I'm so excited to share with you one of my favorite Filipino dishes! Sinangag, also known as Garlic Fried Rice, is a simple yet delicious fried rice that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rice.
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In the Philippines, rice is a staple food and is a major component of many Filipino dishes. Filipino fried rice is a great way to use up previous day's rice and transform it into a delicious and satisfying meal. It is also a budget-friendly dish that can be made with simple and affordable pantry staples.
Filipino Fried Rice is a popular dish in many Filipino homes that is enjoyed year-round. There are no specific holidays or special occasions associated with sinangag, but it is a great side dish for traditional Filipino dishes such as chicken adobo, pork tocino, and longganisa. This easy garlic fried rice recipe will be your new favorite side for any dish!
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Why you will love this dish
- Quick and easy to make: This dish comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few basic ingredients and a wok, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.
- Versatile: As I mentioned earlier, there are many variations of this dish that you can try. Whether you want to add meat, seafood, vegetables, or spices, you can customize it to your liking and make it your own.
- Delicious and comforting: Filipino Garlic Rice is a simple and comforting dish that is loved by many. The garlic and butter add a rich flavor and aroma to the dish, while the green onions add a fresh and bright crunch.
Ingredients
- rice
- garlic
- green onions or spring onions
- grapeseed oil
- butter
- salt
- black pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Garlic Fried Rice
- Heat a large wok over medium heat. Add the grapeseed oil, add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or until fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced white parts of the green onions and sauté for another minute. Add the rice, salt, and black pepper, and stir until everything is well combined. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Add the butter and mix well.
- Finally, add the sliced green parts of the green onions and give everything a quick stir.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Substitutions
Here are some substitutions for every ingredient in this sinangag recipe:
- Rice: While day-old white rice provides the best texture, you can use freshly cooked rice if you don't have any leftovers. Any type of white long grain rice will work, but you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar. Keep in mind that the flavor won't be quite as strong as fresh garlic.
- Green onions: If you don't have green onions, you can use regular onions or shallots instead. You can also use chives or scallions for a similar flavor.
- Grapeseed oil: Any neutral-tasting oil such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil can be used instead of grapeseed oil. You can also use garlic-flavored oil.
- Butter: You can use any type of butter or margarine, or substitute it with olive oil, coconut oil, or another oil of your choice. You can use plant-based butter as well. There are lots of choices now.
- Salt and black pepper: These are essential seasonings for this dish, but you can adjust the amounts to your taste. If you don't have black pepper, you can use white pepper or red pepper flakes instead.
Remember, these are just suggestions and you can always experiment with different ingredients to make this dish your own.
Variations
Filipino Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be customized in a variety of ways. Here are some different variations you can try:
- Bacon Garlic Fried Rice: Fry up some diced bacon in a wok or a large skillet before adding the garlic and rice. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish. This is my personal favorite. My dad used to make this for us.
- Vegetable Garlic Fried Rice: Add your favorite vegetables to a nonstick skillet along with the garlic and rice. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas are all great options.
- Spicy Garlic Fried Rice: Add some chili flakes, chili oil, or hot sauce to the wok along with the garlic and rice for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Garlic Fried Rice: Fry up some skinless chicken thighs or shrimp in a large pan before adding the garlic and rice. This variation adds protein to the dish and pairs well with vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
- Breakfast Garlic Fried Rice: Add scrambled eggs and diced ham or bacon to the wok along with the garlic and rice for a hearty breakfast dish.
Remember to adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed for each variation. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect Filipino Fried Garlic Rice!
Equipment
- Hex Clad Wok
- Knife
- Cutting Bowl
- Bowl
How to store Garlic Fried Rice
Storing and reheating Filipino Fried Rice is easy! Here are some tips on the best way to store and reheat your leftovers:
To store:
- Allow the sinangag rice to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container.
- Place the container in the fridge and make sure it's consumed within 2-3 days.
To reheat:
- Remove the rice from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Add a small amount of water or broth to the rice to help loosen it up. This will prevent the rice from becoming dry and overcooked when reheating.
- Heat the rice in a microwave-safe dish, or in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through.
Top Tips for Success
- Use a good quality wok: Using a high-quality wok can make a big difference when cooking this garlic rice recipe, or any other dish for that matter. A good wok heats evenly, which helps prevent hot spots that can cause sticking. Additionally, woks made from non-stick materials such as carbon steel or cast iron can help prevent food from sticking to the pan. This is the wok I use and I LOVE it.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking: Mise en place is essential when cooking any dish, including sinangag. By preparing all ingredients in advance, you can focus on cooking and avoid burning or overcooking the rice. Additionally, using small bowls or containers to hold each ingredient can help keep them organized and easily accessible.
- Clean as you go: To prevent sticking, it's important to keep the wok clean and free from any debris. Cleaning the wok as you go can prevent rice and other ingredients from sticking to the pan. This can also help prevent flavors from mixing and ensure that your Filipino fried rice has a clean, delicious taste.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
Filipino Fried Rice goes with everything. These are my favorite dishes to serve with sinangag:
Easy Filipino Garlic Fried Rice Recipe (Sinangag)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large wok over medium heat. Add the avocado oil, add the minced garlic, and sauté for a minute until crispy.
- Remove some of the crispy garlic. Add in the 2 cups of day old rice. Saute for a minute and add the 2 tablespoon of butter.
- Season with salt and white pepper. Garnish with green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Marga says
This dish brings back filipino morning memories of mine🥹
Laica says
One of the easiest fried rice recipes ever!
Carmen says
Thank you!!!