Mastering Basic Garlic Fried Rice: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe for Every Home Cook
Prepare this incredibly delicious and easy Basic Garlic Fried Rice at home using simple ingredients like fragrant Jasmine rice, rich sesame oil, fresh garlic, and vibrant green onions. Top it with a perfectly fried egg for a complete meal that’s perfect as a satisfying main dish or a versatile side. Get ready to enjoy a perfectly cooked, flavorful fried rice experience every time.
From the moment I first saw the recipe, I had a feeling this basic garlic fried rice would be an instant favorite. And I was right! This delightful recipe comes from “Rice. Noodles. Yum.,” a fantastic cookbook penned by my talented blogger friend, Abigail Raines. Abby, the creative force behind Manila Spoon, has been a familiar face in the blogging community for quite some time. When she reached out and asked if I’d be willing to review her new cookbook, I didn’t hesitate for a second—I eagerly embraced the opportunity!
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To say that rice is a staple in our home would be a massive understatement. It graces our dinner table countless times a week, serving as a comforting side dish or even taking center stage as a satisfying main course. My blog is already home to a plethora of diverse fried rice recipes, each with its unique twist. Yet, I firmly believe there’s always room for one more, especially when it’s as universally appealing and delightfully simple as this Basic Garlic Fried Rice. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients yield the most extraordinary results.
“Rice. Noodles. Yum.”: A Culinary Journey
Abby’s highly anticipated first cookbook, Rice. Noodles. Yum., made its grand debut on June 11th, and I was fortunate enough to receive an exclusive sneak peek a few days prior to its official launch. From the very first page, I was captivated. The photography is simply breathtaking, showcasing each dish in a way that truly makes your mouth water. More importantly, Abby’s instructions are exceptionally clear and easy to follow, making even seemingly complex recipes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Flipping through the pages, I’ve already bookmarked an extensive list of dishes I’m eager to try!
As Abigail Raines herself eloquently states in her book: “While millions of South East Asian eat rice and noodles every day, there’s less exposure to these amazing foods on a worldwide 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.” Her words resonate deeply, highlighting the vast and exciting culinary landscape of Southeast Asia that many of us have yet to fully explore. This cookbook serves as a beautiful invitation to dive into that rich world of flavors and textures.
A Journey Interrupted, A Comfort Found
In fact, my initial intention was to prepare a more elaborate dish from the cookbook: the spring rolls. However, the last couple of weeks had been nothing short of chaotic. Life often throws unexpected curveballs, and mine came in the form of a wonderful surprise: an invitation to spend my birthday weekend in Charleston. I was absolutely thrilled at the prospect of visiting a city I had long dreamt of seeing, and even more excited to celebrate my special day in a place renowned for its incredible food scene.
Abby’s cookbook arrived just a day before I departed for my trip, making it clear that getting a recipe out in time for the launch was simply not feasible. The spring rolls, which require a special trip to the Asian market for specific ingredients, would have to wait. Upon my return, still buzzing from my birthday celebrations and the whirlwind of travel, I was eager to get back into the kitchen. I decided that this simple garlic fried rice was the perfect recipe to ease back into cooking. I plunged right in the day after I arrived home, finding immense comfort in the familiar rhythm of chopping, stirring, and sautéing.
Amidst all the travel chaos and the bustling schedule, it felt incredibly good to be back in my kitchen. There’s something profoundly calming about the act of cooking, a therapeutic quality that helps to ground me. Does cooking have that same effect on you?
Speaking of comfort, I received a beautiful handmade sign for my birthday, a thoughtful gift from my parents. They had seen the original wording on a window during their travels in Sweden and tweaked it slightly to create something truly special. I believe it perfectly captures the essence of my kitchen – a place of joy, creation, and comfort. I couldn’t wait to get home and hang it up, making my kitchen feel even more like my own personal sanctuary.
Crafting the Perfect Basic Garlic Fried Rice
Now, let’s get back to the star of the show: our incredible garlic fried rice! What makes this recipe so fantastic is its undeniable simplicity. While a traditional wok is often recommended for fried rice, don’t fret if you don’t own one. I successfully prepared this dish in my trusty cast iron skillet, and the results were just as spectacular. The key is to use a pan that retains heat well and provides enough surface area for the rice to get nicely toasted.
For the cooking oil, Abby’s book suggests using your choice, but I highly recommend sesame oil. Its distinct, nutty aroma and rich flavor are simply irresistible and truly elevate the dish. The fragrance alone is enough to get your appetite going!
The foundation of any great fried rice is, of course, the rice itself. I followed Abby’s “Perfect Rice” recipe from “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” to prepare the Jasmine rice, and I can attest, it lives up to its name. The rice cooked perfectly, achieving that ideal fluffy-yet-distinct grain texture that is crucial for fried rice. Using day-old, chilled rice is another secret weapon for achieving superior texture; it prevents the rice from becoming mushy when stir-fried. Besides the perfectly cooked rice and the choice of oil, you’ll only need a few other essential ingredients: plenty of fresh garlic, a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, and some vibrant green onions for garnish and a fresh bite.
Abby’s presentation of her finished rice included a beautiful fried egg perched on top. Inspired by her approach, I decided to do the same. This method offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. In many of my other fried rice recipes, I typically scramble the eggs directly into the rice during the cooking process. However, for this Basic Garlic Fried Rice, I chose to fry the egg separately to a golden crispness, then chopped it into bite-sized pieces and tossed it into the rice just before serving. This slight variation allowed the distinct flavors of the garlic rice to shine while still incorporating the rich, savory goodness of the egg.
The Essential Basic Garlic Fried Rice Recipe
Basic Garlic Fried Rice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.67 from 6 votes
Prepare this Basic Garlic Fried Rice at home with Jasmine rice, sesame oil, garlic and green onion. Top with an egg before serving. Perfect as a side dish or a main dish. Perfect every time.
Course: Rice | Cuisine: Asian | Keyword: Basic Garlic Fried Rice
Servings: 4 | Calories: 399 kcal | Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Lodge 3.6 Quart Enamel Cast Iron Casserole Dish with Lid (Carribbean Blue) (or a large frying pan/wok)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked Jasmine Rice (day-old, chilled rice is best for texture)
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 large egg, fried (for topping)
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil on low heat in a wok or a large frying pan. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until it turns golden brown and becomes wonderfully crisp. Carefully scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the crispy garlic and set it aside to use as a garnish later. This step infuses the oil with an incredible garlic flavor.
- Increase the heat to high. Add the cooked Jasmine rice to the pan, ensuring it spreads out evenly. Sprinkle the rice with salt. Stir frequently, tossing the rice to ensure it heats through evenly and develops a slight crispness. Continue to cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the rice is thoroughly heated and some grains are lightly toasted.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare your fried egg. You can fry it to your desired doneness (sunny-side up, over easy, or slightly crispy).
- To serve, divide the hot garlic fried rice among plates. Garnish generously with the sliced green onions, the reserved crispy garlic, and top each serving with a freshly fried egg. For an extra touch, you can gently break up the fried egg and mix it into the rice, or enjoy it whole on top.
Notes
- Recipe inspired by Rice. Noodles. Yum. by Abigail Raines.
- For best results, use day-old, chilled cooked rice. This prevents the rice from clumping and allows it to achieve that perfect fried rice texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – more garlic equals more flavor!
- This dish is incredibly versatile. Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of white pepper for additional depth of flavor.
Nutrition (per serving)
Serving: 1 | Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 566mg | Fiber: 2g
Exploring Other Delicious Fried Rice Creations
If you’ve enjoyed this Basic Garlic Fried Rice and are eager to explore more variations of this beloved dish, you’re in luck! Fried rice is a canvas for culinary creativity, allowing for endless combinations of ingredients and flavors. Here are some other fantastic fried rice recipes from my collection that you might love:
- Steak Fried Rice: A hearty and savory option, perfect for meat lovers.
- Ginger Basil Fried Rice: A fragrant and aromatic twist, offering a refreshing flavor profile.
- Classic Fried Rice: The timeless staple, a great starting point for any fried rice enthusiast.
- Kielbasa Fried Rice: A unique and flavorful combination that’s both comforting and satisfying.
I genuinely hope you take the opportunity to try this delightful Basic Garlic Fried Rice recipe and discover for yourself how effortlessly delicious it is. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with mindful cooking. Furthermore, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go and check out Abby’s incredible cookbook, “Rice. Noodles. Yum.” It’s a treasure trove of authentic and inspiring recipes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Southeast Asia. I have no doubt that you will fall in love with her recipes as much as I have. Happy cooking!
