A comforting and satisfying experience that highlights the essence of Filipino culinary tradition, highlighting the flavors of garlic and spring onions along with the different textures of soft, fluffy rice and crispy and earthy garlic.

What is Filipino Fried Rice?

Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, known as "Sinangag," is a beloved dish in Filipino cuisine, renowned for its simplicity and robust flavors. This aromatic and savory fried rice features garlic as the star ingredient, imparting a rich aroma and delightful crunch to each bite. Perfectly paired with various Filipino dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Main Ingredient of Filipino Fried Rice

The main ingredient of Filipino Garlic Fried Rice ("Sinangag") is cooked rice, preferably day-old short-grain rice. This provides the base for the dish, absorbing the flavors of garlic and seasonings during the frying process, resulting in a delicious and aromatic fried rice.

What Is So Special About Filipino Fried Rice?

Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, or "Sinangag," holds a special place in Filipino cuisine for several reasons:

1. Rich Garlic Flavor: It's known for its intense garlic flavor, achieved by sautéing minced garlic until golden brown and aromatic. The garlic infuses every grain of rice with its savory essence, creating a deeply satisfying dish.
2. Versatility: Sinangag pairs well with a wide range of Filipino dishes, from breakfast items like tapa (marinated beef) and tocino (sweet cured pork) to main dishes like adobo and fried fish. It also stands on its own as a satisfying comfort food.
3. Texture Contrast: The rice is often fried until slightly crispy, offering a delightful contrast between the crunchy garlic bits and the tender rice grains. This texture adds to the enjoyment of each bite.
4. Cultural Significance: Sinangag reflects the resourcefulness of Filipino cuisine, using leftover rice to create a flavorful and economical dish. It's a staple in Filipino households and is often served in both casual meals and festive gatherings.

Quick and Easy Filipino Fried Rice

Despite its simplicity with just a few ingredients—garlic, rice, salt, and sometimes soy sauce—Sinangag packs a punch of flavor that compliments many Filipino dishes. It's a staple side dish that enhances the overall dining experience.

Expert Tips

1. Use Day-Old Rice: Use cooked rice that has been refrigerated overnight or at least for a few hours. Day-old rice is firmer and drier, which helps prevent it from becoming mushy during frying and allows it to absorb flavors better.
2. Prep Garlic Properly: Mince the garlic finely and evenly to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the rice. Fry the garlic until golden brown and crispy to enhance its aroma and taste.
3. Hot Pan, Cold Oil: Heat the pan or wok first before adding oil. This prevents the garlic from burning too quickly and ensures it crisps up nicely without turning bitter.
4. Season Thoughtfully: Season the fried rice with salt and optionally soy sauce to taste. Start with a small amount of seasoning and adjust as needed to avoid over-salting the dish.
5. Stir-Fry Technique: Spread the rice evenly in the pan and allow it to cook undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a slightly crispy texture on the bottom. Stir occasionally to distribute the garlic and ensure even frying.

Recipe Card

Filipino Fried rice

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Category

Main Course

Servings

2

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Calories

450

A comforting and satisfying experience that highlights the essence of Filipino culinary tradition, highlighting the flavors of garlic and spring onions along with the different textures of soft, fluffy rice and crispy and earthy garlic.

Author:

Parth Kapoor

Ingredients

• 2 cups short grain cooked and day old

• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 15 cloves garlic roughly minced

• 3 green onions sliced

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon white pepper

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or more to taste

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Directions

1. Fry the garlic: In a wok or large pan, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until just golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent from burning. Then remove the garlic from the pan leaving the oil behind.

2. Add the green onions: Next add in the green onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the rice: Turn the heat up to medium-high heat, add the rice and toss to combine and break up any clumps. For crispy rice bits, spread the rice to form a thin layer on the wok to crisp up for 30 seconds.

4. Season the rice: Add the salt, white pepper, and soy sauce. Then toss to combine. Add 2/3 of the garlic back in and toss to combine.

5. Serve: Garnish with the remaining fried garlic, and fresh green onions and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Note

For the best results, ensure the cooked rice is chilled and day-old before frying to achieve the perfect texture. Adjust the amount of garlic and soy sauce according to your preference for a more intense or milder flavor.