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Chilli Garlic Fried Rice

Chilli Garlic Fried Rice
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This quick and flavorful Chilli Garlic Fried Rice recipe combines fluffy day-old rice with the bold heat of red chili and the pungent aroma of fresh garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile one-pan meal that can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, satisfying dish bursting with vibrant colors and spicy, savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice & Staples

  • 2 cups cooked day-old or chilled rice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

Aromatics & Spice

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
  • 1–2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup carrots, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 3 spring onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)

Protein (Optional)

  • 1 cup protein of choice: tofu cubes, cooked chicken breast pieces, or cooked shrimp

Garnish

  • 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the vegetables, finely chop the garlic and red chili, and cut any protein into bite-sized pieces. Have all ingredients ready before heating the pan.
  2. Heat the Oil and Sauté Garlic and Chili: In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and red chili, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden to form the flavor base.
  3. Cook Vegetables and Protein: Add the diced carrots, bell peppers, spring onion whites, and chosen protein to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and protein is fully cooked.
  4. Incorporate the Rice: Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking apart any clumps with a spatula. Mix thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated with garlic-chili oil and combined with the other ingredients.
  5. Season and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds and the green parts of spring onions as garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Use chilled, day-old rice to keep the grains fluffy and separated.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper frying.
  • Adjust the amount of red chili according to your heat preference.
  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking to speed up the process.
  • Cook over high heat for a slightly crispy texture without steaming the rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: chilli garlic fried rice, spicy fried rice, garlic fried rice, quick fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, one-pan meal, vegetarian fried rice, vegan fried rice, gluten free fried rice

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/chilli-garlic-fried-rice/