Sardine Fried Rice

Name: Sardine Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 can King Cup Sardines; 2 cups cold cooked rice; 1 tbsp cooking oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tsp soy sauce, optional; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 2 tbsp spring onions, chopped; Calamansi, for serving

Kira Lee By: Kira LeeUpdated: August 28, 2026

This sardine fried rice is what I make when there is leftover rice in the fridge and I need a proper meal fast. Plenty of toasted garlic flavors the rice, while the sardines and egg make it hearty enough to serve on its own. It works just as well for breakfast as it does for a quick weeknight dinner.

Cold rice really makes a difference here because the grains stay separate and pick up the flavors without turning soft. Break the sardines into comfortable bite-sized pieces and toss gently so you still get distinct bits of fish in every serving. Spring onions and a squeeze of calamansi brighten everything up at the end.

Prep time5 minutesCook time10 minutesServes2 servingsDifficultyEasy

Cooking instructions

1
Heat oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
3
Add King Cup Sardines and 2-3 tbsp of the sauce.
4
Break the sardines into medium flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
5
Push the sardines to one side of the pan.
6
Add beaten egg and scramble until just set.
7
Add cold rice and break up any clumps.
8
Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is evenly coated.
9
Add soy sauce only if needed.
10
Finish with black pepper and spring onions.
11
Serve with calamansi.

Ingredients

Cooking instructions

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