Savory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice for Cozy Nights In Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a comforting bowl of savory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice, perfect for cozy nights in. This recipe combines creamy Kewpie mayonnaise and aromatic garlic for a rich and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Japanese short grain rice (rinsed and soaked)
• 3 tablespoons Japanese ‘Kewpie’ mayonnaise (adds creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce (for umami depth)
• 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear, then soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and return it to a saucepan with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for another 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Transfer the warm rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the Kewpie mayonnaise until evenly mixed and creamy.
3. Step 3: In a pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Add the seasoned rice to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to blend. Pour in the soy sauce and combine well.
5. Step 5: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan to create an empty space. Pour the lightly whisked eggs into this space. Let the eggs set for 30 seconds, then scramble them gently and mix them thoroughly into the rice.
6. Step 6: Season the fried rice with sea salt to taste. Toss with finely chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding diced cooked chicken or shrimp when you add the rice to the pan.
• Using day-old rice instead of freshly cooked can help achieve a better fried texture.
• Substitute the Kewpie mayonnaise with regular Japanese mayonnaise if needed, but avoid low-fat options for best creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a little water or butter to restore moisture if necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While Japanese short grain rice is preferred for its sticky texture, you can use medium grain rice as a substitute. Avoid long grain varieties as they may not hold together as well.

What if I don’t have Kewpie mayonnaise?

You can use regular Japanese mayonnaise or even a mild, creamy mayonnaise as a replacement. The key is to maintain the creamy texture and subtle sweetness that Kewpie provides.

Savory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice for Cozy Nights In Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

A comforting and savory Japanese garlic fried rice recipe featuring creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, fragrant garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for umami. Perfect for cozy nights in, this quick and easy dish combines tender short grain rice with rich butter and eggs for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Seasoning

• 2 cups Japanese short grain rice (rinsed and soaked)
• 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
• Sea salt (to taste)

For Sautéing

• 3 tablespoons Japanese ‘Kewpie’ mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)

Eggs and Garnish

• 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the Japanese short grain rice under running water until the water runs clear, then soak the rice for 30 minutes. Drain and transfer to a saucepan, add water, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
2. Mix in Kewpie Mayonnaise: Transfer the warm cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the 3 tablespoons of Kewpie mayonnaise to create a creamy texture throughout the rice.
3. Sauté Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook the Rice in Pan: Add the seasoned rice to the pan with the garlic butter and stir-fry for 30 seconds to combine flavors and heat through. Pour in 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix evenly into the rice.
5. Cook and Incorporate Eggs: Create a space in the pan by pushing the rice to the side. Pour the lightly whisked eggs into the empty space. Let the eggs set undisturbed for 30 seconds, then scramble gently, mixing the cooked eggs thoroughly into the rice.
6. Season and Garnish: Taste and season the fried rice with sea salt as needed. Toss in 2 teaspoons of finely chopped parsley for freshness and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use Japanese short grain rice for authentic texture and flavor.
• Soaking the rice before cooking helps achieve the perfect stickiness for fried rice.
• Kewpie mayonnaise adds creaminess and depth, but you can substitute regular mayonnaise if unavailable.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic to maintain its sweet aroma.
• Adjust soy sauce and salt according to your taste preferences.

Keywords: Japanese garlic fried rice, Kewpie mayonnaise, savory fried rice, easy Japanese recipe, garlic butter rice, comforting dinner