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To make this dish, you need a few key items: - 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (best if it's day-old) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) - 2 green onions, sliced - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a rich base of flavor, making your fried rice truly special. Feel free to get creative with your fried rice. You can add: - Bell peppers, diced - Mushrooms, sliced - Eggs, scrambled - Peas, fresh or frozen - Sesame seeds for crunch Adding these can change the flavor and texture. Mix and match based on what you have at home! If you're missing an ingredient, don’t worry. Here are some swaps: - Use any type of cooked rice if jasmine isn't available. - Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter option. - Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. - Use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. These substitutions help you adapt the recipe to your pantry and make it your own. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need fresh vegetables and aromatics. Chop one small onion finely. Mince four cloves of garlic. Measure one cup of mixed vegetables. I love using carrots, peas, and corn for color and flavor. Next, heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt and swirl it around the pan. Once the butter is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it turns translucent, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step builds a great base for the dish. Now, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it; you want that lovely garlic aroma filling your kitchen. After that, add your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the empty side. Let it melt before you add the cooked jasmine rice. Using day-old rice gives the best texture. Spread the rice out in the pan and let it fry for 2-3 minutes without stirring. This helps create those crispy bits we all love. Once the rice is slightly crispy, mix it back with the vegetable mixture. Now it’s time to add flavor. Pour in three tablespoons of soy sauce, one teaspoon of sesame oil, and one teaspoon of ground black pepper. Add salt to taste. Stir everything well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. To finish, mix in the sliced green onions and remove the skillet from heat. This final touch adds freshness. For serving, I recommend using a large bowl or dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra sliced green onions for that pop of color. A drizzle of extra sesame oil adds even more flavor. Enjoy your homemade garlic butter fried rice—it’s better than takeout! Using leftover rice makes this dish better. Day-old jasmine rice works best. It dries out a bit, which helps the rice fry well. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. If you don't have leftover rice, spread fresh rice on a tray to cool. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using it. Soggy rice can ruin your fried rice. To avoid this, never add too much liquid. Use just enough soy sauce and sesame oil to coat the rice. Stir-frying the rice at high heat helps it crisp up. Make sure to fry the rice in batches if your skillet is small. This way, the rice gets enough heat. You can boost flavors with simple add-ins. Try adding cooked shrimp or chicken for protein. Toss in some scrambled eggs for extra richness. For a kick, add chili flakes or diced jalapeños. Fresh herbs like cilantro bring brightness. Mix and match these to make your fried rice unique. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. To do this, skip the butter and use olive oil or vegan butter. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps the dish colorful and full of flavor. For added protein, toss in some chickpeas or edamame. These choices make the fried rice hearty and healthy. If you want protein, there are many great options. You can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For chicken, dice it into small pieces and cook it first. For shrimp, add them after the garlic is fragrant. They only need a few minutes to cook through. For tofu, press and cube it, then fry it until golden. This gives a nice texture and flavor. To add a kick, make spicy garlic butter fried rice. You can mix in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. This adds heat without overpowering the dish. If you like it extra spicy, add diced jalapeños when cooking the veggies. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh finish. This version is perfect for those who love bold flavors. To keep your garlic butter fried rice fresh, store it right. Use an airtight container to hold the rice. Let it cool down to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. You can keep it for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat your leftover fried rice, reheat it well. I suggest using a skillet or wok for best results. Heat a bit of oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it often. This helps heat it evenly and keeps the texture nice. If the rice seems dry, splash in a bit of water or soy sauce. Heat until it's hot, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. To freeze your fried rice, first, let it cool. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to squeeze out extra air before sealing. Label each bag with the date. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then follow the reheating instructions to enjoy your meal again. This method makes meal prep easy and keeps your dish tasty! Yes, you can use other rice types. Jasmine rice works best for this dish. Other options include basmati or long-grain rice. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled. This helps the grains stay separate and not clump together. To make garlic butter fried rice gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free option that tastes very similar. Always check labels to ensure the product is gluten-free. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. Garlic butter fried rice pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed broccoli for a healthy balance. For a fun twist, serve it with spring rolls or dumplings. Garlic butter fried rice is easy and tasty. We covered key ingredients, cooking tips, and fun variations. Whether you like chicken, shrimp, or vegan options, you can personalize this dish. Store any leftovers for later meals. Being creative with flavors makes it even better. Remember, using leftover rice helps achieve the right texture. Enjoy making this dish your own every time!

Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Fried Rice

Discover the secret to making Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Fried Rice right at home! This simple recipe combines day-old jasmine rice with rich butter, garlic, and vibrant vegetables for a flavor-packed dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Join us in the kitchen for a quick and delicious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and enjoy a homemade feast tonight!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)

2 green onions, sliced

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, swirling it around the pan.

    Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender.

          Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side and let it melt.

            Add the cooked jasmine rice to the butter and allow it to fry for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get some crispy bits.

              Once the rice is slightly crispy, combine it with the vegetable mixture.

                Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt (as needed) over the rice and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything.

                  Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

                    Finally, mix in the sliced green onions and remove the skillet from heat.

                      Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the fried rice in a large bowl or dish and garnish with fresh cilantro and extra sliced green onions on top for color. Optionally, drizzle a bit of extra sesame oil before serving.