Easy Garlic Fried Rice with Chili Oil in 15 Minutes!
Garlic Fried Rice with Chili Oil is my go-to comfort food when I’m craving something quick, cozy, and packed with bold flavor. The secret weapon? My Mom’s Homemade Chili Oil – — it adds the perfect kick of heat and umami to this simple fried rice.
This rice dish comes together in just 15 minutes with leftover rice, 15 cloves of fresh garlic, and a few pantry staples. It’s the perfect weeknight side dish or even a satisfying main when topped with a fried egg or your favorite protein.
I love making fried rice because it’s fast, flexible, and forgiving. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or cooking a quick weeknight meal, fried rice transforms odds and ends into a complete dish in minutes. You can keep it classic with just garlic and scallions, or spice it up with your favorite sauces, proteins, or chili oil. If you enjoy this version, be sure to check out my other favorites like Garlic Shrimp Fried Rice and Pineapple Fried Rice — each one has its own unique flavor and personality, but all come together in minutes!
Ingredients for Garlic Fried Rice with Chili Oil
You’ll need the following ingredients to make the Best Garlic Fried rice:
- Jasmine Rice: It is best to use cold, day-old rice because the grains are dry and separate easily. I prefer Jasmine rice, but you can use any white rice, if needed.
- Neutral Oil: Use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil to saute the aromatics. Using neutral oil allows the garlic and chili oil flavors shine without overpowering.
- Garlic: I added about 15-20 cloves of fresh garlic in this recipe. Garlic is the star of the show adds that signature aromatic flavor.
- Vegetables: I used frozen mixed veggies, but you can use fresh vegetables or any leftover vegetables you have in the refrigerator.
- Light Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness. Don’t use dark soy sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: Gives a subtle sweetness and extra umami flavor!
- Salt & White Pepper: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Let’s Make the Best Garlic Fried Rice!
- Scramble the Eggs: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Beat 3 eggs, pour into the pan, and scramble until just cooked. Set it aside.
- Fry the Aromatics: In the same skillet or wok, add 2 tbsp of neutral oil. Sauté garlic and green onions until fragrant.
- Add the Rice, Veggies, Seasonings: Add the frozen veggies, cold day-old rice, sauce and seasonings. Stir-fry for a few minutes, breaking up any clumps, until everything is well combined.
- Mix Well: Return the cooked eggs to the woke. Toss in the remaining green onions. Mix well and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
What to Serve with Garlic Fried Rice?
Garlic Fried Rice with Chili Oil pairs perfectly with:
How to Make Chili Oil
I recommend making a jar of my mom’s famous homemade chili oil and store it in the refrigerator. You can add the chili oil to wontons, dumplings, noodles – however you like!
To make a small batch of chili oil for 3-4 servings, combine 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, ½ tbsp Chinese chili flakes, ½ tsp chili power, 3 clove minced garlic, and 1 chopped green onion in a heatproof bowl. Heat 2 tablespoon of neutral oil in a sauce pan and pour hot oil over the chili sauce. Mix until well combined. Drizzle over your garlic fried rice. Mix and enjoy!
Equipment
How to Store and Reheat
To Store: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.
To Reheat: Heat a small amount of oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir fry until heated through. Alternatively, microwave the rice in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.
Top Tips for Success
Use Day-Old Rice – Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will turn mushy. Cold, dry rice fries beautifully for the perfect texture.
Watch the Garlic – Garlic can burn quickly. Keep your eye on it and lower the heat once it starts turning golden.
Control the Spice Level – Start with 1 tablespoon of chili oil and taste as you go. You can always add more later!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Easy Garlic Fried Rice with Chili Oil
Ingredients
- 3 cups cold, day-old rice (cooked), I used Jasmine rice in this recipe, you can use any white rice
- 3 large eggs
- 15 -20 clove garlic, minced
- 2 scallion, chopped, separate white from green parts
- 1 cup frozen vegetables, you can also use fresh chopped up veggies
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp white sugar
- ½ tsp salt, taste and add more as needed
- 1 tsp white pepper, taste and add more as needed
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
- chili oil, homemade or storebought
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Beat 3 eggs in a bowl, pour into the pan, and scramble until just cooked. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet or wok, add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Sauté garlic and white parts of green onion, until fragrant.
- Add rice, vegetables, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Return the cooked eggs to the wok. Then toss in the remaining green parts of the green onion. Mix until well combined. Taste and add more seasoning if desired.
- Remove from heat. Drizzle chili oil on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
