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Flavorful Shawarma Fried Rice Recipe with Garlic Sauce and Pickles Made Easy

shawarma fried rice - featured image

A quick and easy shawarma fried rice dish featuring bold spices, creamy garlic sauce, and tangy pickles. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 lb cooked chicken shawarma, shredded or chopped
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped pickles (dill or bread-and-butter)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • For the garlic sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and warm until shimmering (about 1 minute).
  3. Add the chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the shredded chicken shawarma. Stir to coat evenly with spices. Cook for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on edges.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add cooked rice and 1/2 cup chopped pickles. Break up clumps and fold together gently but thoroughly.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow rice to fry and develop a slight crust.
  8. Stir in chopped fresh parsley if using. Remove from heat.
  9. Spoon the shawarma fried rice onto plates or bowls. Drizzle generously with garlic sauce. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedge if desired.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushiness. Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent soggy rice. Let rice sit briefly on the pan to develop crispy bits. Garlic sauce should be chilled before serving for best flavor. Fresh garlic is recommended over pre-minced for optimal taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: shawarma fried rice, garlic sauce, pickles, quick dinner, easy recipe, chicken shawarma, comfort food