Easy Basic Garlic Fried Rice: Your Simple Guide to a Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Elevate your dinner table with this incredibly satisfying Basic Garlic Fried Rice, a timeless classic crafted with aromatic Jasmine rice, rich sesame oil, freshly minced garlic, and vibrant green onions. Perfectly topped with a fried egg, this dish is a versatile culinary delight, ideal as a comforting side or a stand-alone main course. Get ready to experience perfect results, every single time.
From the moment I first heard about this garlic fried rice recipe, I had a feeling it was going to be an absolute triumph in my kitchen. My intuition was spot on, and for good reason! This particular recipe originates from a fantastic cookbook titled “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” authored by my dear blogger friend, Abigail Raines, the talented culinary mind behind Manila Spoon. Having followed Abby’s delicious creations for quite some time, I didn’t hesitate for a second when she extended the exciting invitation to do a cookbook review for her. It was an opportunity I eagerly embraced, knowing her expertise would deliver something truly special.
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In our household, saying we consume a significant amount of rice would truly be an understatement. It’s an ever-present, beloved staple that effortlessly transitions from a versatile side dish to a satisfying main course. My blog already features an extensive collection of diverse fried rice recipes, each with its unique charm. Yet, even with such a rich assortment, I firmly believe there’s always an opening for one more exceptional addition to the repertoire, especially when it promises the kind of simple, robust flavor that garlic fried rice delivers.
Discovering “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” by Abigail Raines
Abby’s debut cookbook, Rice. Noodles. Yum., made its grand entrance on June 11th, and I was privileged to receive a special sneak peek a few days prior to its official launch. From the very first flip of a page, I was captivated. The photography within is utterly mouthwatering, bringing each dish to life with vibrant appeal. More importantly, her instructions are presented with remarkable clarity and simplicity, making even seemingly complex Asian dishes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. I found myself bookmarking countless recipes, eager to dive into the diverse flavors and techniques presented.
The Philosophy Behind “Rice. Noodles. Yum.”
As Abby herself eloquently puts it:
“While millions of South East Asian eat rice and noodles every day, there’s less exposure to these amazing foods on a world wide scale. While there are some well-known rice and noodle dishes, they barely scratch the surface and there is so much more to discover beyond pad thai, pho and nasi goreng.” – Abigail Raines
This quote perfectly encapsulates the heart of her cookbook: a passionate invitation to explore the vast and vibrant world of Southeast Asian cuisine, moving beyond the familiar favorites to uncover hidden gems and everyday comfort foods that nourish millions. It’s a culinary journey that I highly recommend for anyone looking to broaden their cooking horizons.
My initial intention was actually to tackle the spring rolls recipe from the book, which looked absolutely incredible. However, life, as it often does, threw a few curveballs my way. The last couple of weeks leading up to the cookbook’s launch and my review deadline had been nothing short of “nutty” – a whirlwind of activities and commitments that left little time for elaborate kitchen adventures.
Then came a delightful surprise: an invitation to celebrate my birthday last weekend in the charming city of Charleston. I was absolutely thrilled by the prospect of visiting a place I had longed to see, especially knowing it was renowned for its incredible culinary scene. Celebrating my birthday surrounded by amazing food in such a beautiful city was truly a dream come true, but it meant my cookbook review plans had to be momentarily put on hold.
Abby’s wonderful book arrived precisely the day before I departed for my birthday getaway. With my bags packed and a busy travel schedule ahead, I quickly realized there was simply no way I could meticulously prepare a recipe, photograph it, and write a comprehensive review in time for the cookbook’s launch. The timing just wasn’t on my side.
While those alluring spring rolls are definitely on my “to-make very soon” list, they necessitate a special trip to the Asian market for specific ingredients. Given the circumstances and my recent travel, I opted for a recipe that promised immediate gratification with pantry staples: this wonderfully simple Basic Garlic Fried Rice. The day after returning home from my trip, eager to get back into my culinary rhythm, I wasted no time and dove straight into preparing this comforting dish.
After all the recent chaos and the whirlwind of travel, being back in my kitchen felt like a warm embrace. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about the rhythmic chopping, the gentle sizzle of ingredients, and the unfolding aromas that fill the air. For me, cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s a profound source of calm and a way to reconnect with myself. Does creating in the kitchen offer that same sense of peace and tranquility for you?
This beautiful sign you see was a heartfelt, handmade gift for my birthday, lovingly crafted by my parents. They stumbled upon the original wording displayed on a window during their travels in Sweden. They thoughtfully tweaked the sentiment just a bit, and I truly believe it perfectly encapsulates the essence of my kitchen – a space filled with warmth, creativity, and love. I couldn’t wait to get home from my trip and proudly hang it up, making it a focal point in my culinary sanctuary.
The Simplicity and Secrets to Perfect Garlic Fried Rice
Now, let’s turn our attention back to this incredible garlic fried rice! What makes this recipe truly outstanding is its remarkable simplicity without compromising on flavor. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a comforting, savory meal. If you’re fortunate enough to own a wok, I highly recommend using it, as its shape and heat distribution are perfect for stir-frying. However, don’t despair if you don’t have one; I successfully prepared mine in my trusty cast iron skillet, which also delivers excellent results. The key is to use a pan that can get very hot and retains heat well.
The cookbook suggests using your oil of choice, and for this recipe, my preference undeniably leans towards sesame oil. Its distinct, nutty aroma and rich flavor are simply irresistible and instantly transport you to an authentic Asian culinary experience. The moment its fragrance fills the kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat.
The Foundation: Perfect Jasmine Rice
The cornerstone of any great fried rice is, of course, the rice itself. For this recipe, I followed Abby’s “Perfect Rice” instructions from her book, and I can confidently attest that the title is well-deserved. The rice cooked up beautifully, with just the right texture – fluffy, separate grains that are essential for successful fried rice. A crucial tip for fried rice is to use **day-old, cooked rice**. This allows the rice to dry out slightly, preventing it from clumping and becoming mushy when stir-fried. If you use freshly cooked rice, it contains too much moisture, leading to a sticky, unappetizing result.
Beyond the perfectly cooked Jasmine rice, the only other essential ingredients you’ll need are abundant fresh garlic (the star of the show, delivering that pungent, savory depth), a touch of salt to enhance the flavors, and bright green onions for a fresh, slightly pungent garnish and a pop of color. It’s a testament to how a few high-quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
The Egg: A Perfect Companion
Abby’s finished presentation of her garlic fried rice featured a beautifully fried egg perched on top, a classic and aesthetically pleasing touch often seen in Asian cuisine. Following her lead, I adopted the same elegant presentation. This approach differs from many of my other fried rice recipes, where I typically scramble the eggs directly into the rice during the cooking process. Both methods are delicious, but serving a fried egg on top adds a layer of richness and a satisfying texture that stands out.
For an alternative texture and to integrate the egg more subtly, this time around, I chose to chop the freshly fried egg into smaller pieces and gently toss it throughout the rice just before serving. This ensures that every spoonful gets a delightful hint of egg, adding to the overall mouthfeel and protein content of the dish. Whether whole on top or mixed in, the egg is a crucial element that brings balance and depth to the garlic fried rice.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Basic Garlic Fried Rice is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a light meal on its own, or pair it with your favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Crispy tofu
- Stir-fried vegetables
- A simple green salad for a balanced meal
To customize your garlic fried rice, feel free to add other ingredients like a dash of soy sauce for umami, a sprinkle of white pepper for a subtle kick, or a few frozen peas and carrots for added color and nutrition. The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability!
Explore More Fried Rice Creations:
If you’ve enjoyed this garlic fried rice and are looking to expand your repertoire, be sure to check out some of my other popular fried rice recipes:
- Steak Fried Rice
- Ginger Basil Fried Rice
- Classic Fried Rice
- Kielbasa Fried Rice
Final Thoughts and Your Culinary Journey
I sincerely hope that this exploration of Basic Garlic Fried Rice has inspired you to step into your kitchen and create this wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. It’s a testament to the power of a few key ingredients, expertly combined, to deliver truly memorable flavors. Furthermore, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take a moment and explore Abby’s fantastic cookbook, “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” Her passion for Southeast Asian cuisine and her gift for making complex flavors approachable shine through on every page. I have no doubt that you will fall in love with her diverse collection of recipes just as much as I have. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious aromas and joyful moments!
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Print Recipe
Basic Garlic Fried Rice
Equipment
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Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid (Carribbean Blue)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked Jasmine Rice I used the “Perfect Rice” recipe from Rice, Noodles, Yum. (Day-old rice works best for fried rice!)
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 green onions sliced, divided for cooking and garnish
- 1 egg fried, for topping or mixing in
Instructions
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Prepare the Garlic: Heat the sesame oil on low heat in a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan (like a cast-iron skillet). Add the minced garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Once golden, scoop out about 1 Tablespoon of the crispy garlic and set it aside to use as a garnish later.
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Stir-Fry the Rice: Add the cooked, ideally day-old, Jasmine rice to the pan with the remaining garlic oil. Turn the heat up to high. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the rice. Stir the rice frequently, breaking up any clumps with your spatula, ensuring it heats through and gets slightly toasted. This high heat and constant stirring are crucial for achieving that characteristic fried rice texture, preventing it from sticking and becoming soggy. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and lightly golden in spots.
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Garnish and Serve: Transfer the flavorful garlic fried rice to serving bowls. Garnish generously with the sliced green onions and the reserved crispy garlic. For an added touch of richness and protein, top each serving with a freshly fried egg (you can leave it whole or chop it and mix it in as desired). Serve immediately as a satisfying main course or a delicious side dish.
Notes
Nutrition