Sinangag or garlic fried rice is the easiest and most delicious fried rice you can make with all the garlicky goodness. It's a versatile dish that goes well with most Filipino favorites, making your meal extra special.
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What is Sinangag?
In the Philippines, rice is an essential part of every meal. Sinangag is a Filipino garlic fried rice, the easiest way to elevate plain white rice. It plays a starring role in the staple breakfast "silog" that includes a variety of proteins, like Longganisa and Tocino, and a fried egg.
Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
- White rice: Use medium- or long-grain rice, such as Jasmine rice. It is ideal to use leftover or day-old rice, but fresh-cooked rice that is not overcooked or too wet will also work.
- Garlic: If you love a strong garlic taste, feel free to add more or use fried garlic to top it off. You can use less if you want it milder.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Break up the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and butter, then add the garlic.
Step 3: Sauté until it becomes fragrant and turns golden brown, about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Add the rice to the pan and toss it together with the garlic. Break up clumps and ensure the garlic gets evenly distributed.
Step 5: Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn off the heat.
Recipe FAQs
Medium- or long-grain rice, such as Jasmine rice, works particularly well for fried rice dishes like sinangag. Your everyday white rice should also work as long as it's not overcooked, too mushy, or moist.
Yes, you can use them interchangeably in this recipe. Margarine usually has a milder flavor, but it won't be an issue. Alternatively, you can skip the margarine and just use extra oil.
What to serve with Sinangag
- Beef Salpicao: Tender beef chunks seared and sautéed with plenty of garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
- Tortang Talong: A Filipino-style omelet made with grilled eggplant, eggs, and sometimes minced meat.
- Daing na Bangus: Marinated and fried milkfish with a tangy, garlic-infused flavor.
- Adobo: A classic dish with pork simmered in a marinade of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Chicken Adobo is a delicious variation.
- Itlog na Maalat: A preserved salted duck egg often chopped and mixed into a fresh salad of tomatoes and onions.
- Fried Fish: Whole fish or fillets coated in seasoned flour, then deep-fried until golden and crunchy.
Other rice recipes you may like
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📖 Recipe
Sinangag
Equipment
- Wok, skillet, or sauté pan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil sub: neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 head garlic minced (see note)
- 6 cups cooked white rice (see note)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Break up the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If you're using freshly cooked rice, spread it to cool for a few minutes.
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat and add the oil and butter.
- Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and turns golden brown, about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the rice to the pan and toss it together with the garlic. Break up clumps and ensure the garlic is evenly distributed.
- Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the rice is heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Turn off the heat.
Notes
- White rice: Use medium- or long-grain rice, such as Jasmine rice. It is ideal to use day-old or leftover rice, but fresh-cooked rice that is not overcooked or too wet will also work.
- Garlic: If you love a strong garlic taste, feel free to add more or use fried garlic to top it off. You can use less if you want it milder.
Linda says
I always make singangag and eat it with just about everything. I think it elevates the dishes and makes it more special.
Nora Rey says
I couldn't agree more! Sinangag adds a garlicky touch that makes any dish even better. It's amazing how such a simple rice dish can elevate a meal. 🍚👌