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.
Maricor Arroyo says
I make fried rice with Chinese sausage and different leftover meats. Today as requested by my Caucasian friend, I’m making my fried rice with leftover ribeye steak and maybe some leftover chicken pork adobo. I use the frozen mixed vegetables since it already has peas, carrots and corn to make it even easier.
Susan says
My mom and dad spoiled me growing up. I never had to cook, so I really never learned how to cook those yummy Filipino dishes. Recently I moved and, although I am loving every minute of paradise (Maui), there are surprisingly not many Filipino restaurants like in San Diego, California- I wanted Fried Rice this morning. I knew what the ingredients were, but needed the steps to remind me how to make it. I found your recipe and the family rated it 5 stars because it reminded the of “Lolo’s”fried rice. Thank you for starting our morning off on the right foot!
Ayah says
My filipino mom was shook!!! Thank u for this recipe.
Steph says
I tried this and used bacon and salami. So nice!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
So glad to hear that, Steph!! Thanks for making this recipe!
Meg says
I loved reading about this because it brought back happy memories of eating Filipino food in Queens - I still miss the Sizzling Sisig (with an egg) from Tito Rad's in Woodside (their Ginataang Sitaw at Calabasa is one of my most missed dishes from NYC). I always enjoyed Longsilog but also like Tapsilog. I miss great Filipino food so much! A friend is going to send me her pancit recipe and I'm really looking forward to making it. Thanks for helping to revive such happy memories!
Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman says
I have a chapter's worth of memories that circle around fried rice, beginning with sitting for what seemed like hours in the sweltering front lobby of Chin's Kitchen in NE Portland waiting with my Dad for our takeout order. Good times 😉
Patti says
I would not have expected bacon in a Filipino recipe but it sounds delicious. I can't wait to try try this.
Kelsey says
This looks delicious! My dad's wife is Filipina and many of your descriptions make me think of the food she cooks and traditions she tells us about. Thank you for sharing, and happy late birthday!
Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
Food truly is magical. I love enjoying its power to transport us to a different place and time—especially if that's to our childhood. Thank you for sharing this personal recipe!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Right? Thank you so much, Catherine!
Danielle says
We love rice as a side dish, as it's so cheap. So, we are always looking for new ways to eat it. This is a new one to try.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Rice is such a great side dish! Thanks, Danielle!
Suzy Karadsheh says
MMmm! This looks interesting and flavorful
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thank you! :)
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Oh, my, I have got to make this asap! Seriously, it looks so delicious and easy! Isn't it funny how the smell of food can evoke such glorious memories? I used to LOVE spam as a kid. I almost feel like making your delicious Filipino fried rice with spam just to see how it tastes.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Do it! I bet it would taste great! :)
Traci says
My other half will go crazy for this yummy dish! I'm pinning and bookmarking now! Thanks for the great recipe! :)
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed the post! :)
Allison Mattina says
You had me at bacon. WOW, I wish I had the opportunity to try so many different kinds of fried rice. It's one of my favorite meals.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I love it as well! There's so many different things that you can do with it!
Pech says
I remember one of the first dishes I made as a kid was also fried rice, and it was definitely a staple during college too. I've always enjoyed the Filipino version because of all the Garlic! But I make no promises that I will choose between bacon or sliced sausage and not ahem use both...
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
You can never go wrong with both! LOL :)