Savory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice for Cozy Nights In Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a comforting bowl of savory Japanese garlic fried rice, perfect for cozy nights in. This dish combines creamy Kewpie mayonnaise with fragrant garlic and soy sauce for a rich, flavorful meal that’s simple to make at home.

Ingredients
- 2 cups Japanese short grain rice (rinsed and soaked)
- 3 tablespoons Japanese ‘Kewpie’ mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
- Sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the rice under running water and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain, then combine with water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for another 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Transfer the warm rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the Kewpie mayonnaise until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Step 4: Add the seasoned rice to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Pour in the soy sauce and mix well to evenly coat the rice.
- Step 5: Create a clear space in the pan and pour in the whisked eggs. Let them set for 30 seconds, then scramble gently and mix into the rice.
- Step 6: Season the rice with sea salt to taste and toss in the finely chopped parsley just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old rice for a firmer texture if you prefer less creamy fried rice.
- Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, drizzle a bit of chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.
- Substitute Kewpie mayonnaise with regular mayonnaise if needed, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Storage
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute, but Kewpie offers a distinct creaminess and umami flavor that enhances the dish.
Is it better to use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice?
Rinsed and freshly cooked rice that has rested is ideal for this recipe to achieve a creamy texture. Day-old rice works too but results in a firmer, less creamy fried rice.
PrintSavory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice for Cozy Nights In Recipe
A comforting and savory Japanese Garlic Fried Rice recipe perfect for cozy nights at home. This dish features creamy Kewpie mayonnaise-infused rice, aromatic garlic sautéed in butter, and lightly scrambled eggs, all brought together with a touch of soy sauce and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Japanese short grain rice (rinsed and soaked)
- 3 tablespoons Japanese ‘Kewpie’ mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley
- Sea salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch. Soak the rinsed rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Cook the rice: Combine the soaked rice with fresh water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rice steam covered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Mix in mayonnaise: Transfer the warm cooked rice to a large bowl and gently fold in the Kewpie mayonnaise until evenly incorporated, adding creamy texture.
- Sauté garlic: In a pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Fry the rice: Add the seasoned rice to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds to combine with the garlic butter. Pour in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Cook the eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan to create space. Pour in the whisked eggs and let them set for 30 seconds. Then scramble and mix the eggs into the rice evenly.
- Season and garnish: Adjust the seasoning with sea salt to taste, toss in the finely chopped parsley, and mix lightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Soaking the rice before cooking helps achieve the perfect texture for fried rice.
- Kewpie mayonnaise adds a unique creaminess and umami flavor, but regular mayonnaise can be substituted if needed.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; adjust additional salt accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Freshly chopped parsley provides a fresh contrast to the savory flavors.
Keywords: Japanese garlic fried rice, Kewpie mayonnaise fried rice, creamy fried rice, garlic butter rice, Japanese comfort food

