Name: Garlic Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked day-old rice; 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower); 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 2 eggs (optional)

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Garlic Fried Rice is one of those dishes that hits you right in the taste buds, a comforting blend of fluffy rice infused with golden, crispy garlic. The aroma wafts through the air like an invitation to your senses, promising a flavor experience that’s simply irresistible! Imagine diving into a bowl where each grain is cloaked in rich garlic essence and kissed by a hint of soy sauce—it’s like a warm hug after a long day.

This dish is not just food; it’s nostalgia served on a plate. I remember my grandma whipping up her famous Garlic Fried Rice every Sunday, filling our home with mouthwatering scents that made it impossible to wait for dinner. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just trying to revive leftover rice from last night, this recipe will have you licking your plate clean!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Fried Rice

This incredible Garlic Fried Rice transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Garlic Fried Rice:

Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best as it’s dried out and won’t clump together when fried.
Fresh Garlic: Use at least six cloves for that robust garlic flavor—don’t skimp on this!
Vegetable Oil: Choose neutral oil like canola or sunflower for frying without overpowering the taste.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.
Green Onions: These add freshness and color; chop them finely to sprinkle over the finished dish.
Eggs: Optional but recommended; they add richness and protein to your fried rice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Garlic Fried Rice:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and chop the garlic and green onions finely. If you’re using eggs, beat them lightly in a bowl.

Step 2: Heat It Up

In a large skillet or wok, heat about two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté it until golden brown and fragrant—about one to two minutes. Keep an eye on it because burnt garlic tastes like regret!

Step 4: Add Rice

Add your cooked rice into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Stir well to coat each grain with golden goodness! Break up any clumps as you go.

Step 5: Season It Right

Pour in about three tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce over the rice and mix thoroughly. If you want eggs, push the rice aside and scramble them in the center before mixing everything together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is heated through and mixed well, remove it from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for that fresh kick! Serve hot alongside your favorite protein or enjoy it solo.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with more soy sauce if desired for the perfect finishing touch.

Now you’re ready to dig into this bowl of joy known as Garlic Fried Rice! Whether you’re serving up this dish at a family gathering or enjoying it solo after a long week, each bite will remind you why you fell in love with cooking in the first place. Happy eating!

You Must Know About Garlic Fried Rice

This showstopping Garlic Fried Rice delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by cooking your rice a day in advance; cold rice works like magic in this dish! Sear your garlic until golden, then add the rice and mix well. Finally, toss in soy sauce and green onions for an aromatic finish.

Flavor Your Way

Get creative! Swap out soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free or try adding sesame oil for a nutty twist. Toss in vegetables like peas or carrots to brighten things up!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Garlic Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave it with a splash of water to bring back moisture and fluffiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Garlic Fried Rice

This professional-quality Garlic Fried Rice relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes my friends ask how I make it so good—it brings me back to that one dinner party where everyone went back for thirds! My secret? A sprinkle of love (and garlic)!

FAQs

What is Garlic Fried Rice?

Garlic Fried Rice is a flavorful dish that features cooked rice stir-fried with garlic and various seasonings. This simple yet satisfying recipe often incorporates ingredients like soy sauce, vegetables, and proteins such as chicken or shrimp. The aromatic garlic infuses the rice with a rich taste that elevates any meal. It’s popular across many cuisines, particularly in Asian cooking, where it serves as both a side dish and a main course.

How do you make Garlic Fried Rice from scratch?

To make Garlic Fried Rice from scratch, start by cooking your rice ahead of time. Use day-old rice for the best texture. In a large pan or wok, heat oil and sauté minced garlic until golden brown. Add the rice and stir-fry it, breaking up any clumps. Pour in soy sauce or oyster sauce for flavor. You can personalize it by adding vegetables like peas and carrots or proteins like eggs or shrimp for added richness.

Can I use leftover rice for Garlic Fried Rice?

Yes, using leftover rice is ideal for making Garlic Fried Rice. Day-old rice has dried out slightly, which helps it fry better without becoming mushy. This texture allows the grains to separate easily while absorbing the flavors from the garlic and seasonings more effectively. Always ensure that your leftover rice is stored properly in the refrigerator before using it to maintain its freshness.

What can I serve with Garlic Fried Rice?

Garlic Fried Rice pairs well with various dishes, making it versatile for any meal. You can serve it alongside grilled meats, such as chicken or beef skewers, or even fried eggs for breakfast. It also complements stir-fried vegetables or curries beautifully. Additionally, adding protein directly into the fried rice can create a hearty meal on its own.

Conclusion

In summary, Garlic Fried Rice is an easy and delicious dish that can elevate your meals with its rich flavor profile. By using simple ingredients like garlic and day-old rice, you can create a satisfying dish that suits many occasions. Whether you enjoy it as a side or main dish, Garlic Fried Rice is sure to please everyone at your table. Try making this recipe today to enjoy its delightful taste!