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f you’ve ever stared at a container of leftover rice and wondered how to make it exciting, this 3-Ingredient Crispy Garlic Rice is your answer. In just one skillet and three simple pantry staples – rice, garlic, and oil – you’ll transform day-old grains into golden, crunchy morsels bursting with savory depth.

Beyond its addictive crisp, this rice hack doubles as a snack, a side, or the base for a creative grain bowl. Imagine spooning it alongside stir-fried veggies, topping it with a fried egg for breakfast, or simply nibbling it straight from the pan.

I whipped this up on a whim one evening, and couldn’t believe how that crackly garlic crust made “plain” rice taste gourmet, no extra fuss required!

The Perfect Preparation

Using day-old jasmine rice is key for achieving that ideal crunch. The grains are less sticky, making them easier to fry to perfection. The process starts simply with heating oil in a skillet until it shimmers, setting the stage for the garlic to infuse its aromatic essence into the dish.

Sautéing minced garlic until it’s just golden not only enhances the flavor but also fills the kitchen with an enticing aroma that is hard to resist. The transformation of the rice begins once it hits the pan, where it is carefully pressed and left to crisp up.

Crisping Up the Rice

The technique to achieve that perfect crunch is essential. After adding the rice to the skillet, letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows the bottom to form a beautiful golden crust.

Flipping the rice can be a bit tricky, but it’s all part of the process. Ensuring that both sides are crispy is what makes this dish stand out. Each bite should deliver a satisfying crunch, complemented by the fragrant garlic notes.

Seasoning and Serving

Once the rice reaches that desired level of crispiness, it’s time to season. A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavors, while a garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

Serving crispy garlic rice in a charming bowl, alongside chopsticks, invites everyone to dig in. The rustic wooden table provides a warm backdrop that enhances the overall presentation, making it an inviting dish at any meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This crispy garlic rice isn’t just delicious; it also offers a satisfying nutrition profile. With around 200 calories per serving and a balance of carbohydrates and protein, it is a smart addition to your table.

The healthy fats from the vegetable oil and the flavor-packed garlic contribute to its appeal. Enjoying this dish means indulging in a satisfying side that complement various cuisines without compromising on taste.

Final Touches and Variations

While the classic recipe shines on its own, there’s ample opportunity for personalization. Adding vegetables or proteins can elevate it further, creating a heartier dish.

Experimenting with spices or different types of rice can also yield exciting variations. This crisp garlic rice can be a staple in your cooking repertoire, adaptable to any meal or occasion.

Deliciously Crispy Garlic Rice

A bowl of crispy garlic rice garnished with parsley, on a rustic wooden table with chopsticks.

This crispy rice is a flavorful side dish featuring perfectly cooked rice that’s fried until golden and crispy, enhanced by aromatic garlic. The taste is a beautiful balance of crunchy and tender, with a hint of nuttiness from the fried garlic.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Crisp the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, pressing it down with a spatula. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden.
Flip and Crisp: Carefully flip the rice (you can do this in sections if it’s easier) and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the other side is crispy.
Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot as a side dish.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

Servings: 4
Calories: 200kcal
Fat: 10g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g

Borderline Genius Crispy Garlic Rice

Ella Cooks

If you think rice can’t be exciting, think again—this Crispy Garlic Rice turns humble day-old grains into golden, crunchy nuggets bursting with savory garlic flavor. In just one hot skillet, you’ll coax out a crackling crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender rice beneath, making every bite a little celebration of texture and taste.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Course Side Dish

Servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups cooked jasmine rice preferably day-old
▢ 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
▢ 4 cloves garlic minced
▢ Salt to taste
▢ Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Crisp the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet, pressing it down with a spatula. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is crispy and golden.
Flip and Crisp: Carefully flip the rice (you can do this in sections if it’s easier) and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the other side is crispy.
Season and Serve: Season with salt to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot as a side dish.

Notes

Final Touches and Variations

While the classic recipe shines on its own, there’s ample opportunity for personalization. Adding vegetables or proteins can elevate it further, creating a heartier dish.

Experimenting with spices or different types of rice can also yield exciting variations. This crisp garlic rice can be a staple in your cooking repertoire, adaptable to any meal or occasion.