My Filipino Fried Rice recipe is a versatile and hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipe based on the fried rice I grew up eating as a kid.
Food holds powerful memory magic for me. There is an emotional connection that binds me to certain dishes and is awakened each time my present day self catches a whiff or sight or hears echoes from food memories of the past.
So I thought I'd share one of my childhood favorites with you all through a traditional recipe: Filipino Fried Rice.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works for the whole family
- It makes a lot. Just one batch of this Filipino style rice can serve as the main dinner course for our family of four, and we usually have some left over.
- This recipe uses easy-to-find, simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Made up mostly of rice, corn, carrots, and garlic, it's affordable.
- It's versatile, so you can easily add bacon or sausage to make it heartier if you prefer.
- It makes a great side dish too.
🍚 Ingredients list
Traditional Filipino Fried Rice is essentially garlicky fried rice.
Over the years, I've come to realize that every island in the Philippines and every Filipino family prepares this classic dish a bit differently.
Along with rice, I use a few different vegetables in my version of Filipino fried rice, but feel free to add your vegetables of choice.
White rice - This recipe calls for 4 cups of white rice as the base; I like to use this long grain Jasmine rice.
Peas - This adds some color and heartiness to the dish.
Corn - For a little bit of sweetness.
Carrots - Fresh carrots give this rice a nice crunch.
Garlic - A staple in a lot of Filipino cuisine, lots of garlic is a must in this rice!
Green onion - For more color and as a garnish.
Eggs - Adding eggs to fried rice gives the dish more depth of flavor, richness, and adds protein.
Bacon or sausage - This is optional, but adding chopped bacon or sliced sausage can give this rice a nice smoky flavor.
Kosher salt and pepper - for seasoning.
✅ Step-by-step directions
Exact measurements of ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this post. Here are some helpful tips to guide you as you make this recipe.
1. First, cook the rice per the package directions and set aside.
2. If you plan on adding bacon or sausage, saute it in a large pan over medium heat with a bit of olive oil for about 3-4 minutes, until it's just cooked.
3. Then add fresh garlic, carrots, peas, and corn and saute for another couple of minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix with the vegetables.
5. Create a space in the center of the pan and add two eggs. Scramble them immediately. Then mix in the rice and veggies with the beaten egg.
6. Garnish the finished fried rice with green onions and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat it is in a pan or large wok with a little bit of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can also microwave it. But either way, sprinkle the rice with about a tablespoon of water first. That will create steam and help make the rice fluffier.
Adding too much water during cooking can result in mushy rice. As the rice absorbs the water, it softens. But too much water can harm the texture, making it soggy or gummy.
🍽 Serving ideas
Filipino fried rice can be a main course or served as a flavorful side dish.
Pair it with Chicken Adobo for a classic Filipino combination. Or serve it alongside Ground Pork Menudo for a hearty meal.
If you're craving seafood, this fried rice would go great with this flavorful Crab Pancit.
More Filipino recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Filipino Fried Rice
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook white rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
- In a large saute pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add meat (bacon or sausage) to the pan and sauté while stirring constantly for about 3-4 minutes, until the meat is just cooked.
- Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute, stirring regularly.
- Add carrots, peas, and corn to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until the veggies are soft.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan, and stir to mix in with the veggies.
- Create a circular "well" in the center of the pan and crack two eggs into the pan. Stir immediately and briskly with a wooden spoon to whip into scrambled eggs. Once mostly cooked as scrambled eggs, immediately stir together with rice and veggies.
- Once all ingredients are well mixed, remove from heat and plate.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Top with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
MIKE WILSON says
Thank you Marilyn me here in New Zealand.Have a Filipino lady boarder here at home and says my meals I prepare at night are just as good at home if not better so had to relent I am using all your recipes.Do scrummy and easy to make.
5 stars to you for making life easier and my partner is now a convert.