Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, also known as “sinangag,” is a popular and delicious dish that is bursting with flavor. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a staple in Filipino cuisine and is often eaten for breakfast or as a side dish with various Filipino dishes. As its name suggests, this fried rice recipe is infused with the aroma and taste of garlic, which adds a whole new level of deliciousness to the dish. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to cook Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, step by step.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients to make Filipino Garlic Fried Rice. The ingredients are readily available and simple:
– Cooked rice
The first and most crucial ingredient is cooked rice. It is best to use leftover rice as it tends to be drier and results in a better texture for fried rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a tray to cool and dry it out slightly. This will help to achieve the right texture for the dish.
– Garlic
Garlic is the star of this recipe, so you will need a generous amount. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves for maximum flavor.
– Vegetable oil
To ensure a well-cooked and flavorful dish, use vegetable oil to sauté the garlic and rice. The oil helps to infuse the garlic flavor into the rice and prevents the dish from sticking to the pan.
– Soy sauce
Soy sauce is the key ingredient that provides a savory flavor and beautiful color to the fried rice. Choose a good-quality soy sauce for the best taste.
– Salt and pepper
To season the dish to perfection, have some salt and pepper on hand. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
– Spring onions or scallions (optional)
For an added touch of freshness and color, you can garnish the finished rice with chopped spring onions or scallions. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Cooking Method
With all the ingredients in place, let’s dive into the step-by-step cooking process of Filipino Garlic Fried Rice:
1. Heat the oil
In a large pan or wok, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
2. Sauté the garlic
Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic to the pan. Stir-fry the garlic until it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can quickly become bitter.
3. Add the rice
Next, add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps of rice with a wooden spoon or spatula and evenly distribute the garlic throughout the rice.
4. Stir-fry the rice
Continue to stir-fry the rice for a few minutes, ensuring that all the rice grains are coated with the garlic-infused oil. This will help to enhance the flavor and give the rice a beautiful golden color.
5. Season with soy sauce
Drizzle soy sauce over the rice, distributing it evenly. The amount of soy sauce needed will depend on your taste preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed. Be cautious not to make the rice too salty.
6. Season with salt and pepper
To balance the flavors, season the rice with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Optional garnish
If desired, sprinkle the fried rice with chopped spring onions or scallions for added freshness and visual appeal. This step is purely optional and can be skipped if you prefer a simpler version of the dish.
8. Serve the Filipino Garlic Fried Rice
Once the rice is well-cooked and seasoned, transfer it to a serving dish or individual plates. This flavorful Filipino dish is now ready to be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite Filipino dishes.
Final thoughts
Filipino Garlic Fried Rice is a tasty and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the flavors of Filipino cuisine in your own kitchen. Whether you are a fan of garlic or simply looking to try a new rice dish, Filipino Garlic Fried Rice is sure to become a favorite on your dining table. So gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the burst of flavors in every bite of this delicious Filipino dish!