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Sticky Soy Garlic Rice

This dish features cooked rice coated with a glossy, caramelized glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, resulting in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The rice is stir-fried to develop a slightly crispy exterior while the glaze clings to each grain, creating a sticky, comforting final dish with a tender texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked white rice preferably day-old for best texture
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce light or dark, as preferred
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil for flavor and aroma
  • 1 teaspoon sugar to enhance caramelization
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the wok over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. When shimmering, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until slightly golden.
    2 tablespoons soy sauce
  2. Add the cooked rice to the wok, breaking apart clumps with the spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until rice is heated through and starts to look slightly crisp around the edges.
    2 cups cooked white rice
  3. Mix in the soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly to coat the rice evenly. Continue stir-frying until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky, about 2 minutes, watching for a glossy, caramelized appearance.
    3 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  4. Turn the heat to high and stir-fry for an additional 1 minute until the rice is well-coated and slightly caramelized. You should see a sticky glaze forming around each grain.
  5. Remove from heat and transfer the rice to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired, then serve hot, enjoying the crispy edges and sticky glaze.