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Savory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice for Cozy Nights In Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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