Filipino Garlic Fried Rice: Comfort in Every Savory Bite

Name: Filipino Garlic Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked white rice; 5-6 cloves minced garlic; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt; Black pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Posted on February 21, 2026

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Welcome, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort in every savory bite, then you’ve stumbled upon a gem: Filipino Garlic Fried Rice, or “Sinangag.” This dish comes together in about 20 minutes and is made all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers lingering around. Let’s dive into this deliciousness!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Filipino Garlic Fried Rice:

Ingredients

4 cups cooked white rice
5-6 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
Chopped green onions

Tips for Substitutions

Rice: If you don’t have white rice, brown rice or even cauliflower rice works! The cooking time may vary slightly, though.
Garlic: Can’t handle a lot of garlic? No worries! Start with just a couple cloves and adjust according to your taste buds.
Oil: For a twist, you can use sesame oil for a slightly nutty flavor.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Making Filipino Garlic Fried Rice is super straightforward and, if I’m being honest, pretty therapeutic. The smell of garlic sizzling away is something you’ll want every day of the week!

Heat the Oil : In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until it’s shimmering but not smoking. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to look a little glossy; that’s your cue!
Add the Minced Garlic : Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. This step is crucial; don’t wander off because you want that garlic just right, not burnt!
In with the Rice : Now, introduce the cooked white rice to the pan. Break up any clumps as you gently fold the rice into the garlic mixture, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes. You’re looking to coat the rice well with the oil and garlic.
Flavor It Up : Continue to stir the rice occasionally for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring even flavor distribution. You may want to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan, those are pure flavor gold!
Season to Taste : Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper to taste. I usually go with a couple pinches of each, but you know your family best!
Crisp It Up : Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want that rice to develop some crispy bits, believe me, it’s the best part!
Garnish and Serve : Once it’s done, remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot. Seriously, enjoy every bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Filipino Garlic Fried Rice is my go-to recipe when I’m running low on time but need to whip up something that gives life to our bellies and warmth to our hearts. I mean, who doesn’t love a quick and easy meal option that feels like a big hug from the inside out? Plus, it’s so versatile that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. The best part is that you can make it your own! Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the world is your oyster here.

If you loved this easy Filipino Garlic Fried Rice recipe, be sure to check out my Grilled Rice Balls, my Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, or my Pineapple Rice!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick & Easy

This dish really comes together in under 30 minutes a solid win for busy weeknights! It’s all about having the right ingredients prepped, and you’ll be ready to feed the clan in no time.

One Pan Wonder

You’ll notice that it’s made all in one pan, which means minimal cleanup. Yes! Less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying family!

Budget Friendly

You’re using affordable, everyday ingredients. I mean, think about it: rice, garlic, and oil are staples that you probably always have in your kitchen.

Comfortable & Flavorful

This dish is comfort food in a bowl. It’s loaded with tons of flavor from the garlic, making it absolutely irresistible. Trust me; your whole family will love it!

Customizable

The beauty of this recipe is how you can switch things up, add veggies, proteins, or even additional seasonings! Use whatever ingredients you have handy; it’s great for those creative cooking days.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, let’s talk about how to serve this delicious Filipino Garlic Fried Rice! It pairs perfectly with a wide array of dishes. Consider serving it alongside:

Grilled meats (like chicken or pork)
Seafood (shrimp is fantastic!)
Stir-fried veggies for a light touch
Sausages or hotdogs a favorite in Filipino households!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat it is in the microwave or over low heat in a skillet. Just add a splash of water to moisten stuff up, and you’re golden!
Freezer Friendly: Yes! Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool the rice completely before packing it up.

A Final Note

Remember, the key to great Filipino Garlic Fried Rice is using day-old rice for that perfect fluffy texture! But if you ever forget, don’t stress this dish is forgiving and still delivers comfort food vibes every time.

There’s something about making this recipe that feels nostalgic and comforting. My kids absolutely devour it and even request for it breakfast! So whether you’re new to frying up rice or a seasoned pro, I hope you give this a try. Happy cooking, everyone! Enjoy!

There you have it! Dive into this easy and quick Filipino Garlic Fried Rice and let your kitchen be filled with the incredible aroma of garlic and savory goodness! I can’t wait for you all to try this and see how much joy it brings to your home meals!

And, seriously, don’t forget to drop me a comment below if you give this a whirl. I’d love to hear how you made it your own! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.