Chili Oil Sinangag: Flavorful Filipino Fried Garlic Rice Recipe
Chili Oil Sinangag is a delightful Filipino fried garlic rice dish that transforms leftover rice into a flavorful meal. With the perfect balance of heat from chili oil and aromatic garlic, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion.
- Author: yassine
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Filipino
- 2 cups white rice or grain of choice (cooked and cooled—leftover is best!)
- 1–2 tbsp homemade chili oil or garlic chili oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste if needed)
- 1 head garlic (peeled and minced or roughly chopped)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Start by breaking apart any large chunks of your leftover rice. This ensures even cooking. You want a fluffy texture, so avoid compacted clumps. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a plate to cool it down.
- Heat a large wok or non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot (you can test by flicking a few drops of water; they should sizzle), add in your chili oil. This should shimmer almost immediately.
- Add the salt to the oil and mix it in. This enhances the flavor of the oil, making it more aromatic. Keep an eye on the oil; if you notice any sediments from the chili burning, lower the heat slightly.
- Introduce the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir it frequently until it turns golden brown. Watch closely, as garlic can easily go from perfect to burnt!
- Once the garlic is cooked to your liking, add in the leftover rice. Use a spatula to break apart any remaining chunks. Mix thoroughly to coat the rice with the chili oil and garlic, ensuring every grain is infused with flavor.
- Allow the rice to cook for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat. You want the edges to become crispy while the center remains fluffy. Avoid stirring too frequently during this time to achieve that golden crust.
- After cooking, turn off the heat. For a visually appealing presentation, pack some of the rice into a bowl and flip it over onto a plate to create a dome shape. Top it with chopped cilantro for freshness and color.
- Serve immediately with your favorite ulam (viand).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Don’t rush the garlic; cook it at medium heat to avoid burning. Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned wok for the best texture. Adjust the chili oil to your preferred spice level.