Ready to upgrade your rice game? This bold and zesty Cilantro Garlic Rice is fluffy, herby, and garlicky in all the best ways. It’s a simple side with major flavor that’ll steal the show at any meal.
This dish is having a total moment—think cozy Filipino garlic rice (aka sinangag) meets vibrant, herb-fresh energy from Latin American cooking. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep magic, or when plain rice just won’t cut it.
If you love easy garlic rice recipes like my Spinach Feta Rice Casserole or crave flavor-packed sides like Paprika Grilled Shrimp, this will be your new go-to.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor bomb: Garlic + cilantro = herby, punchy perfection.
- Budget-friendly: Pantry staples, big payoff.
- Meal-flexible: This herb rice side dish plays nice with everything—veggies, meats, or eggs.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Basmati or long grain rice – The fluffy foundation. It holds its shape and soaks up every bit of flavor, giving you that perfect fluffy garlic rice texture.
- Fresh garlic – Super Important. Packs the bold, savory punch that defines this dish.
- Vermicelli noodles – Toasted for a nutty crunch and subtle depth.
- Cilantro – The fresh herb that brings brightness and balance to the garlic’s intensity.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Try jasmine rice for a slightly stickier, more fragrant base.
- Swap vermicelli with broken angel hair or omit if you prefer pure rice texture.
- Use butter instead of oil for a cozy, rich version.
- Add soy sauce for a savory twist (your rice with fresh herbs may change color a bit!).
- Mix in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use parsley if cilantro isn’t your herb soulmate.
Pair this rice with my Cheesy Mexican Steak and Rice or cozy Chicken Tamale Pie.
🔪How To Make Cilantro Garlic Rice
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- Step 1: Wash your rice at least 5 times, or until the water isn’t cloudy anymore.
- Step 2: Mince your garlic. In a medium size pot, over medium-high heat, heat up some oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the vermicelli and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on medium heat, or until the garlic and vermicelli are golden brown. Add your washed rice to the pot, then the water and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4: Bring the pot with rice to high heat without a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover with a lid and let it cook for 16-18 minutes. Remove from the stove and stir the rice. Garnish with some cilantro or parsley.
💡Hint: Rinsing your rice really well makes it extra fluffy and prevents it from clumping.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Using leftover rice? Go for it! Just make sure it’s cold, dry, and broken up before stir-frying.
- Top with garlic chips or a drizzle of garlic-infused oil for bonus flavor points.
- Double it up for batch cooking—it reheats beautifully and freezes like a champ.
💭 FAQs
Yes! Just use cold, separated grains and heat it gently in a skillet. It’s an easy garlic rice recipe trick that works like magic.
It’s usually too much water or not rinsing well. Use long-grain rice and rinse until water runs clear.
Your leftover fried garlic rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, if not more.
Add a splash of water, cover, and microwave or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
This recipe blends the Filipino garlic rice method with fresh herb vibes from Latin cuisine—so it’s a little fusion-y in the best way.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best sides to serve with cilantro garlic rice?
- Top with a fried egg for a savory breakfast bowl.
- Serve with Air Fryer Broccolini for a crisp green side.
- Pair with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef.
- Add to a grain bowl with avocado and tofu.
- Scoop into burritos or wraps with beans and salsa.
- Match with Air Fryer Cauliflower With Teriyaki Sauce.
Feeding little ones? Skip the cilantro, stir in sweet peas or corn, and sprinkle with cheese to turn this into a kid-approved side.
🍽 Pair Rice With These High Protein Dishes
Want a protein dish to pair with cilantro garlic rice? Try one of these recipes.
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Easy Garlic Rice With Cilantro
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati Rice or Long Grain
- 4 cups Water
- ⅓ cup Vermicelli
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 tablespoon Parsley Or Cilantro optional for serving
Instructions
- Wash your rice at least 5 times, or until the water isn’t cloudy anymore. Mince your garlic.
- In a medium size pot, over medium-high heat, heat up some oil. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the vermicelli and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on medium heat, or until the garlic and vermicelli are golden brown.
- Add your washed rice to the pot, then the water and salt. Stir until well combined. Bring the pot with rice to high heat without a lid and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover with a lid and let it cook for 16-18 minutes. Remove from the stove and stir the rice.
- Enjoy your Filipino fried rice while warm. You can garnish it with some cilantro or parsley, but that is optional.
Notes
Nutrition
I just made this with a little butter and extra cilantro—SO good! Honestly might be my new favorite herb rice side dish. What protein did you serve it with?