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garlic turmeric rice dish

Garlic Turmeric Rice

Garlic Turmeric Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the savory, lip-smacking flavor of crisp garlic with rich, colorful turmeric.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Filipino, Indian, Malaysian
Keyword: crispy garlic, sinangag, turmeric
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 162kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • small bowl To mix the turmeric with water or vegetable stock.
  • spatula To break apart any clumps in the cooked rice and mix.
  • Small Strainer To separate the garlic from the infused oil.
  • Knife and cutting board or mini food processor to mince the garlic
  • Serving Platter

Ingredients

For the Garlic Turmeric Rice

  • 3 cups cooked rice must be leftover, day-old for the best texture; jasmine rice
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced - use as much as you like
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tbsp high heat tolerant neutral cooking oil coconut, avocado, or vegetable is a good choice
  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ cup chicken stock to mix with turmeric - use Vegetable broth to make this entire dish VEGAN
  • 1 tsp butter plant-based or regular

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup frozen peas or diced carrots for color
  • A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • lemon slices on the side

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Sinangag Base

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
    2 tbsp high heat tolerant neutral cooking oil
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn. This creates the classic sinangag crisp garlic base that gives the dish its mouth-watering flavor.
    4-6 cloves garlic
    make crispy garlic
  • Remove the garlic BEFORE it is totally golden, strain the oil back into the pan, and set aside.

Add the Rice

  • Break apart any clumps in the cooked rice with your hands or a fork.
    3 cups cooked rice
  • Add the rice to the pan, tossing it with the garlic oil to ensure every grain is coated. Let it sit for three minutes to heat up.
    leftover rice for fried rice
  • Quickly mix turmeric with the vegetable or chicken stock and then pour it all over the rice. Quickly and throughly mix and toss until the turmeric is coating all grains of rice very well and evenly.
    ½ tsp ground turmeric, ¼ cup chicken stock
    turmeric mix
  • Stir-fry for 8 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
    making garlic turmeric rice in pan

Incorporate the Garlic and any extra Add-ins (Optional)

  • Toss in the crispy garlic. Leave a little garlic leftover to sprinkle as a garnish later. Mix it in the rice.
    Mix garlic in the turmeric rice
  • Add any optional vegetables like peas or carrots and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
    ½ cup frozen peas or diced carrots for color
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
    Add the butter and toss it in.
    ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp butter

Serve and Garnish

  • Transfer the Garlic Turmeric Rice to a serving platter.
  • Sprinkle with the reserved crispy garlic and fresh herbs for garnish.
    A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
    garlic turmeric rice dish
  • Add a side of lemon if desired for extra freshness.
    lemon slices

Notes

Notes
Use Day-Old Rice: Dry rice is ideal for fried rice as it prevents sogginess and ensures a good texture.
Control the Turmeric: A little turmeric goes a long way. Start small and adjust based on your taste preferences.
Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it while sautéing for the perfect golden hue. Remove asap once it's turning golden.
Customizations: Add cooked shrimp, diced tofu, or shredded chicken to make it a complete meal.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Garlic Turmeric Rice
Amount per Serving
Calories
162
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.4
g
1
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.1
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Sodium
 
613
mg
27
%
Potassium
 
73
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
35
g
12
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
0.2
g
0
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
16
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
19
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.