Serve this Burnt Garlic Fried Rice as a side for your Indo-Chinese thali. It's prepared with pre-cooked basmati rice, carrots, green beans, soy sauce and I use a whole bulb of garlic! It's deliciously savoury and with my recipe, you will get perfectly cooked separate rice grains.
Note – This recipe has been updated from our recipe archives with new images and content. First published on 7 July 2019.
Originally this recipe was prepared with the addition of baked tofu pieces. It is still an option, but I felt that I wanted to keep the recipe more simple and reflect the restaurant style version. If you want to add it, follow my crispy air fryer tofu recipe.
What makes this rice different from your usual Indo Chinese fried rice is the addition of plenty of garlic. A whole bulb in fact!
It's a great pairing with Indo-chinese dishes that have a gravy. My personal favourites are vegetable manchurian or these schezwan potatoes with mixed vegetables. Make it a complete meal with vegetable spring rolls.
If you fancy adding a little extra flavour, or want to prepare a rice that can be eaten as a meal in itself, try my schezwan fried rice.
Ingredient highlights
Be sure to check out the full recipe and exact ingredient list below in the recipe card.
Basmati rice - I like to cook the rice well in advance so it has time to cool. I find that cooled rice is easier to stir fry and doesn't become mushy.
Veggies - I like to use fresh carrots and green beans. I cut the green beans and carrots into small cubes so they cook quickly and are also easy to eat. Finely chopped spring onions are best for garnishing.
Garlic - I use a whole bulb of garlic so you can really taste it in the rice. I finely chop and gently cook it so the flavour mellows out.
Flavourings - soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. I like to use light soy sauce to keep the rice on the milder side but you can use whatever you have to hand. My preference is distilled vinegar. A pinch of sugar helps to balance out the flavour.
Sesame oil - I find that toasted sesame oil brings out the best "Chinese" style flavour. If you don't have it, use any other flavourless oil.
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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📖 Recipe
Burnt Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 small bulb garlic roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- ½ cup carrots diced
- ½ cup green beans chopped
- ¼ cup spring onions chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- pinch sugar
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon vinegar and pinch sugar.
- Heat the 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil in a wok until it just begins to smoke.
- Add the chopped 1 small bulb garlic and fry until it turns a deep golden brown, almost crisp. Remove the garlic from the wok and set aside.
- In the same oil, add the white parts of the ¼ cup spring onions along with the ½ cup carrots and stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
- Add the ½ cup green beans and cook for another minute until just tender but still vibrant.
- Pour the sauce into the wok and cook for around 40 seconds, allowing it to bubble slightly. Season with salt to taste and freshly ground black pepper to taste,
- Add the 4 cups cooked basmati rice, the reserved garlic, and the green parts of the spring onions, then toss gently to combine, making sure the grains stay separate.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Natalie says
My family loves rice dinners. This sounds super delicious and easy to make. I saved the recipe and will give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Natalie.
mildly indian says
This looks so perfect, just so tempting as muchas a chinese takeaway on a busy week day. I love the wok that you have feature, it looks just the perfect match.
jcookingodyssey says
Thank you!
Anonymous says
What a gorgeous dish! This sounds so flavorful and delish. My daughter doesn't eat meat anymore and I'm always looking for something I can cook for when she comes over. This would be perfect!
jcookingodyssey says
A great dish for vegetarians/vegans. Hope you daughter liked this recipe.
Lorie says
I can never get enough fried rice—never. Can’t wait to try it with tofu. So many great flavors in this one!
jcookingodyssey says
Hope you like it with tofu too.
Paleo by the Penny says
I love it when my rice gets a little burnt. It really adds so much flavor! This recipe is perfect for my family.
jcookingodyssey says
Hope you guys enjoy it.
jayashree says
Burnt garlic rice with tofu is ideal for brunch or dinner. My son loves tofu, should make this for him.
jcookingodyssey says
Let us know how your son like it.
Jenni LeBaron says
We love fried rice and the garlic flavor in this sounds just perfect. Definitely a dish worth bringing our wok out for!
jcookingodyssey says
Wok is perfect for dishes such as fried rice.
Ana F says
I love making rice & veggies for my side dishes and this is perfect! It's so delicious!
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Ana.
Unknown says
That is the kinda fried rice I'd like. Easy and full of flavor. Perfect for lunch
jcookingodyssey says
You are right!
Archana says
Absolutely delicious. I love the use of tofu . Fried rice is one dish I can never have enough.
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Archana.
Julie @ Bunsen Burner Bakery says
This is the perfect recipe for me - because I always accidentally burn my garlic even when I don't mean to, haha. Fortunately I like the flavor, so this recipe is right up my alley!
jcookingodyssey says
I am sure you are going to enjoy this rice recipe.
Sangeeta sethi says
Fabulous delicious healthy aromatic flavourful preparation
jcookingodyssey says
Thank you Sangeeta.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Mmm... I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. Thank you for making me hungry! I wanna eat that.
jcookingodyssey says
Hahahaha! Glad you liked this recipe.
Indfused says
I love all the flavors in this yummy stir fried rice! The veggies, rice and tofu make it a complete meal by itself but also complement so many dishes. This recipe is a keeper Jagruti!
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Sandhya, hope you try it one day.
Anne says
This is my kind of dinner idea! I love all of the flavors going on in this dish!
jcookingodyssey says
Glad you like this recipe Anne.