Garlic Butter Fried Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups day-old jasmine rice
- 8 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons oil, for frying garlic slices
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper, see note 1
- Scallions, optional
Instructions
- Slice half the garlic into thin chips and finely mince the other half.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the garlic slices until golden brown, then set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add day-old rice , breaking it apart into separate grains, and stir-fry until heated through.
- Season with soy sauce and white or black pepper, mixing well.
- Serve in a bowl, topped with crispy garlic chips and scallions, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Garlic Butter Fried Rice That’s Big on Flavor, Easy on Effort
This Garlic Butter Fried Rice is the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can still deliver major flavor. With crispy garlic chips, nutty butter, umami-packed soy sauce, and fluffy day-old rice, it’s hard not to love. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect go-to when you want something satisfying with minimal effort, either as a full meal or a side.
Why You Should Use Day-Old Rice for Fried Rice
The key to any good fried rice is day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky, which leads to clumping. But rice that’s been chilled firms up, so every grain fries up fluffy and separate. Bonus: once cooled, rice becomes a source of resistant starch, which can support better digestion. If you don’t have leftover rice, just spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before using.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Fried Rice
- 2 cups day-old jasmine rice
- 8 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons oil, for frying garlic slices
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- Scallions, optional
How to Make Garlic Butter Fried Rice
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Start by slicing half the garlic into thin chips and finely mincing the other half. Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat and gently fry the garlic chips until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to keep them crispy.
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add the day-old rice, breaking it up with your spatula and stir-frying until evenly heated and coated in garlic butter.
Season the rice with soy sauce and white pepper. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly seasoned and golden brown. Serve hot, topped with the reserved garlic chips and optional scallions for freshness.
Tips and Variations
• Make sure to fry the garlic chips low and slow to avoid burning them, they should be golden, not brown!
• Use salted butter for extra richness or unsalted if you want more control over seasoning.
• White pepper gives the dish a more traditional flavor, but black pepper works too!
• Add a fried egg, cooked protein, or veggies to turn this into a complete meal.
• Double the garlic if you’re a fellow garlic lover…it’s hard to overdo it in this dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead?
If that’s all you have, spread it out on a tray and cool it in the freezer for 30 minutes before using. It won’t be quite as good as day-old rice, but it’ll work in a pinch.
How do I keep garlic chips from getting soggy?
Always remove the chips from the pan as soon as they turn golden and let them cool on a paper towel. Don’t stir them into the rice, sprinkle on top just before serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If you need to reheat it, use a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or oil to help revive the texture.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes! Just make sure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. If you’re adding protein, tofu is a great choice to keep it plant-based.
What kind of butter should I use?
Any kind will work, but I recommend using real butter for the best flavor. Ghee also works great if you want a nutty twist.
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