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Bacon Fried Rice is a vibrant twist on a classic dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table with every bite. In just 30 minutes, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a main course that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for using up leftover rice, this dish marries the smoky richness of bacon with the fresh, crisp textures of vegetables, and creamy scrambled eggs for a weeknight dinner worth getting excited about.
There’s a certain magic in quick, skillet cooking that brings the kitchen to life. Imagine the aroma of bacon sizzling alongside fresh vegetables like carrots and peas, with golden strands of scrambled eggs woven throughout perfectly seasoned rice. Why bother with takeout when you can transform everyday ingredients into something this good in minutes in your own kitchen?
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need to Make Bacon Fried Rice
- Butter: Choose a good quality butter with a creamy texture and rich flavor, to add a luxurious feel to the dish.
- Eggs: Choose eggs with clean, uncracked shells. The fresher the eggs, the better they will hold their shape when scrambled.
- Bacon: Look for bacon that has a good balance of fat and meat for the richest flavor. Thick-cut bacon will add a nice chewiness to the dish.
- Yellow Onion: Look for a firm, vibrant yellow onion with a sharp aroma. It should feel heavy for its size, a good sign that it’s juicy and fresh.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves should be plump and firm to the touch. Avoid any that are soft, shriveled, or sprouting for the best flavor.
- Carrot: Look for carrots that are bright orange, firm, and smooth. Smaller carrots tend to be sweeter, which can add a nice balance to the savory elements.
- Frozen Peas: Choose a brand of green peas that are frozen individually, not in a block, so they’re more likely to cook evenly and retain their texture.
- Green Onions: Choose green onions with crisp, vibrant green tops and a firm white base, avoiding any that are wilted or discolored.
- Rice: Day-old, cooked rice is ideal. It should be firm, not sticky, to make sure it fries well and absorbs the flavors.
- Soy Sauce: A naturally brewed soy sauce will add depth and complexity to the dish. Choose based on your taste preference for a richer or more subtle soy flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Look for an oil with a deep, amber color and a strong sesame fragrance, a good gauge of quality and flavor intensity.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is best for its vibrant, spicy kick.
Recipe Tips
- Prep ingredients beforehand: Fried rice comes together quickly once you start cooking. Have all your ingredients diced, measured, and ready to go before you heat the pan.
- Use a large skillet: A large cooking surface allows the ingredients to cook evenly and get a nice sear.
- Customize with your favorites: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste. (More on that below.)
- Add ingredients in stages: Cook ingredients in stages to ensure everything is perfectly cooked. For example, start with the bacon, then move on to the vegetables, and finally, add the rice and sauces.
- Keep it moving: Once you add the rice, keep the ingredients moving in the pan. This prevents sticking and ensures each grain of rice gets evenly coated with the sauce and mixed with the other ingredients.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little extra soy sauce, sesame oil, or black pepper can make all the difference.
- Serve immediately: Fried rice is best served hot, right off the stove. The flavors and textures are at their peak when freshly made.
Recipe Options
- Vegetable Variations: Swap in or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for added color and flavor.
- Rice Alternatives: While white rice is traditional, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice offer nutritious alternatives that work well in this recipe.
- Sauce Adjustments: For a different flavor profile, experiment with adding a touch of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce along with the soy sauce.
- Heat Element: Introduce a bit of spice by adding diced chili peppers, a splash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the rice.
- Garnish Options: Enhance the dish with additional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds, chopped nuts, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, toss in a handful of bean sprouts or bamboo shoots in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Herb Freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or Thai basil over the finished dish for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to moisten the rice as needed.
More Great Ways to Enjoy Fried Rice
How to Make Bacon Fried Rice
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and sizzling, then pour in beaten eggs, swirling to form an even layer. Once the eggs begin to set, scramble them gently, and then transfer to a plate.
Leave 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and sauté the onion until it starts to soften. Quickly add garlic, cooking until fragrant, followed by the carrot for 2 minutes, then incorporate frozen peas and green onions.
Mix in the rice, breaking up clumps, and season with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Return the bacon and eggs to the skillet, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust the seasoning with black pepper and additional soy sauce to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if you like.
Bacon Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 pound bacon diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced small
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 large carrot peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- 3 cups cooked rice (refrigerated rice from at least the day before)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat until melted and sizzling; pour in beaten eggs and swirl into an even layer. When they begin to set, gently cook and stir until scrambled. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Add diced bacon to same skillet; cook and stir until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to plate with eggs.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add onion; cook and stir until it begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Add garlic; cook and stir just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add carrot; cook and stir 2 minutes more, then stir in frozen peas and green onions.
- Add rice to skillet, breaking up any large chunks with your spatula and stir to combine. Drizzle soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over rice mixture and stir. Add bacon and scrambled eggs; cook and stir until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes more. Taste for seasoning and add freshly ground black pepper and more soy sauce as desired. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Well this certainly sounds fantastic! I was just telling Laura that I’m craving fried rice…and I’m always (!) craving bacon. This needs to make an appearance in our kitchen sooner than later!!
haha..I know what you mean (about bacon). Can’t wait for you to taste this!
Even regular fried rice is already delicious dish, but the addition of bacon makes it even better and elevates to a new level. Absolutely hearty and inviting!
Thanks so much Ben!