Filipino Garlic Fried Rice

INGREDIENTS

• 8 cloves garlic, divided
• 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 3 tablespoons canola or neutral oil, divided, plus more

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Thinly slice 4 garlic cloves, and mince the remaining 4 garlic cloves.
2. Place 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice in a large bowl and break up any large clumps with your hands. Season the rice with the minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of the kosher salt, and 3/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and toss to evenly coat the rice.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic slices and cook, stirring, until the edges just begin to turn golden, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the seasoned rice and toss until well coated in the garlic oil, about 1 minute. Spread the rice across the surface of the pan and cook undisturbed until a light golden crust forms on the bottom and the garlic pieces are mostly golden-brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Stir and turn off heat. Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Serve with your favorite protein and fried eggs.