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.
This Garlic Butter Fried Rice is fragrant with bold garlic flavor, crispy garlic chips, and a buttery, umami-rich soy sauce. Made with a generous portion of garlic (use more if you like!) and day-old rice, it’s the perfect way to transform simple ingredients into a satisfying weeknight dinner or easy side dish. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up restaurant-quality fried rice in no time!
Why You Should Use Day-Old Rice for Fried Rice
The key to perfect Garlic Butter Fried Rice is using day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too soft and sticky, but rice that’s been refrigerated overnight firms up, creating separate, fluffy grains that fry up perfectly. In fact, cooked rice, once cooled, contains “resistant starch” which promotes good gut health! If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it for at least 30 minutes before using.
How to Get Crispy & Flavorful Garlic Chips
The crispy garlic chips are what make this dish stand out. If you like garlic like I do, you can always use more! Frying the sliced garlic in oil at a low heat while continuously stirring prevents burning while bringing out its natural sweetness. These golden, crispy bits add both texture and deep garlic flavor to the fried rice. Be sure to set them aside after frying to keep them crisp!
An Easy & Versatile Fried Rice Recipe
This garlic butter fried rice is not only quick but also easy to customize! Here are a few ideas:
- Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
- Stir in some cooked chopped chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or bok choy for extra flavor and texture.
Don’t like garlic? Try my Egg Fried Rice instead!
What to pair it with
Garlic Fried Rice is a bold dish and needs partners that can stand up to it! I recommend protein dishes such as Sticky Crispy Beef or Chicken Bulgogi.
