Savory, sweet, garlicky, and totally addictive
Hey There!
Let’s talk fried rice—Sweet Chilli Garlic Fried Rice to be exact. This is the kind of dish you whip up when you want big flavor with just one pan and a handful of pantry staples.
It’s got sweet heat from the sauce, punchy garlic, and the satisfying texture of perfectly stir-fried rice. It’s great for busy weeknights or using up leftovers.
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count. It’s one of those dishes that never fails—super quick, super tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser.
🛒 What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups cooked and chilled jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s a total weeknight winner and a personal favorite for a few reasons:
- One-pan magic: Everything goes into one skillet. Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Pantry-friendly: You probably already have most of this in your kitchen.
- Better than takeout: Seriously. It hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, garlicky, and just a little spicy.
- Great for leftovers: Cold rice is the secret, so it’s perfect when you have some lying around.
🍽 Servings + Time
- Serves: 4
- Total Time: 20 minutes
📊 Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cold rice fries better: Fresh rice is too sticky. Day-old rice separates nicely and gets that perfect fried texture.
- Garlic blooms in oil: Frying chopped garlic at the start infuses the oil and gives deep flavor.
- Layered seasoning: The combo of soy sauce, sweet chili, and sesame oil hits salty, sweet, and umami all at once.
🍽 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunch: Pack it in a container with cucumber salad and some grilled chicken.
- Dinner: Serve as a main with sautéed greens or tofu on the side.
- Leftover night: Top it with a fried egg and a dash of hot sauce.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using freshly cooked rice: It’ll get mushy. Chill it first!
- Overcrowding the pan: That steams the rice instead of frying it. Use a wide skillet or wok.
- Burning the garlic: Keep an eye on it. Burnt garlic = bitter flavor.
🍴 Tools You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet or wok
- Wooden spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
🔄 Substitutions + Variations
- No sweet chili sauce? Use a mix of sriracha and honey.
- Make it vegan: Skip the egg or sub with scrambled tofu.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
- More veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or corn.
⏱ Make Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice the night before and refrigerate.
- Pre-chop your garlic and green onions in the morning.
- You can even mix the sauce ahead to save time.
👩🍳 How to Make Sweet Chilli Garlic Fried Rice
Step 1: Heat the oil and fry the garlic
Add the vegetable oil to a hot skillet and sauté the finely chopped garlic over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden (about 1 minute).
Step 2: Scramble the eggs
Push the garlic to the side, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them gently until just set.
Step 3: Add rice and stir-fry
Add the chilled jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together with the garlic and egg.
Step 4: Add sauces and veggies
Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss in the peas and carrots. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Finish and garnish
Sprinkle in the green onions and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust salt as needed.
🧊 Leftovers + Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil.
- Don’t freeze: The texture of the rice won’t hold up well.
🍛 What to Serve With It
- Fried egg or sunny-side up egg on top
- Steamed dumplings or potstickers
- Cucumber salad or kimchi
- Grilled tofu or satay skewers
❓ FAQ
Can I use brown rice?
Yes! It’ll be chewier but still delicious.
Is it very spicy?
Nope, it’s mild. Add more chili flakes if you like heat.
Can I use fresh rice?
Only if you spread it out to cool completely first, so it doesn’t clump.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
Mix honey with sriracha or ketchup and a little vinegar—it’s close!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Sweet Chilli Garlic Fried Rice is one of those easy wins that always hits the spot. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment with your tweaks, questions, or just to say hi—I’d love to hear from you! 🧄🍚🔥