Garlic. Garlic Chips. Soy Sauce. Butter. Heaven.
This Garlicky Fried Rice is WAY better than any takeout fried rice and is super simple to make. I make some kind of fried rice at least once a week and so I fancy myself a bit of an expert. I have no idea at all if my fried rice is in any way authentic in its preparation, method or ingredients, but I can promise you that it is good. SO good.
If you’re that person who adds 4 cloves of garlic when the recipe calls for one then this one is for you. I got you. I’m on your team.
I have very strong beliefs about the elements required to make fried rice really, really good. Those elements are: oil (lots of it), garlic (obviously), soy sauce (duh), sesame oil (do NOT make fried rice without sesame oil) and butter (clearly not authentic but can you think of one thing that isn’t made better with a little butter?).
Scroll past the recipe if you’re looking for tips, substitutions, questions, etc. and details on how to make this recipe, but if you want to get straight to it, here’s my recipe-ish…
Garlicky Fried Rice
Ingredients
For the garlic chips:
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 2 cloves garlic very thinly sliced
For the rice:
- 3 Tbsp Oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups cooked rice cold (I like short grain rice)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
For serving:
- Sliced Scallions
- Garlic Chips
Instructions
Make the Garlic Chips:
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a skillet.
- When it’s hot, add in the sliced garlic.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until golden.
- Drain on paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
Make the rice:
- Add the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add in the garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add in the rice, increase heat to med-high. Stir well.
- Add in the sesame oil, soy sauce and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir well and then allow to cook in a single layer for 2-3 minutes until the rice crisps up a little on the bottom. Stir.
Serve with sliced scallions, garlic chips and sesame seeds.
Notes
Garlicky Fried Rice Recipe ingredients, tips, substitutions:
Rice – I really like short grain rice for this recipe. White or brown – both equally good. Long grain rice works too and is equally delicious. Whatever you use, it’s best if it’s cooked and cooled ahead of time.
Garlic – fresh garlic. No subs.
Oil – use a neutral tasting oil.
Skillet – a non-stick skillet works best so the rice tosses around easily.
Sesame Oil – toasted sesame oil.
Garlicky Fried Rice Recipe Variations:
Veggie Version – instead of simmering on the stovetop, bake the meatballs in the oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees after you add in the sauce.
Full Meal Version – add veggies as above and also add in your cooked protein of choice. I like chicken thighs, grilled steak, shrimp or crispy tofu. I even like serving it as the base for my Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes – Salisbury Style or swapping out this for noodles in my Pork Kung Pao
garlicky fried rice recipe, how to make it…
The first thing to do is cook the rice, and preferably the day before or the morning of and refrigerated. This allows the rice to be completely cooled before cooking, which keeps it from getting clumpy.
Next you’ll make the garlic chips. Simply slice up some garlic cloves so the slices are very thin. Fry them in a little oil until they’re golden and then set them aside.
Next heat oil in a large skillet and add in – you guessed it – some garlic. Let it cook for a couple of minutes and then add in the rice. Season the rice with S&P, soy sauce, sesame oil and butter. Stir it all up and then let it cook, undisturbed for a few minutes until the bottom gets a little crisp. Stir, repeat, stir and serve.
I like it garnished with the garlic chips and some thinly sliced scallions.
looking for more surprisingly easy but super delicious side dish recipes? try these…
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Cast Iron Potatoes
- Tomato Garlic Confit
- Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Risotto Gorgonzola with Prosecco
- Marinated Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic
Let me know what you think!
