Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag)

    Garlic fried rice is one of the most common Filipino rice dishes. It combines leftover rice with crispy fried garlic, all tossed together with seasonings to create something simple that is incredibly flavorful!

    Overhead shot of plated garlic fried rice.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to Make: This delicious side dish only takes about 15 minutes to make. Crisp up minced garlic, toss in your leftover rice, add some seasonings, and it’s ready!
    • Flavorful: There is just something so satisfyingly good about simple ingredients. They are seriously the best!
    • Versatile: Garlic fried rice pairs well with almost everything. I love making it with my jalapeño chicken, Beijing beef, or cashew chicken.

    Ingredients You Need To Make Filipino Fried Garlic Rice

    This recipe only uses a few simple ingredients you already have at home. Not sure what to do with leftover rice? This recipe is all you need! It’s the perfect side to any meal. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    • Garlic Cloves: The star of the dish! Fresh is best, but you can use pre-minced if that’s what you have on hand.
    • Vegetable Oil: Helps fry and crisp up the garlic and adds moisture back into the rice.
    • Cooked Rice: You can make rice for this recipe, but leftovers really work best because they aren’t sticky.
    • Onion Powder: Adds a nice savory flavor that complements the garlic.
    • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the flavors in the dish.
    • Green Onions: For garnish and a pop of color.

    How to Make Garlic Fried Rice

    Collect your ingredients, heat your pan up, and let the magic begin. You will love how quickly and easily you can make this delicious side dish. Your kids will love it and might just eat it instead of your main dish!

    1. Add: In a large wok or non-stick pan, add the oil and heat over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic.
    2. Crisp: Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
    3. Stir: Add in the cooked and cooled rice, then stir the rice into the oil and garlic.
    4. Cook and Serve: Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes allowing the rice to get crispy. Stir the rice and continue to cook for about 5 minutes to achieve a fried rice texture. Garnish with sliced green onion and serve warm.
    Angle shot of minced garlic added to oil in a wok.
    Angle shot of fried garlic, slightly brown.
    Angle shot of rice added to the pan.
    Overhead shot of seasonings added to the rice in the pan.

    Garlic Fried Rice Tips and Variations

    Whether you prefer a simple, classic version or want to add in vegetables, proteins, or sauces, there’s a way to tailor the dish to your taste.

    • Garlic: Fresh is a MUST! Chop or mince the garlic to your desired size. I like bigger pieces for lots of garlic crunch! Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    • Rice: The key to fried rice is to use cooked and cooled rice! Leftover or day-old rice helps keep your fried rice from being mushy.
    • Butter: Add flavor and use butter instead of oil. Sometimes I use half butter and half oil and it’s delicious!
    • Add Eggs: Scramble eggs into the rice for added protein! Filipino garlic fried rice doesn’t traditionally have eggs, but feel free to add eggs like my easy fried rice recipe.
    • Season with Soy Sauce: Add one tablespoon of soy sauce to add umami flavor!
    Overhead shot of garlic fried rice in a walk with two wooden spoons.

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    Garlic fried rice is delicious for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! It’s traditionally served in the Philippines for breakfast with an egg on top. Save this rice for breakfast and try it out.

    • In the Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • To Reheat: Reheat individual portions of rice in the microwave at 1-minute intervals. Stirring in between should do the trick! Add a splash of soy sauce if you want to add extra moisture and flavor.
    Close up shot of garlic fried rice on a wooden serving spoon.

    More Fried Rice Recipes to Try

    If you have leftover rice and are looking for ways to use it, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some great rice recipes I am sure you’ll love.