Crispy Fried Rice with Garlic and Fresh Herbs
A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy fried rice infused with garlic and fresh herbs, delivering a flavorful and comforting dish ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked white jasmine rice, preferably day-old and chilled
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: scrambled egg, diced cooked chicken, or sautéed vegetables
Instructions
- Use rice that’s been cooked and chilled, ideally overnight, to reduce moisture and help it crisp up nicely. If short on time, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant and golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Toss in the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Spread it out in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to start forming a crispy crust.
- Stir the rice gently, then spread it out again. Repeat this process 2-3 times, about 5-7 minutes total, until you get a nice mix of crispy bits and fluffy grains.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil evenly over the rice. Stir quickly to coat all grains without turning it soggy.
- Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in the chopped cilantro, chives, and green onions.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. If using optional add-ins like scrambled eggs or cooked chicken, fold them in now and warm through for a minute over low heat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use day-old rice for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Stir gently and let rice sit undisturbed to form a crispy crust. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a little oil to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup per serving
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 6
Keywords: crispy fried rice, garlic fried rice, fresh herbs, quick fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, jasmine rice, family dinner, comfort food