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- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred for optimal texture) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 small onion, diced into small pieces - 1 cup mixed vegetables (a colorful mix of diced carrots, peas, and corn) - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a nutty essence) - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Salt to taste - 2 green onions, sliced diagonally - Fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped for garnish (optional) You need a few simple ingredients to make this dish shine. Start with jasmine rice. I recommend using day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can be too sticky. Next, butter is key for that rich flavor. Use unsalted butter to control the salt. Garlic packs a punch in this recipe. Use fresh cloves for the best taste. Onions add sweetness and depth. You can use any mixed vegetables you like. Carrots, peas, and corn work well together. For seasoning, soy sauce gives a savory kick. Adjust it to your taste. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty flavor. Black pepper adds warmth. Don't forget salt to bring everything together. For the finishing touch, sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh cilantro on top. They add color and freshness. Enjoy your cooking! - Cook the jasmine rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can be too sticky. - Dice the onion: Cut it into small pieces to help it cook quickly. - Chop the vegetables: Use a mix of diced carrots, peas, and corn for color and taste. - Sauté onions and garlic: Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, then add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. - Stir-fry mixed vegetables: Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still colorful. - Fry the rice and combine ingredients: Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty side. Let it melt, then add 3 cups of cooked jasmine rice. Fry the rice for 2-3 minutes without stirring. This gives it a crispy texture. Mix everything together well. - Add seasoning and garnish: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the rice. Add 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper and salt to taste. Stir well to combine everything. - Serve beautifully: Spoon the fried rice into a bowl or platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. A drizzle of sesame oil adds a tasty finishing touch. Enjoy your meal! Using day-old rice is key. Fresh rice has too much moisture. Day-old rice is drier and easier to fry. It helps create that nice, crispy texture. When frying, spread the rice evenly in the pan. Let it sit without stirring for a few minutes. This step gives your rice a golden brown crust. For garlic and onions, heat your pan well. A hot pan helps to release their flavors. Start with the onions; they take longer to cook. Sauté them until they turn clear. Then, add garlic but watch it closely. It cooks quickly and can burn fast. For veggies, keep them colorful. Stir-fry them until they’re bright and tender. This keeps the nutrients intact and makes your dish pop. Soy sauce can be adjusted to your taste. If you like it saltier, add more. But, start with a small amount. You can always add more later. For extra flavor, consider garnishes. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch. Green onions also bring brightness to the dish. A drizzle of sesame oil before serving gives a nutty finish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{image_4}} You can make your garlic butter fried rice more filling by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work great. - Chicken: Cook diced chicken in the skillet first until golden. - Shrimp: Add shrimp after the garlic and onion, cooking until they turn pink. - Tofu: Cube firm tofu and sauté it with the mixed vegetables. Cooking meat with vegetables adds flavor and texture. This makes the dish hearty and satisfying. Changing up the veggies keeps your dish fresh and exciting. Use colorful options like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. - Bell Peppers: These add a sweet crunch and bright color. - Broccoli: This veggie gives a great bite and adds nutrients. - Snap Peas: Their sweetness and crispness enhance the dish. Seasonal vegetables are also a great choice. Use what’s fresh to add variety and flavor. If you want to change the taste, try adding different spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. - Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a burst of flavor. - Green Onions: Use them as a topping for a fresh touch. You can also swap sauces for a unique flavor profile. Try teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for something different. This lets you personalize your fried rice based on what you love! To store leftover fried rice, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for the next meal. Let the rice cool first to avoid extra moisture. Always use it within three to four days. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help it steam. Stir occasionally for even heating. You can also use a microwave. Cover the rice to keep it moist and heat it in short bursts. Freezing portions is a great way to save fried rice. Divide it into single servings before storing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To defrost, place the container in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Set it to defrost mode and stir often. Fried rice lasts about three to four days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to use it by. The best rice for fried rice is jasmine rice. It has a soft and fragrant texture. Day-old rice works best because it dries out slightly. This helps the rice fry well. Other rice types, like basmati or long-grain, can work too. However, they may not give the same taste. Jasmine rice keeps its shape and absorbs flavors nicely. Yes, you can make garlic butter fried rice ahead of time. Prepare the rice and store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you plan to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for about 2 months in the freezer. You can easily make garlic butter fried rice vegetarian. Replace butter with plant-based butter or oil. This keeps the taste rich without using animal products. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Tofu is a great protein addition too. It gives the dish a nice texture and flavor. Garlic butter fried rice pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with stir-fried vegetables or grilled chicken. It also goes well with dumplings or spring rolls. If you want a fresh side, a salad with light dressing is nice. For a bit of spice, add some chili sauce or pickled veggies. Garlic butter fried rice is a simple, tasty dish you can make at home. We covered the main ingredients, including jasmine rice and vegetables. You learned step-by-step cooking methods to achieve the perfect fried rice. Plus, I shared tips for enhancing flavor and how to store leftovers. Experiment with different proteins and vegetables to make it yours. Enjoy this dish as a quick meal or a tasty side. Dive in, and let your kitchen creations shine!

Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Fried Rice

Indulge in the deliciousness of Heavenly Garlic Butter Fried Rice that’s quick and easy to make! Packed with flavor from garlic, mixed vegetables, and a hint of sesame oil, this delightful dish transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a unique side dish, it's sure to impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and start your culinary adventure today!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred for optimal texture)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced finely

1 small onion, diced into small pieces

1 cup mixed vegetables (a colorful mix of diced carrots, peas, and corn)

2 green onions, sliced diagonally

3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon sesame oil (for a nutty essence)

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt, ensuring you gently swirl it around the pan for even distribution.

    Once the butter is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and sauté for around 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant.

      Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning. The aroma should be delightful!

        Introduce the mixed vegetables into the skillet, stir-frying for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender yet still vibrant.

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

            Once the butter is melted, add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Allow the rice to fry undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, letting it crisp up slightly.

              After achieving a nice touch of crispness, mix the rice with the vegetable mixture, combining them thoroughly.

                Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and vegetable blend, followed by adding the ground black pepper and salt to taste. Stir everything together well, ensuring even coverage.

                  Continue to sauté the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

                    Finally, fold in the sliced green onions, then remove the skillet from the heat to preserve the freshness of the onions.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: To serve, spoon the fried rice into a generous bowl or platter. Garnish the top with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of additional sliced green onions for an appealing contrast. A drizzle of extra sesame oil just before serving adds a final touch of flavor. Enjoy your culinary adventure!