How to make garlic rice in the Filipino style?

Introduction to Filipino-style garlic rice

Filipino-style garlic rice, also known as "sinangag," is a popular dish in the Philippines that is often served as a breakfast staple or a side dish for meat or seafood dishes. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the aromatic flavor of garlic with the subtle taste of rice.

Garlic rice is easy to prepare and is a perfect way to use leftover rice from a previous meal. The recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be made in a pot or rice cooker. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making delicious Filipino-style garlic rice at home.

Ingredients needed for garlic rice

To make Filipino-style garlic rice, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 3 cups of cooked rice (preferably leftover)
  • 8-10 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice that has been chilled in the fridge. The chilled rice helps in separating the grains and preventing them from becoming too sticky when cooked.

Preparing the rice for cooking

Before cooking the rice, make sure to rinse it thoroughly in cold water to remove any excess starch. In a pot or rice cooker, add the rice and the appropriate amount of water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preparing the garlic for frying

While the rice is cooking, peel and mince the garlic cloves into small pieces. Make sure to keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning during the frying process.

Frying the garlic until golden brown

In a pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and fry until golden brown. Make sure to stir the garlic constantly to prevent it from burning.

Cooking the rice in a pot or rice cooker

Once the rice has finished cooking, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Adding the fried garlic to the cooked rice

Add the fried garlic and the remaining oil from the pan/wok to the cooked rice.

Mixing the garlic and rice thoroughly

Mix the garlic and rice thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated with the garlic and oil.

Letting the garlic rice cool down

Let the garlic rice cool down for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to become slightly firm.

Serving Filipino-style garlic rice

Filipino-style garlic rice is often served as a side dish for meat or seafood dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own with a fried egg or some sliced tomatoes on the side.

Variations to the traditional recipe

For a twist on the traditional recipe, you can add some chopped scallions or red onions to the garlic rice. You can also add some soy sauce or oyster sauce for added depth of flavor.

Conclusion: Enjoy your homemade garlic rice!

Making Filipino-style garlic rice is a simple and delicious way to enjoy leftover rice. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal. Follow the steps outlined in this article and enjoy your homemade garlic rice!

Photo of author

Elise DeVoe

Elise is a seasoned food writer with seven years of experience. Her culinary journey began as Managing Editor at the College of Charleston for Spoon University, the ultimate resource for college foodies. After graduating, she launched her blog, Cookin’ with Booze, which has now transformed into captivating short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, offering insider tips for savoring Charleston’s local cuisine.

Leave a Comment