Name: Japanese Garlic Steak Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked Japanese rice (day-old); 200g ribeye or sirloin steak; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped scallions; 1 tsp vegetable oil

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Japanese Garlic Steak Rice is a deeply satisfying dish that pairs tender, seared steak with buttery garlic fried rice and crispy golden garlic chips. It’s a bold and umami-rich bowl of comfort, layered with textures and flavors that are both simple and indulgent — perfect for a weeknight treat or a savory weekend dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The garlic-infused rice is buttery and savory, the steak is juicy and perfectly seasoned, and the crispy garlic chips add a satisfying crunch. It’s a beautifully balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. The use of day-old rice ensures the perfect fried rice texture, making this an ideal recipe for repurposing leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked Japanese rice (preferably day-old)
ribeye or sirloin steak
unsalted butter
garlic cloves (thinly sliced and minced)
soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
chopped scallions
vegetable oil

Directions

Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak to your preferred doneness, about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from the pan, let rest, and slice thinly against the grain.
In the same pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and fry until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Melt butter in the pan with the garlic-infused oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the day-old rice to the pan and break it apart. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Drizzle in soy sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Plate the garlic fried rice and arrange sliced steak on top. Garnish with crispy garlic chips and chopped scallions. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Variations

Egg Fried Rice Base: Add a scrambled egg to the rice for added richness.
Mushroom Mix-In: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami boost.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
Teriyaki Twist: Replace soy sauce with a light teriyaki glaze for a sweeter flavor.
Alternative Protein: Use chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a small amount of oil or butter to maintain the rice’s texture. Avoid microwaving the garlic chips — they are best added fresh to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Day-old rice is preferred for better texture. If using fresh rice, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before frying.

What cut of steak works best?

Ribeye and sirloin are ideal for their balance of tenderness and flavor. Flank or skirt steak are also good alternatives.

How do I get crispy garlic chips?

Slice garlic very thin and fry over medium heat. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Can I make this dish in advance?

The components can be prepared ahead, but for best flavor and texture, assemble just before serving.

Is Japanese rice essential?

Short-grain Japanese rice offers the best texture, but jasmine or medium-grain rice can be used as a substitute.

What’s the best way to slice steak for this dish?

Rest the steak after cooking, then slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Can I add vegetables to the rice?

Yes, finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or green beans can be added for more nutrition and texture.

How salty is this dish?

Soy sauce provides moderate saltiness. Adjust to taste and use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.

What oil is best for frying garlic?

A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best to let the garlic flavor shine.

What drink pairs well with this?

Green tea, light beer, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the savory richness of this dish.

Conclusion

Japanese Garlic Steak Rice is a flavor-packed, comforting meal that brings together tender beef, fragrant fried rice, and crispy garlic in perfect harmony. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers big on taste and presentation. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend indulgence, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Japanese Garlic Steak Rice

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Tender sliced steak over buttery garlic fried rice, finished with golden garlic chips and fresh scallions — bold, savory, and utterly satisfying.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Japanese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak to desired doneness, about 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from heat, rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
In the same pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and fry until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
Lower heat, add butter to the same pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the day-old rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.
Plate the garlic fried rice, top with sliced steak, and garnish with crispy garlic chips and chopped scallions.
Serve immediately.