind of dish that goes with almost anything. Serve it simply with eggs or as a complementary side dish to grilled meats.
More Fried Rice Recipe
We’ve got you covered if you’re craving more delectable fried rice recipes. Fried Rice is one of our specialties.
Pork Fried Rice
Chinese Take Out Fried Rice
Spam Fried Rice
Spicy Dirty Rice – Rice, and Beans
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Garlic Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, or butter
- 12 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked rice, day old refrigerated rice works best
- ¼ teaspoon salt (affiliate link)
- ⅕ teaspoon fresh ground pepper (affiliate link)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 4 large egss, optional
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet or large wok heated over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown, taking care not to burn it. Remove the crispy garlic and set it aside. You'll be using it later, so don't toss it.
- Add the Rice: Add the chilled rice to the garlic oil, breaking up any clumps and ensuring it is evenly coated with the aromatic garlic oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir-fry the rice until it's warmed. Spread the rice in an even layer in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes. This will give the rice a touch of crispiness.
- Season the rice: Once the rice is a little crispy, season it with salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Return the garlic chips to the rice. You can save some of the fried garlic to sprinkle on the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Garlic Fried Rice to a serving dish, garnish with the remaining garlic chips and a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions. If desired, serve the rice topped with fried eggs.
Laura’s Tips + Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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