Stir a scrumptious spoonful of Fried Garlic into your favorite savory dishes like stir-fry, salads, or pasta.
The first time I fried garlic, it was by accident. I had been sautéing it but used more oil than intended, which led to the garlic getting brown and crispy. Although I was disappointed at first, my mom was oddly impressed. “Wow,” she commented. “What are you doing with that yummy fried garlic?” This was one of many moments in my culinary career when I couldn’t help but think of Bob Ross, who claimed that all art comes with “happy accidents.” From that point on, I explored the different recipes in which fried garlic can be a crunchy surprise.
Golden brown, crisp to bite, and sprinkled with sea salt, this simple but satisfying condiment can be part of nearly any meal. Traditionally in Asia, fried garlic is served in rice, noodles, stir-fries of all kinds, and a few different soups. I also like to toss mine into a salad for a boost of garlicky flavor and hearty crunch. But if you’re a big fan of garlic like I am, then you can try to put it in almost anything. I’ve even mixed a tablespoon of fried garlic into scrambled eggs for breakfast to start my day full of flavor. There are many ways to utilize this easy little dish, so you’ll never be bored!
How to keep it crispy, not chewy
Deliciously crispy garlic is the result of less moisture and just the right amount of heat. Make sure to test the oil as step one instructs, so you know when it’s the perfect temperature to add more garlic. Also, avoid letting the oil sit for too long in the pan before you test it; this will make it way too hot and risk burning your garlic or browning it too quickly.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your fried garlic cool completely to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. At room temp, it will keep for about 1 week. But if you’d like to save it for longer, then keep it in the fridge for up to 1 month, though it will likely lose some of its crispness. Serve it cold, at room temperature, or cooked into a tasty recipe.
Serving suggestions
Although I’ve hinted at the numerous potential uses of fried garlic, it’s important to note the most delicious, which I’ve tried. For a classic Asian dinner, sprinkle fried garlic into Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, Miso Soup, or Asian Cabbage Salad. Since fried garlic works great with hot or cold meals, any of these would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you want to try something unique for breakfast or brunch, then incorporate fried garlic into Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Bacon-Avocado Toast or Gluten-Free Quiche.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 20 garlic cloves peeled, trimmed, and minced
- Fine sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Pour the vegetable oil into a wide, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Test the oil by adding small pieces of garlic at a time until small bubbles form.
- Add the remaining garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly and fry until the garlic turns a pale golden color, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it brown too much to avoid bitterness.
- Quickly transfer the garlic and oil into a fine strainer set over a bowl to drain excess oil. Spread the drained garlic on paper towels and lightly season with fine sea salt.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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