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Garlic fried rice in black bowl

Garlic Fried Rice

Garlic fried rice is a savory Asian dish featuring cooked rice stir-fried with aromatic minced garlic, creating a flavorful and fragrant staple known for its simplicity and delicious taste.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: filipino, fusion
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 257kcal
Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons Coconut oil
  • 8 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 2 Green Onions
  • 2 Sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Infuse the Oil

  • Heat large skillet to medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and star anise. Toast for 20-30 seconds then add the coconut oil.
  • Add the fresh thyme plus garlic and saute, stirring frequently until the garlic begins to turn a nice golden brown color. This should take 1-2 minutes.
  • Remove ½ the garlic with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate or bowl.

Cook the rice

  • Add the leftover cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumping with a wooden spoon. Add the salt and mix the rice well.
  • Transfer the rice to your preferred serving bowl. Add the remaining garlic back plus the green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use Day-Old Rice:
  • Opt for day-old rice that has been refrigerated. This slightly dried-out rice absorbs flavors better and results in a better texture when stir-fried.
Quality Garlic:
  • Choose fresh, high-quality garlic for the best flavor. Mince the garlic finely to ensure its aroma infuses the entire dish without overwhelming it.
Proper Oil Temperature:
  • Heat the cooking oil to the right temperature before adding garlic. This helps release the garlic's flavors without burning it. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the garlic is added but not so hot that it burns quickly.
Sauté Garlic Carefully:
  • Sauté the minced garlic until it turns golden brown and aromatic. Be vigilant to prevent burning, as burnt fried garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Balanced Seasoning:
  • Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Achieving a well-balanced flavor profile ensures that the garlic and soy sauce complement each other without overpowering the dish.
Incorporate Aromatics:
  • Consider adding aromatic ingredients like green onions or shallots. These contribute additional layers of flavor and freshness to the dish.
Stir-Fry Techniques:
  • Stir-fry the rice over medium-high heat to create a slightly crispy texture. Constant stirring prevents sticking and ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
  • Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley. The brightness of the herbs adds a burst of freshness to the savory notes of the fried rice.
Experiment with Infusions:
  • Infuse the cooking oil with additional flavors, such as ginger or shallots, before adding the garlic. This extra step adds nuanced layers of taste to the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg
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