Garlic Fried Rice
This Garlic Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and rice in a quick and simple manner. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful side for any occasion, this recipe transforms leftover rice into a fragrant and delicious meal. With its crispy garlic bits and versatility, it can easily complement a variety of main dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for those rushed evenings.
- Flavorful Garlic: The generous use of garlic infuses each bite, providing an aromatic and savory experience.
- Versatile Side Dish: Garlic Fried Rice pairs well with many proteins, from chicken to tofu, enhancing your meals.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add vegetables or proteins to make it your own or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Uses Leftover Rice: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover rice, reducing waste and saving time.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Garlic Fried Rice, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to prepare this tasty dish efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium sauté pan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium sauté pan: Ideal for evenly cooking the garlic and frying the rice at high heat for perfect texture.
- Spatula: Helps in mixing ingredients thoroughly without breaking them apart.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of garlic and scallions.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
This Garlic Fried Rice is bursting with fragrant, crispy garlic and is ready in under 20 minutes. Made using leftover rice, it makes a quick and easy side dish for any meal!
Essential Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 large cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice
- 1 scallion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Garlic Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Add oil, chopped garlic, and 1/8 teaspoon salt into a medium sauté pan. Place the pan over medium heat, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic has turned golden brown. Remove the garlic from the pan but keep the oil.
Step 2: Scramble the Egg
In the same pan with the garlic-infused oil, add the egg. Scramble it until partially cooked.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add all remaining ingredients: cooked rice, scallion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and remaining salt into the pan.
Step 4: Fry Together
Turn up the heat to high. Mix everything well until combined. Stir in the reserved fried garlic for extra flavor.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the mixture and add more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if desired.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with additional chopped scallions before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Fried Rice!
How to Serve Garlic Fried Rice
Garlic Fried Rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and proteins. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken breast complements the savory flavors of garlic fried rice, making for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Accompanied by Stir-Fried Vegetables
- A colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables adds crunch and nutrition to your plate, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Topped with Fried Eggs
- Adding a sunny-side-up or over-easy egg on top creates a rich, creamy element that blends perfectly with the garlic rice.
Served alongside Asian-style Meatballs
- Flavorful meatballs in a soy-based glaze pair beautifully with garlic fried rice, offering an exciting twist to your dinner.
As a Side Dish for Teriyaki Salmon
- The sweet and savory notes of teriyaki salmon pair well with the garlicky flavors of the fried rice, creating a delightful combination.
With Spicy Korean Tofu
- For a vegetarian option, spicy Korean tofu provides heat and texture that beautifully contrast with the mildness of garlic fried rice.
How to Perfect Garlic Fried Rice
Making perfect Garlic Fried Rice is easy when you follow these tips. Here’s how to elevate your dish to the next level.
- Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice may be too moist. Day-old rice is drier and fries better, giving you the perfect texture.
- Don’t rush the garlic: Sautéing garlic slowly allows it to develop deep flavors. Be careful not to burn it for the best taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Customize the soy sauce and salt levels to suit your preferences for a more personalized dish.
- High heat is key: Cooking at high heat allows for better frying. This step helps achieve crispy bits of rice and enhances flavor.
- Incorporate fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten up flavors and add freshness to your Garlic Fried Rice.
- Experiment with proteins: Try adding shrimp or chicken for added protein. It makes the dish heartier while complementing the garlic flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Fried Rice
Garlic Fried Rice pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Sweet and Sour Pork: This classic dish balances sweetness and tanginess, providing a delightful contrast to garlic fried rice.
- Egg Drop Soup: A light egg drop soup makes for a comforting side that complements the richness of fried rice without overpowering it.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft garlic rice.
- Kung Pao Chicken: The spicy, nutty flavors of Kung Pao chicken create an exciting pairing with our savory garlic fried rice.
- Wonton Soup: Tender wontons in broth provide a warm contrast that works well alongside garlic-infused flavors.
- Miso Glazed Eggplant: The umami-rich miso adds depth while roasted eggplant brings additional nutrients and flavor variety.
- Asian Slaw Salad: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and brightness to your meal.
- Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts: These sweet yet savory sprouts add an interesting twist that pairs delightfully with garlicky notes from the rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Garlic Fried Rice can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clump together. Always use cooled, leftover rice for the best texture.
- Overcooking garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. Cook it until just golden brown for a fragrant flavor.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoned fried rice can lack flavor. Taste as you cook and adjust with salt, soy sauce, or oyster sauce.
- Skipping the scramble: Neglecting to scramble the egg properly can lead to uneven texture. Scramble until just set before adding other ingredients.
- Crowding the pan: Adding too much rice at once can lead to uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary for perfect results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Fried Rice
- Use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Fried Rice that might help you further.
How do I make Garlic Fried Rice vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the egg or using tofu as an alternative protein source.
Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes, brown rice works well! Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled properly before frying.
What other ingredients can I add to Garlic Fried Rice?
Feel free to customize with vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Is Garlic Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and is perfect for quick meals during busy weeks.
How spicy is this Garlic Fried Rice recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add chili flakes or chopped chili peppers if you prefer some heat!
Final Thoughts
Garlic Fried Rice is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it a great side dish or a main course. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love its delightful flavors!
Garlic Fried Rice
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Garlic Fried Rice is a quick and delectable dish that transforms leftover rice into a fragrant meal bursting with the bold flavors of garlic. This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful side dish for any occasion. The crispy garlic bits add an irresistible crunch, while the overall dish pairs beautifully with various proteins, from grilled chicken to tofu. Customize it further by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy a comforting bowl of Garlic Fried Rice that satisfies cravings and reduces food waste!
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 large cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice
- 1 scallion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and salt, cooking until golden brown (1-2 minutes). Remove garlic but keep the oil.
- In the same pan, scramble the egg until partially cooked.
- Stir in the cooked rice, scallion, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and remaining salt.
- Increase heat to high and mix well. Stir in reserved fried garlic for added flavor.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, garnish with scallions, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
