Bacon Fried Rice Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about fried rice, and when you add bacon to the mix, it becomes an explosion of flavor and texture. This Bacon Fried Rice recipe combines crispy, smoky bacon with perfectly stir-fried rice, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: A delicious one-pan meal ready in under 30 minutes.
2. Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or toppings to make it your own.
3. Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to use up day-old rice and pantry ingredients.
4. Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Rice in Advance: If you don’t already have leftover rice, cook 2 cups of uncooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to cool and dry out. This prevents mushy fried rice.
2. Chop and Measure: Dice the bacon into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a Large Skillet or Wok: Use medium heat and add the chopped bacon.
2. Cook Until Crispy: Stir occasionally for 5–7 minutes until the bacon is golden and crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

1. Push the Bacon Grease Aside: Tilt the pan slightly to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Stir quickly until they are just cooked through, then mix them into the rest of the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

1. Add Garlic and White Green Onion Parts: Sauté in the remaining bacon grease for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Peas and Carrots: Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Combine Rice and Flavors

1. Add the Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high and break up any clumps of rice as you add it to the pan.
2. Mix in Sauces and Sesame Oil: Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Stir in the Bacon and Green Onions: Add the crispy bacon and green parts of the green onions to the rice. Toss well.
2. Season to Taste: Sprinkle with black pepper and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Garnish and Serve: Top with sesame seeds, cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Fried Rice

1. Use Day-Old Rice: Cold rice works best because it’s firm and doesn’t clump together. If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: A hot, spacious pan ensures that everything cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
3. Cook Ingredients Separately: Cooking bacon, eggs, and vegetables separately ensures proper texture and flavor.
4. Customize the Vegetables: Use whatever veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
5. Pre-Mix the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl before adding to the rice for even distribution.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian oyster sauce.
2. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, chili oil, or extra sriracha to the rice.
3. Seafood Twist: Include cooked shrimp or scallops for a seafood-inspired fried rice.
4. Breakfast Fried Rice: Add diced breakfast sausage, hash browns, or extra eggs for a breakfast-friendly version.
5. Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a healthier, low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

1. Main Course: Serve the bacon fried rice as a standalone meal.
2. Side Dish: Pair it with teriyaki chicken, grilled shrimp, or Korean BBQ.
3. Bowl it Up: Add fresh avocado slices, a fried egg, or a drizzle of yum yum sauce for a complete rice bowl experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well if you prefer a leaner option. Add a tablespoon of oil for extra grease if necessary.

2. What’s the best rice for fried rice?

Jasmine rice is ideal, but any long-grain rice works. Avoid short-grain rice as it tends to clump.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, bacon fried rice reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

The Bacon Fried Rice Experience

Crispy bacon, fragrant garlic, and savory rice come together to create an unforgettable dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight meal, a hearty breakfast, or a flavorful side dish, this Bacon Fried Rice recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So grab your skillet, whip up a batch, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your home!

Yield: 4

Bacon Fried Rice Recipe

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about fried rice, and when you add bacon to the mix, it becomes an explosion of flavor and texture. This Bacon Fried Rice recipe combines crispy, smoky bacon with perfectly stir-fried rice, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.

2. Scramble the Eggs

1. Push the bacon grease to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side.
2. Stir gently until the eggs are scrambled and just cooked, then combine with the grease and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Toss in the frozen peas and carrots mix and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

4. Add the Rice

1. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and slightly crisp up.

5. Season and Combine

1. Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar (if using) over the rice. Toss well to evenly coat the rice.
2. Stir in the crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, mixing everything together.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
2. Serve immediately as a standalone dish or pair with your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Notes

• Day-Old Rice: Using chilled, day-old rice ensures a non-sticky texture, as the grains are drier and less clumped.
• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the top.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add corn, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you have on hand.
• Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon to your desired crispiness to ensure it stays crunchy even when mixed into the rice.