This Bacon Fried Rice is the perfect comfort food—crispy bacon and savory vegetables paired with perfectly cooked rice. The combination of bacon’s richness and the subtle flavor of sesame oil creates a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.
The dish is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. You can use leftover rice for a quick meal or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own. Whether you serve it as a side or as a main course, this bacon fried rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil. Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent.
- Add the peas and carrots, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the other side of the skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and mix everything together.
- Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to combine.
- Season with black pepper and return the crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon fried rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the tender texture of perfectly cooked rice and a medley of vegetables. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights, casual meals, or when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dish that will appeal to the entire family. The beauty of bacon fried rice lies in its versatility; it can be customized with whatever vegetables or seasonings you prefer, making it an easy meal to adapt to your personal tastes.
Whether you’re making it with leftover rice or freshly cooked grains, bacon fried rice is the perfect way to turn a basic ingredient into something extraordinary. It’s an ideal dish for those who appreciate the combination of salty, crispy bacon with a slightly sweet and savory sauce that brings the whole meal together. The key to making this recipe stand out is using quality bacon and fresh ingredients that will elevate the flavor profile, giving you that perfect balance of crunch, umami, and warmth in every bite.
Why Bacon Fried Rice is Perfect for Any Meal
Bacon fried rice is a dish that transcends any mealtime. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a quick dinner, or even a fun side dish to complement a larger spread, this fried rice recipe is sure to fit the bill. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers—cooked rice, bacon, and veggies come together effortlessly, reducing waste and saving time. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules who want a homemade, flavorful dish without much effort.
The bacon adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender rice and vegetables, providing a delightful textural experience. The vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and onions, add color and freshness to the dish, while the eggs bring in a rich and creamy element, binding everything together. With each bite, you get a burst of flavor that’s salty, savory, and just the right amount of rich. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil further enhances the depth of flavor, while the crispy bacon ties it all together, making each forkful irresistible.
The Versatility of Bacon Fried Rice
One of the best aspects of bacon fried rice is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you want a bit more heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to bring a spicy kick. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and swap it with mushrooms or tofu for added texture. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
The vegetables in bacon fried rice can be tailored to your liking. You can add bell peppers, corn, peas, or even diced pineapple for a touch of sweetness. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce for that extra layer of umami that will make the dish pop. You can also top the rice with fried eggs or a sprinkling of green onions for garnish to add even more flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Bacon Fried Rice a Complete Meal
Bacon fried rice is a fantastic meal on its own, but you can elevate it even further by pairing it with other dishes. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or salad to balance the richness of the fried rice. A simple cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a miso soup would complement the flavors of the fried rice beautifully, creating a full and satisfying meal.
If you’re looking to make it more substantial, you can add some protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or even a marinated steak, to serve alongside or stir into the fried rice. This will turn the bacon fried rice into a more hearty and protein-packed dish, perfect for those who want to make it a filling meal.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes on top to spice things up. The smoky bacon flavor pairs exceptionally well with a bit of heat, creating a balanced contrast that will leave you craving more.
The Secret to Perfect Bacon Fried Rice
The secret to perfect bacon fried rice lies in the technique and the quality of the ingredients you use. Here are some tips to ensure your bacon fried rice turns out delicious every time:
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Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and clumpy when fried. For the best results, use rice that has been cooled and stored in the fridge for at least a few hours. The cooled rice grains are firmer and less likely to stick together when stir-fried, giving you that perfect fried rice texture.
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Crisp the Bacon Well: Don’t rush the bacon. Allow it to crisp up properly before adding it to the rice. The crispy bacon adds texture and flavor to every bite. It’s essential to cook the bacon until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy to maximize its flavor.
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Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet provides ample space for the rice to fry properly. Stir-frying the rice over medium-high heat allows it to become crispy around the edges, giving it that authentic fried rice texture. Be sure to move the rice around the pan to ensure even cooking.
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Flavor with Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: Soy sauce and sesame oil are key to bringing the flavors together. The soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor, while the sesame oil gives the fried rice a subtle nutty aroma that makes it irresistible.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When making fried rice, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. If there’s too much rice or too many ingredients in the pan, it can prevent the rice from crisping up properly. If needed, cook the rice in batches to achieve the perfect texture.
Healthier Alternatives to Bacon Fried Rice
While bacon fried rice is undeniably delicious, it may not always be the healthiest option. However, there are several ways to make this dish a little lighter without compromising on flavor. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or lean ham for a lower-fat option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using tempeh or a plant-based bacon substitute to keep the dish meat-free but still savory.
To make the dish more nutritious, you can add extra vegetables such as spinach, kale, or zucchini. These vegetables will add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish while keeping it fresh and light. You can also swap the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb option.
Conclusion
Bacon fried rice is an easy, flavorful, and highly customizable dish that brings together the best of comfort food and quick cooking. The combination of crispy bacon, tender rice, and savory seasonings makes it a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice, add more veggies to your diet, or simply enjoy a hearty, delicious dish, bacon fried rice is the perfect solution. With its versatility, quick prep time, and endless variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own, and enjoy the endless possibilities that this simple yet irresistible recipe offers.
Bacon fried rice is the ultimate meal that can easily be tailored to suit any taste or dietary preference. It’s comfort food at its finest, making it a must-try for any home cook looking to make a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort.