Restaurant-Style Chilli Garlic Fried Rice

If you’re a fan of Indo-Chinese cuisine, then this Chilli Garlic Fried Rice is a must-try! The bold flavors, smoky aroma, and perfect balance of spice and umami make it just like your favorite restaurant-style dish. It’s quick, easy, packed with veggies, and an absolute flavor bomb that comes together in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Smoky & Spicy – That authentic restaurant-style taste at home!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite protein or veggies.
✔️ Perfect for Leftover Rice – Gives day-old rice a delicious upgrade.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chilli Garlic Paste

• 5-6 dried red chillies – Soaked in hot water
• 8-10 garlic cloves – Peeled

For the Stir Fry

• 2 ½ cups short-grain rice (Jeera Samba Rice) – Cooked and cooled
• ¼ cup oil – Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like peanut, canola, or sunflower
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup finely chopped carrot
• ¼ cup finely chopped beans
• ¼ cup finely chopped red capsicum
• ¼ cup finely chopped yellow capsicum
• 2 green chillies – Finely chopped
• 3 tbsp homemade chilli garlic paste
• 1 tsp soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness
• 1 tsp vinegar – For a slight tang
• 1 tsp sugar – Enhances flavor and maintains veggie color
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp white pepper – For a subtle heat
• 2 tbsp chopped spring onion greens – For garnish

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How to Make Chilli Garlic Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chilli Garlic Paste

1. Soak whole dried red chillies in hot water for 10 minutes until soft.
2. Drain the chillies and blend them with garlic cloves, adding a little water if needed.
3. The paste should be slightly coarse in texture.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Wash the rice 3 times in cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the washed rice.
3. Cook until 95% done, then drain and spread it on a tray to cool completely. This helps maintain separate grains.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Rice

1. Heat ¼ cup oil in a wok on high heat.
2. Add the prepared chilli garlic paste and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, ginger, green chillies, and onions, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
4. Toss in the chopped beans, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes on high heat.
5. Add the cooked rice, followed by soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and white pepper.
6. Toss everything well on high heat for 2-3 minutes until fully combined.
7. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.

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Pro Tips for the Best Fried Rice

✔️ Use Leftover Rice – Day-old, refrigerated rice works best for a non-mushy texture.
✔️ High Heat is Key – Always stir-fry on high heat to get that signature smoky flavor.
✔️ Prep Everything First – Since this recipe cooks fast, have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start.
✔️ Customize It – Add paneer, tofu, chicken, prawns, or sausages for a wholesome meal.
✔️ Adjust Spice Levels – If making for kids, reduce the chilli quantity.

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Serving Suggestions

This spicy, garlicky fried rice tastes amazing on its own, but if you want to make a full Indo-Chinese meal, serve it with:

• Chilli Chicken Dry 🍗
• Veg Manchurian 🥦
• Szechuan Chicken 🌶️
• Street-Style Chilli Paneer 🧀