Sinangag: Filipino Garlic Fried Rice for Breakfast
People often call breakfast the most important meal of the day, and in the Philippines, rice is usually at the center of it. Whether served in sweet or savory dishes, rice is a breakfast staple across the country. One of the most loved examples is Sinangag, also known as Filipino garlic fried rice.
What Is Sinangag?
Sinangag is a classic Filipino breakfast dish made by frying rice with garlic, then seasoning it with salt and black pepper. It is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. To turn it into a complete meal, it is commonly served with fried eggs.
In the Philippines, adding egg, or itlog in Tagalog, creates the popular breakfast style known as silog. Silog meals are usually paired with a protein such as Spam, sausage, or fish. The name of the protein is added before “silog,” creating combinations like spamsilog.
How to Make Sinangag
No matter what protein you plan to serve with your silog meal, great garlic fried rice is the foundation.
Using leftover rice is ideal because it saves time and gives the best texture. If you do not have leftover rice, freshly cooked rice can also work, as long as it has cooled completely before cooking. Jasmine rice is a great choice, but basmati or any other long-grain rice can also be used.
Start by preparing the garlic. Slice 4 cloves and finely mince the other 4 cloves. Mix the minced garlic into the cold rice along with salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir well so the rice is evenly seasoned.
Next, heat neutral oil, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil, in a skillet. Add the sliced garlic and sauté it until the edges become lightly golden. Be careful not to let it get too dark, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step flavors the oil and gives the rice a deeper garlic taste.
Once the garlic is golden, pour in more oil and add the seasoned rice to the pan. Toss everything together so the rice is coated in the garlic-infused oil.
Spread the rice evenly across the skillet and let it cook undisturbed until a crust forms on the bottom. This crispy layer adds texture and makes the dish especially delicious.
When ready, remove the rice from the skillet and serve it with fried eggs and your preferred protein. Enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast that is quick, flavorful, and filling.
Sinangag Recipe
Prep Time
- 5 minutes
Cook Time
- 10 minutes
Total Time
- 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves, divided
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice, or another long-grain rice
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or grapeseed, divided
- Extra oil, if needed
Instructions
- Slice 4 garlic cloves and mince the remaining 4 cloves.
- Place the cold cooked rice in a large bowl and break up any clumps with your hands.
- Add the minced garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper to the rice. Toss until evenly combined.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet, then add the seasoned rice.
- Stir the rice for about 1 minute so it absorbs the garlic-flavored oil.
- Spread the rice into an even layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until a crispy crust forms on the bottom.
- Give the rice one final stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with fried eggs and the protein of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
- 4 servings
Serving Size
- 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 338
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 632mg
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
