Crispy Fried Rice with Garlic and Green Onions Recipe
Introduction
Crispy rice is a delightful dish that combines fluffy grains with a satisfyingly crunchy texture. This simple recipe uses short-grain rice seasoned with garlic and soy sauce, then pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s a versatile side or a snack that’s sure to please.

Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Step 2: Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam.
- Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains gently.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, and soy sauce.
- Step 8: Pour the seasoning mixture over the rice and fold gently to coat every grain evenly.
- Step 9: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 10: Spread the seasoned rice evenly in the skillet, pressing down lightly.
- Step 11: Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes, until the bottom layer turns golden brown and crispy.
- Step 12: Using a spatula, gently flip sections of the rice to crisp other sides, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Step 13: Once the rice is golden and crispy all around, remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 14: Garnish with sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil along with the soy sauce mixture.
- Try mixing in finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers before pan-frying for added color and nutrition.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic powder to 1/2 teaspoon.
Storage
Store leftover crispy rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by pan-frying again over medium heat to restore the crispiness, or microwave covered for quicker warming, though the texture may soften.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Short-grain rice works best for this recipe due to its stickier texture, which helps the rice hold together and crisp up. Long-grain rice may not develop the same crispy texture as well.
How do I flip the rice without it falling apart?
Use a wide, sturdy spatula and gently flip the rice in sections rather than trying to turn it all at once. Pressing the rice slightly in the skillet before cooking also helps it hold its shape.
PrintCrispy Fried Rice with Garlic and Green Onions Recipe
This recipe teaches you how to make crispy rice with a perfect golden crust using short-grain rice, vegetable broth, and a flavorful soy sauce and garlic powder mixture. The rice is first cooked on the stovetop until tender, then pan-fried to achieve a deliciously crispy texture, making it a fantastic side dish or base for various meals.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Seasoning and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and Soak Rice: Rinse 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes to improve texture.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked rice and 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam and finish cooking evenly.
- Fluff and Season: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce, then pour this seasoning mixture over the rice and gently fold it in to coat evenly.
- Heat Oil in Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering and hot.
- Cook the Rice in Skillet: Spoon the seasoned rice into the skillet and spread it evenly. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until the bottom becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Crisp Additional Sides: Using a spatula, gently flip sections of the rice to crisp up other sides, continuing to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the rice is crispy all around.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly sliced green onions just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Using short-grain rice is key for the best texture and crispiness.
- Soaking the rice helps it cook more evenly and develop a better bite.
- Be gentle when folding the seasoning mixture to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent the rice from sticking excessively.
- The crisping step can be adjusted to achieve your preferred level of crunchiness.
Keywords: crispy rice, pan-fried rice, short-grain rice recipe, side dish, easy rice recipe, garlic soy rice

