Garlic fried rice, or sinangag, is a classic Filipino side dish made with fluffy rice and toasted garlic, pan-fried until perfectly golden. Each scoop has a savory bite with bits of scrambled eggs, making it perfect as a meal or side.

Ready for other delicious rice recipes? Try my Easy Yellow Rice, Classic White Rice, and Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice next!

a bowl of garlic fried rice with golden-brown rice grains and small pieces of scrambled eggs, served in a white dish with gold-toned cutlery on the side

Garlic fried rice is such a fragrant dish. As the fresh garlic toasts in the pan, it instantly fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice. I make it often because it’s a convenient, quick meal for busy weeknights.

And while it’s incredibly satisfying on its own, it also pairs well with just about anything, from grilled meats to Asian-inspired dishes.

Why you will love Garlic Fried Rice:

Perfect for Garlic Lovers! This dish is packed with the bold, garlicky flavor of fresh toasted garlic, so it’s a must-try for anyone who loves rich, savory flavors.

Easy and Quick! Fry up leftover rice with garlic and a few pantry staples in just minutes. It’s a simple recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a flavorful meal.

Customizable! Make it with or without eggs, with white or brown rice. You can toss in cooked meats or veggies for a more substantial meal.

Ingredients for Filipino Garlic Fried Recipe

To make garlic rice, you will need the following ingredients:

Vegetable oil: You can substitute olive oil if you’d like a slightly different flavor, but I usually stick with vegetable oil for its neutral taste.
Rice: Day-old cooked rice works best for fried rice as it’s drier and fries up beautifully. I prefer white rice, but you can use brown rice or any other type you like for a different texture and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star of the show here, and it really gives the dish its bold flavor. You can use more if you’re a garlic lover, but I wouldn’t recommend using less!
Seasoning: I like to use garlic powder in addition to the fresh garlic to really double down on the garlicky goodness. Black pepper adds a nice kick of spice and balances out the flavors.
Eggs: This is optional but highly recommended. Adding eggs boosts the protein content and adds a nice texture to the fried rice.
Soy sauce: A key ingredient that adds umami and a bit of salty depth to the dish. You can adjust the amount to taste depending on how salty you like your fried rice.
Green onions: I love to garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor. They add a pop of color and a bit of crunch to the final dish.

How to Make Garlic Fried Rice

I start by adding vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat. Then, I add the day-old rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or wooden spoon. (If you’re working with freshly cooked rice, check out my tips on how to make it less sticky.)

garlic fried rice cooking in a skillet, with clumps of white rice spread out and beginning to brown slightly along the edges

I fry the rice for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it browns a bit and the clumps are fully broken up. Once the rice is ready, I push it to the edges of the skillet and add minced garlic to the center.

garlic fried rice pushed to the edges of a skillet, with minced garlic placed in the center, ready to be stirred into the rice

I let the garlic cook for a few seconds before mixing it in with the rice, making sure everything is well combined. Then, I sprinkle in garlic powder and black pepper, stirring everything together.

If you’re adding eggs, now’s the time to push the rice to one side of the skillet. Spray the empty side with non-stick cooking spray, and crack the eggs into that space.

garlic fried rice pushed to one side of a skillet, with an egg frying on the other side, preparing to be mixed into the dish

Use a spatula to scramble the eggs for about 30 seconds to a minute until they’re cooked, then mix them into the rice.

Next, I drizzle soy sauce over the fried rice and stir until it’s evenly incorporated. If I’m craving a crispy texture, I let it fry for an additional 2-3 minutes. Finally, I garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!

garlic fried rice with scrambled eggs in a white bowl

Tips for the Best Garlic Fried Rice

Toast the garlic for a few seconds before mixing it into the rice to enhance its nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn it as that can turn the garlic bitter.
Use cold, day-old rice for the best results since it has less moisture, making it perfect for frying. Fresh rice tends to turn mushy or soggy when fried.
If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps dry it out for better frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the rice in smaller portions to avoid steaming it, which can result in a less crispy texture.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more or less soy sauce depending on how salty you like your fried rice. A dash of sesame oil can also enhance the flavor if you want to experiment.
Eggs are a great option for added protein, but feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish.
For crispy bits, let the rice sit undisturbed in the skillet for a minute or two before giving it a final stir. This helps achieve that crispy texture at the bottom.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave.

garlic fried rice with scrambled eggs in a white bowl beside a skillet and golden cutlery

Frequently Asked Questions

To enhance the flavor of fried rice, add extra garlic or even toasted garlic for a richer, nuttier taste. Soy sauce provides umami and a touch of saltiness, while black pepper adds a hint of spice. Green onions make a great garnish for a fresh, subtle onion flavor that complements the garlic.

Garlic fried rice, also known as “sinangag” in the Philippines, originated as a way to repurpose leftover rice and enhance its flavor with garlic. While this dish is Filipino, variations of garlic fried rice can be found across other Asian cuisines, such as Chinese fried rice, which is another well-known version.

Sinangag is the Filipino term for fried rice. The Tagalog word refers to something toasted.

Make sure to use day-old rice or chilled rice if using freshly cooked. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet because this can cause the rice to steam instead of fry, leading to a mushy texture.

Thanks for taking the time to try this Sinangag recipe. If you love it, let me know on Instagram or Facebook!

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