Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Scallions and Toasted Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Filipino fried rice featuring toasted garlic and bright scallions, perfect as a flavorful side or breakfast staple. This filipino-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs preferably day-old cooked white rice, thinly sliced garlic cloves, chopped scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 6 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  2. Step 2: Remove half of the toasted garlic from the pan and set aside for garnish.
  3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add 4 cups cooked white rice to the skillet. Break up clumps with a spatula and stir-fry for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped scallions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, tossing everything to combine.
  5. Step 5: Transfer fried rice to a serving dish and sprinkle the reserved toasted garlic on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Scallions and Toasted Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Scallions and Toasted Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Scallions and Toasted Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Scallions and Toasted Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Filipino Garlic Fried Rice with Scallions and Toasted Garlic vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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