Name: Easy Garlic Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
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; ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt; ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Garlic Fried Rice is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal or as a side to accompany your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. With the right balance of flavors, this fried rice comes together in just a few minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to make use of leftover rice. The rich garlic-infused oil gives the rice a savory depth, while the soy sauce and oyster sauce add just the right amount of umami. The addition of scrambled egg and fresh scallions brings a lovely texture and freshness to the dish.

This recipe is a great way to transform a simple bowl of rice into something flavorful and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily add extra vegetables, meat, or even a fried egg on top for a more substantial meal. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a quick main, Easy Garlic Fried Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This fried rice is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a great choice when you need a fast meal. With just a few ingredients, it’s simple to prepare and cook.

2. Packed with Flavor

The garlic and savory sauces create a rich flavor profile that makes this dish a standout, even though it uses basic ingredients.

3. Versatile

You can add your favorite vegetables or proteins to customize the dish to your liking. Add in some chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal, or toss in some peas and carrots for extra veggies.

4. Perfect for Leftover Rice

This is a great way to use up leftover rice. Just refrigerate your rice overnight and it’s ready to be transformed into a tasty dish.

5. Satisfying

Despite its simplicity, this garlic fried rice is satisfying on its own or as a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes like stir-fries, grilled meats, or even a simple salad.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Oil Dispenser

Buy Now →

Air Fryer+ Rotisserie

Buy Now →

Chopper & Spiralizer

Buy Now →

Ingredients

Vegetable oil
Garlic (finely chopped)
Egg (large)
Cooked and cooled white rice
Scallion (chopped)
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Salt
Ground black pepper

Variations

Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutritious fried rice.
Protein options: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this fried rice a complete meal.
Spicy kick: For some heat, add chili flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño to the dish.
Use brown rice: For a healthier twist, substitute white rice with cooked brown rice for added fiber.
Swap the sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a slightly different flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the garlic

In a medium sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove the garlic and set it aside, leaving the garlic-infused oil in the pan.

Step 2: Scramble the egg

Crack the egg into the pan with the garlic oil and scramble it until it’s partially cooked. You can let it cook until just set, but leave it a bit soft for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add the rice and seasonings

Add the cooled, cooked rice to the pan, along with the chopped scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Turn the heat to high and mix everything together to ensure the rice is evenly coated in the sauces.

Step 4: Stir in the garlic

Once the rice and seasoning are well combined, stir in the reserved fried garlic. Mix again, tasting the rice and adjusting with extra soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Garnish with additional chopped scallions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use cold rice: For the best texture, use rice that’s been cooled in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky for fried rice.
High heat is key: When making fried rice, always cook it on high heat to achieve that delicious crispy texture. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Don’t overcook the egg: Scramble the egg until just set. Overcooking can make it rubbery, while a slightly soft egg adds richness to the dish.
Use a wok or large pan: If possible, use a wok for this recipe to allow for better tossing and even cooking.

How to Serve

Easy Garlic Fried Rice can be served on its own as a light meal or as a side dish to complement grilled meats, stir-fries, or Asian-inspired dishes. It’s also great with a fried egg on top for a more substantial meal. Pair it with some fresh vegetables or a simple protein for a balanced dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover garlic fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may soften slightly, but it will still taste great.

Freezing

You can freeze fried rice by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat leftover fried rice, heat it in a skillet with a splash of oil or water to prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative, but keep in mind it may have a firmer texture than white rice.

2. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.

3. Can I add meat to the fried rice?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or beef. Just make sure to add it along with the rice to heat it through.

4. Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a soy-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

6. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, fresh garlic is used in this recipe to add a fragrant, authentic flavor to the fried rice.

7. How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?

Using cold rice that has been refrigerated will help keep the grains separate and prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.

8. Can I add vegetables to this fried rice?

Yes, vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn are great additions to this dish.

9. Can I make garlic fried rice with leftover rice from takeout?

Yes, leftover takeout rice is perfect for fried rice, as it’s usually already cold and has the ideal texture for stir-frying.

10. How do I make the rice crispy?

To get crispy fried rice, make sure you cook it over high heat and leave it undisturbed for a few moments to allow the rice to crisp up on the bottom before stirring.

Conclusion

Easy Garlic Fried Rice is a flavorful, quick dish that makes use of simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal. Whether you’re using leftover rice or just need a fast side, this recipe delivers savory depth with its garlic and soy sauce flavors. Customizable to suit your tastes, this fried rice can be made with a variety of additions, from protein to veggies, making it a versatile and delicious dish. Enjoy it as a side or main, and savor the satisfying flavors with every bite.