If you’re craving a quick and flavorful meal, my Japanese Garlic Fried Rice is the perfect go-to! I crafted this recipe to bring the bold taste of Japanese-style fried rice right into your kitchen in just 10 minutes, using simple ingredients like fresh garlic, veggies, and soy sauce. It’s a delicious, satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion—let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted my Japanese Garlic Fried Rice recipe to be an easy, flavorful, and affordable meal that anyone can make at home in just 10 minutes! The key to this dish is the grated garlic, which infuses the rice with a savory, aromatic flavor that makes it stand out. Using my perfected technique, honed over years of cooking at home, I ensure that you get restaurant-quality fried rice without the need for a commercial kitchen or high-powered burner!
It’s made in steps, just like my Japanese Pork Fried Rice and Japanese Beef Fried Rice, so you can achieve perfectly cooked fried rice every time. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a side to complement your meal, this fried rice has you covered. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly tasty—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Egg – beaten.
- 1 tbsp Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oi. Used to cook the egg and fried rice.
- 2 tbsp Onion – diced yellow or brown onion. Helps add flavor to the fried rice.
- 4 Cups Rice – rice of choice, if using white rice, best to use leftover rice or day old cooked rice for best texture.
- 1 tbsp Carrots – peeled and diced.
- 1 tbsp Green Peas – shelled peas, fresh or frozen.
- 1 tbsp Corn Kernel – fresh or canned corn kernel.
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onion – finely chopped green onion scallions.
- 4 Garlic Cloves – freshly grated, provides the main flavor for the fried rice. You can also use Fried Garlic Chips as a topping.
- 1 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free. Used of the base flavor in fried rice.
- 1/4 tsp Salt – sea salt preferred.
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper – ground.
🍚 Rice Note
To achieve the desired texture in your fried rice, it’s best to use Leftover Cold Rice or Day-Old Cooked Cold Rice. This practice effectively reduces excess moisture, preventing the fried rice from becoming soggy. Freshly made steamed rice, on the other hand, tends to retain more moisture and may lead to a less desirable texture in your fried rice.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
To make delicious fried rice, Prep Your Ingredients in advance for efficiency and use a roomy Wok or Deep Skillet. Opt for High-Temperature Cooking Oil to achieve that signature sizzle and pop.
Step 1 Heat 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil in a pan and cook the beaten eggs until partially set, about 15-30 seconds. Transfer them to a plate.
Step 2 In a wok or large deep skillet, heat another 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil over high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and dried rice. Break apart the rice with a spatula, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on high heat until the rice is tender.
🍳 Cooking Pro Tip
Avoid Overcrowding the pan to ensure there’s enough space for all the rice to cook evenly under high heat and within the correct temperature range. If making a large serving, it’s better to Cook in Batches instead.
Step 3 Add the partially cooked eggs, corn kernels, green peas, and grated garlic to the wok. Drizzle in soy sauce and continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes until the eggs are fully cooked. Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl and top with chopped green onions.
Recipe Variations
The great part of my fried rice recipe is how versatile and easy it is to customize. Add Hibachi Garlic Butter for a Garlic Butter Vegetable Fried Rice, or toss in chicken for a quick Garlic Chicken Fried Rice. You can also use ketchup sauce to make a Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice, just like the one served with Omurice. Each variation is simple to make and packed with flavor!
Pairing Recommendations
I recommend pairing this fried rice with a light and comforting soup, like my Japanese Chicken Soup or a Miso Soup. For a complete meal, add a protein side such as my flavorful Japanese Baked Salmon Belly or crispy Japanese Fried Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other vegetables to this fried rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like edamame or mushrooms to suit your taste.
How do I reheat the fried rice?
Reheat the fried rice covered by a wet paper towel in the microwave for 30-60 seconds on high.
Can I make this recipe without a wok?
- While a wok is ideal for stir-frying, you can use any large skillet or frying pan instead. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold the rice.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for 5-7 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 2 tbsp Onion chopped
- 4 Cups Rice or rice of choice
- 1 tbsp Carrots diced
- 1 tbsp Green Peas
- 1 tbsp Corn Kernel
- 4 Cloves Garlic grated
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onion
- 1 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Heat ½ tbsp of cooking oil in a pan and cook the beaten eggs for about 15-30 seconds until partially set. Transfer them to a plate.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat another 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil over high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and dried rice. Use a spatula to break up the rice and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the partially cooked eggs, corn kernels, green peas, and grated garlic. Drizzle in soy sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the eggs are fully set. Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
