This recipe packs a punch of flavor and is so easy to make that it’s my go-to with my Korean beef bowls, my Easy chicken shashlik kabobs, and my Indo-Chinese chili chicken.
Why you’ll love this recipe
It takes just 15 minutes - Imagine having this delicious restaurant-style rice on the table in just 15 minutes. That’s a big win in my book. Very easy to customize - This basic recipe is a great way to perfect your skills at making fried rice. Once you have it down, the sky’s the limit. Add eggs, meat, vegetables, or all 3, and personalize the recipe. A flavorful addition to any meal - This is a much better option than simple white rice and quickly turns a meal into something special. A great way to use leftover rice - I make this garlic fried rice anytime I have leftover jasmine rice. It’s a great way to use up the leftovers. Perfect vegetarian option - Unlike egg fried rice, this recipe is a great vegetarian option.
Ingredient notes
Jasmine rice - I like to use jasmine rice to make my garlic fried rice. Due to its long grain and starch content, it doesn’t break easily when fried. Garlic - I like to use a generous amount of freshly made garlic paste. Many recipes use crisply fried slices of garlic, but I feel that using the paste infuses the rice better with the garlic flavor. Sesame oil - The nutty, earthy taste of this oil tastes great in Asian food. I love adding a little bit of it to my garlic-fried rice. Avocado oil - Fried rice requires a lot of oil, and I don’t want the taste of the sesame oil to be overpowering, so I blend it with avocado oil in this recipe. Soy sauce - The key ingredient in any fried rice is soy sauce. I like to use a low-sodium variety to get the perfect color without the rice becoming too salty. Seasoning - I add some pepper and a little salt (as necessary) to ensure everything tastes perfectly balanced. Green onions - The final touch to the garlic fried rice is some green onions for taste and a pop of color.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.
Substitutions & variations
Garnish with some sesame seeds - For added color and texture, sprinkle a mix of white and black sesame seeds on the rice at the end. Add some egg - If you’re not vegetarian, add some egg to the rice for protein and make this an entire meal. Add some meat - Add some sauteed prawns or leftover shredded chicken. This will make it an even heartier meal. Add some vegetables - Add some frozen mixed vegetables for a more colorful veggie version of the garlic fried rice. Carrots and Peas are my two favorites, but there are no rules, so go with what you like!
Step-by-step instructions
First step - Mix and heat both the oils for about 15 seconds and then saute the prepped garlic paste in them. Make sure not to burn the garlic, but cook it long enough to bloom.
Second step - Add the pre-cooked jasmine rice to the pan as soon as the garlic is ready. Quickly toss the rice and mix in the garlic with it at this point. Third step - Next, add the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper and stir fry. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed and mix well. If you feel the rice is too dry, drizzle a little more oil and mix it in. Fourth step - Last of all, add the green onions to the rice, toss, and serve while it’s still fresh and hot.
Expert Tips
For more Pakistani recipes like this, check out 20 popular Pakistani recipes. If you decide to try this recipe, Please don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture then tag me on Instagram! Thank You!
