Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 15 minutes | Serves: 3–4
Best For: Quick meals, side dishes, weeknight dinners

A Quick and Flavour-Packed Everyday Meal

Garlic Fried Rice is one of the easiest and most comforting dishes you can make at home. Using leftover rice and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes and delivers bold garlic flavour with a satisfying, warm finish.

It’s the perfect side dish for stir-fries, grilled meats, or Samoan-style favourites like chicken curry or panipopo. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and brings a sense of home and warmth to the dinner table.

Ingredients for Garlic Fried Rice

• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

• 4–6 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 2–3 spring onions, sliced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional:

• Frozen mixed vegetables

• Crispy fried garlic for topping

• A splash of oyster sauce for extra flavour

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the rice. Break up any clumps in the cooked rice so it fries evenly.

2. Cook the eggs. Heat oil in a large pan or wok. Scramble the eggs, then remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the garlic. Add more oil if needed and cook the minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.

4. Add the rice. Stir in the rice and fry for 2–3 minutes, breaking up pieces as you go.

5. Season. Add soy sauce, sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

6. Add eggs and spring onions. Stir the scrambled eggs back into the rice along with spring onions.

7. Serve. Enjoy hot as a main or as a side dish.

Helpful Tips

• Day-old rice works best because it’s dry and fries without becoming mushy.

• Don’t burn the garlic — cook on medium heat for the best flavour.

• Add extra veggies or protein to turn it into a full meal.

• Butter adds richness, while oil gives crispier rice — use both for balance.

Why This Recipe Works

• Uses staple ingredients you already have.

• Quick, easy, and foolproof for any skill level.

• Perfect as a side dish or light meal.

• Packed with garlic flavour and ready in minutes.

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