Easy Chili Garlic Fried Rice Recipe Using Leftover Rice

If you are looking for the best leftover rice recipe, this chili garlic fried rice recipe is just what you need. It is an easy fix for what to do with leftover rice, packed with flavor and ready in no time!

Watch my video below for a simple, step-by-step recipe for creating this delicious Chili Garlic Fried Rice. If you enjoy it, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more easy and tasty recipes!

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Why You’ll Love This Chili Garlic Leftover Rice Recipe

This leftover rice recipe turns day-old rice into a bold and flavorful dish with spicy chili, fragrant garlic, and crispy fried onions. It’s quick to make, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in just a few minutes!

Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Packed with Flavor – A delicious blend of heat, garlic, and aromatic spices.
• Great for Leftovers – Gives new life to leftover rice, reducing food waste.
• Crispy & Satisfying – Fried onions and toasted spices add a rich, crunchy texture.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add your favorite protein for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need for this chili garlic fried rice recipe! With spicy chilies, fragrant garlic, and crispy onions, every bite is packed with bold flavor.

• 10 to 12 garlic cloves (ground or finely chopped)
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 4 tsp (12g) red chili powder
• 3 cups leftover rice
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 1/2 tsp (3g) cumin seeds
• 7 to 8 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 3 to 4 dried red chilies
• 2 green chilies (chopped)
• 2 medium onions (thinly sliced)
• 20 to 25 curry leaves

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How to Make Chili Garlic Rice

Follow my simple steps below to create a flavorful and spicy chili garlic fried rice recipe in minutes. With just a few ingredients and quick cooking techniques, you’ll turn leftover rice into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish!

Step 1: Prep the Garlic and Spice Mix

Grind or finely chop 10 to 12 garlic cloves, then mix them with salt and red chili powder to form a flavorful paste. This spicy garlic mixture will coat the rice, adding a bold chili-garlic kick.

 Tip: For an even deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before grinding them into a paste.

Step 2: Coat the Leftover Rice

Take about 3 cups of leftover rice and mix it with the garlic-chili paste. Stir everything together until the rice is well-coated.

Step 3: Fry the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, unpeeled garlic cloves, and dried red chilies. Cook until the cumin seeds darken and the garlic turns golden brown.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Green Chilies

Now, add the chopped green chilies and sliced onions to the pan. Cook until the onions soften, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Curry Leaves and the Rice

Toss in the curry leaves and stir for a minute. Then, add the spiced rice and mix well. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Tip: If the rice feels dry, sprinkle a little water or add a teaspoon of soy sauce for extra moisture and flavor.

Related Article: Wondering what to do with leftover rice? Check out How to Flavor Rice with Spices for easy seasoning tips to turn plain rice into a flavorful dish!

Fun Ways to Enjoy Chili Garlic Rice!

This chili garlic rice is bursting with flavor and makes the perfect quick meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, you’ll never look at leftover rice the same way again!

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Top with a Fried Egg – A runny yolk adds extra richness, creating a creamy contrast to the bold, spicy flavors. For even more flavor, sprinkle some black pepper or a dash of soy sauce over the egg before serving.
• Pair with Protein – Balance your meal by serving the rice with grilled or pan-seared chicken, crispy tofu, or juicy shrimp. The spicy, garlicky flavors of the rice complement both plant-based and meat-based proteins perfectly.
• Wrap in Lettuce – For a fresh and crunchy twist, scoop some garlic chili rice into crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce. This makes for a lighter, handheld meal with a satisfying contrast of textures.
• Make a Spicy Rice Bowl – Turn your rice into a hearty rice bowl by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy.
• Serve as a Side – This garlic chili rice pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from savory stir-fries to rich curries or roasted meats.

How to Store and Reheat This Garlic Chili Rice

To keep your garlic chili fried rice fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. Follow these simple tips to preserve its taste and texture:

• Storage Tips: Let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for a longer shelf life.
• Reheating Tips: To maintain its texture, reheat the rice in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil. If using a microwave, cover the rice with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Check Our More Rice Recipes Below

If you love this rice recipe, check out my other quick and delicious leftover rice fried rice recipes. These dishes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to use up leftover rice!

• How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice – A low-carb twist on classic fried rice, this recipe swaps regular rice for finely chopped cauliflower while keeping the same delicious flavors.
• Best Chicken and Rice Recipe (Traditional Chicken Pulao) – This aromatic one-pot dish combines tender chicken, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked rice for a comforting and hearty meal. It’s a must-try if you love rich, flavorful rice dishes!
• Survival Food Kit – Watch Me Cooking Long-Life Chicken Flavored Rice – Need a long-lasting, easy-to-make rice dish? This survival-style chicken-flavored rice is perfect for meal-prepping or emergency food kits!