Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re a fan of fiery, aromatic rice dishes with big, bold flavors, you’re going to fall in love with this Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe. Each fluffy grain is infused with garlicky goodness, a kick of chilli, and the unmistakable umami of Asian sauces—it’s an absolute weeknight winner that’s just as good for lunch prep as it is for a quick dinner fix!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create the magic that is Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe. Each one plays a starring role—giving your fried rice fabulous texture, color, and, above all, flavor. Here’s how each ingredient shines in the dish:

• Basmati Rice: This aromatic, long-grained rice cooks up fluffy and non-sticky—exactly what you want for perfect fried rice.
• Oil: Just a splash is enough to fry the garlic until golden and ensure your onions become deliciously soft.
• Finely Chopped Garlic: The absolute hero here—golden, crispy bits infuse the entire dish with their signature punch.
• Small Onions (Sliced): They add sweetness and texture, balancing out the heat and savoriness, while their size lets them melt right into the rice.
• Spring Onion: These are the secret to bright color and a mild oniony crunch sprinkled over the top.
• Soya Sauce: Brings in salty, savory notes and that addictive, restaurant-style flavor.
• Chilli Sauce: For unmistakable heat and tang—choose your preferred level of spiciness!
• Vinegar: Just a dash adds brightness and keeps the flavors lively.
• Chilli Flakes: These amp up the spice level and look gorgeous sprinkled throughout the rice.
• Crushed Pepper: A fresh burst of black pepper ties all the flavors together for that finishing zing.
• Salt: Essential for balancing flavors—be sure to adjust according to your taste, especially if your sauces are salty.

Variations

The beauty of Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re adding what you love or omitting what you don’t, it’s a flexible recipe that’s happy to adapt to your pantry, your taste buds, or your dietary needs!

• Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or corn for extra color and crunch. It’s a delicious way to sneak in veggies and make it even more filling.
• Protein Power: Stir in cubed tofu, scrambled eggs, shrimp, or shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-packed meal.
• Red Chilli Paste Swap: Prefer more intense heat and color? Use a spoonful of red chilli paste instead of flakes for a spicy, glossy finish.
• Low-Sodium & Vegan: Choose tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soya sauce and double-check your sauces for full plant-based, gluten-free goodness.

How to Make Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Rice

Start by soaking your basmati rice for 20–30 minutes. This crucial step helps the grains cook up fluffy and non-sticky. Give them a thorough rinse (at least twice) to wash away starch—trust me, it makes all the difference! Boil rice in plenty of water with a pinch of salt and a dash of oil, then drain as soon as it’s just tender and fluffy. Let it rest covered, then fluff it up lightly; you’re aiming for separated grains, not mush!

Step 2: Fry the Garlic and Aromatics

Heat oil in a wok over medium flame, then add finely chopped garlic. Fry until the pieces turn fragrant and golden—they’ll add so much flavor! Reserve a spoonful of these crispy garlic bits for that irresistible finishing touch later. Now add your sliced onions, spring onion whites, and a pinch of salt. Give them a quick sauté just until the onions look translucent and soft.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Add the soya sauce, chilli sauce, and vinegar straight into the aromatics. Keep the heat medium-high and stir quickly—this helps the flavors meld beautifully while keeping everything vibrant and not soggy or greasy.

Step 4: Toss in the Rice & Season

Time for the main event! Add your cooked, cooled rice and sprinkle in chilli flakes, freshly crushed black pepper, and most of the spring onion greens. Gently toss everything together—use a light hand to keep those rice grains intact. Taste and adjust the salt as needed, then toss again for that signature fried rice finish.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, turn off the heat. Scatter over your reserved fried garlic and a final flourish of fresh spring onion. That’s it—Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe is ready to serve, piping hot and bursting with flavor!

How to Serve Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch is a shower of fresh spring onion greens and a sprinkle of crispy fried garlic. If you want to dial up the color, try a scatter of finely diced red chilli or even a handful of toasted sesame seeds for a gentle crunch. These additions make each spoonful look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe is incredibly versatile—serve it with chili paneer, Gobi Manchurian, sweet and sour tofu, or simply a bowl of hot and sour soup. Everything from kung pao chicken to stir-fried greens will find a happy home on your plate next to this rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping presentation, scoop the fried rice into individual bowls or mound it onto a big platter, topped with generous herbs and fried garlic chips. You can even serve it stuffed in bell peppers, rolled into seaweed wraps for a fusion twist, or layered into meal-prep containers with different veggie toppings for a bright, inviting lunchbox.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days—the garlic and sauces settle beautifully, deepening the flavors even more with a day’s rest.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this fried rice if you want! Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to a month, making weeknight dinners and last-minute lunches a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat your Chilli Garlic Fried Rice on the stovetop in a nonstick pan or in the microwave. Add a splash of water and cover loosely; this keeps the rice from drying out and brings back its fluffy texture. Stir gently and reheat just until piping hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Packed with garlicky aroma, a splash of heat, and that just-right level of savoriness, this Chilli Garlic Fried Rice Recipe truly transforms humble ingredients into something special. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat for quick dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need that spicy comfort food fix. Enjoy!

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