Save Black Garlic Fried Rice is a fragrant and umami-rich dish that elevates a simple weeknight staple into something truly extraordinary. By combining the sweet, balsamic-like notes of mellow black garlic with savory soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, this recipe creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the interplay of aromatics. While regular garlic provides a sharp foundation, the finely chopped black garlic is gently mashed during cooking to release its concentrated, mellow flavor, ensuring every grain of rice is perfectly seasoned.
Ingredients
- Rice: 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, cold)
- Aromatics: 6 cloves black garlic (peeled and finely chopped), 2 cloves regular garlic (minced), 2 scallions (white and green parts separated), 1 small onion (finely diced)
- Vegetables: 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- Sauces & Seasonings: 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative), 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Egg (optional): 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Oil: 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
Instructions
- Step 1: Scramble the eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. If using eggs, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove eggs and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté aromatics
- Add remaining oil to the pan. Add onions and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Develop garlic flavor
- Add regular garlic and black garlic. Stir-fry for another minute, gently mashing the black garlic to release its flavor.
- Step 4: Cook vegetables
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- Step 5: Fry the rice
- Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until rice is heated through.
- Step 6: Season the dish
- Drizzle in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the rice.
- Step 7: Combine and finish
- Return scrambled eggs to the pan and mix to combine. Drizzle sesame oil over the rice and toss well.
- Step 8: Garnish and serve
- Remove from heat, garnish with green scallion tops, and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using day-old jasmine rice is essential for the best texture. Cold, dry rice grains stay separate and take on a beautiful golden color without becoming mushy during the stir-fry process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For added protein, you can easily stir-fry diced tofu, shrimp, or chicken with the vegetables. To keep the dish vegetarian, simply omit the eggs and use a vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce.
Serviervorschläge
This savory rice is best served immediately while steaming hot. For extra flavor and a refreshing crunch, pair it with a side of spicy kimchi or tangy pickled vegetables.
Save With 310 calories per serving, this Black Garlic Fried Rice is a balanced and deeply flavorful Asian Fusion meal that will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Common Questions
- → Why is day-old rice recommended for this dish?
Day-old rice is drier and separate, preventing the fried rice from becoming mushy or clumpy. Fresh rice contains too much moisture and will steam rather than fry. Refrigerating cooked rice overnight is the best preparation method.
- → What is black garlic and where can I find it?
Black garlic is regular garlic that has undergone a slow fermentation process, developing a dark color and sweet, molasses-like flavor with umami complexity. It's milder than fresh garlic and adds depth without sharpness. Look for it in specialty Asian markets, online retailers, or gourmet food stores.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, omit the eggs or use plant-based alternatives. Ensure you use vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce if including it. The dish remains naturally rich from black garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce without animal products.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the wok?
Use a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with adequate oil. Break up rice clumps with a spatula before adding sauces. Keep the pan hot and use quick, continuous stirring motions to coat each grain evenly with oil and seasonings.
- → What vegetables work best for this stir-fry?
Peas, carrots, and corn are classic choices. Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas also work well. Cut vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. Avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes, which can make the rice soggy.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely. Stir-fry diced tofu, shrimp, chicken, or beef with the aromatics and vegetables before adding rice. Ensure protein is fully cooked before combining with other ingredients. Eggs can also be scrambled in or mixed throughout.