There’s something truly magical about taking a few simple ingredients and turning them into something unforgettable — and today, that magic is all about Bacon Fried Rice! This recipe is cozy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Right after trying it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every single week!
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Overview of Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon Fried Rice is a hearty, savory twist on the traditional fried rice we all know and love. It combines crispy bacon pieces with tender rice, colorful vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning to create a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes!
- Uses Pantry Staples: You probably already have everything you need.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters go crazy for this one.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or even a protein boost.
I promise you — this is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary nights into something special. 🥢
What Does Bacon Fried Rice Taste Like?
Imagine the smoky richness of crispy bacon mixed into perfectly seasoned rice with pops of sweetness from peas and carrots, and a savory depth from soy sauce and sesame oil. Every bite is loaded with textures and flavors — chewy, crispy, and wonderfully satisfying. Honestly, the smell alone while it’s cooking is enough to make your mouth water!
Benefits of Bacon Fried Rice
- Budget-Friendly: A great way to use up leftover rice and veggies.
- Meal Prep Star: It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Makes a perfect side or main for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for your delicious Bacon Fried Rice:
- 4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (day-old rice is best!)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl (for beating eggs)
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
- Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, broccoli, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Sauces: Splash in a little oyster sauce or sriracha if you like it spicy.
- Rice: Brown rice or even cauliflower rice works beautifully!
How to Make Bacon Fried Rice
Follow these easy steps to make a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Scramble the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and cook, stirring gently, until just set. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the Rice: Break up the chilled rice with your hands if needed. Add it to the pan with the veggies. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, making sure everything is well combined.
- Season the Rice: Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and pepper. Stir well to coat every grain.
- Finish It Off: Return the bacon and eggs to the pan along with the sliced green onions. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Add extra soy sauce or sesame oil if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!!
What to Serve with Bacon Fried Rice
- Egg Rolls or Potstickers
- A light Cucumber Salad for a fresh contrast
- Sweet and Sour Chicken or Orange Beef if you’re making a bigger spread
- A simple bowl of Miso Soup on the side
Anything but boring!!
Tips for Making the Best Bacon Fried Rice
- Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: It fries up beautifully without becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary to get that perfect “fried” texture.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste as you go and tweak according to your flavor preferences.
- Crisp Up the Bacon Properly: It should be nice and crunchy to add that satisfying bite!
(And honestly, the smell when this is cooking — I’m kicking myself for not having shot a video just to share that!!)
Storage Instructions
Store: Cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed to refresh.
Freeze: Yes, it freezes well! Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.
General Information
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of chilled rice?
You can, but it might be a bit softer. For best results, spread fresh rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly before frying.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply skip the bacon and use extra veggies or a plant-based bacon alternative!
Can I make bacon fried rice spicy?
Absolutely! Add sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or a diced fresh chili while stir-frying.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Long-grain white rice like jasmine rice works best because it stays fluffy and separate.
Conclusion
There you have it — a Bacon Fried Rice recipe that’s fast, foolproof, and bursting with crave-worthy flavor! Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe is a total win. I can’t wait for you to try it!
🍴 If you make this dish, I would LOVE to see your creations! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest here — let’s inspire each other! 🍴
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- No-Bake Lemon Dazzling Blueberry Cream Cake
- Hot Honey Feta Chicken
- Protein Cookie Dough Recipe – Healthy and Delicious
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Bacon Fried Rice
Cozy, savory, and bursting with flavor, this easy Bacon Fried Rice recipe turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, comforting meal in just 20 minutes! Smoky bacon, tender rice, and colorful veggies come together for a dish that’s anything but boring!!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American
Ingredients
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4 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
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3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (day-old rice preferred)
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2 eggs, lightly beaten
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1 cup frozen peas and carrots
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3 green onions, sliced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus more to taste)
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet or wok, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
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Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and gently scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
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Add frozen peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
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Add the chilled rice to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps and combining well with the veggies.
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Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Add garlic powder and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the rice.
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Return bacon, eggs, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!!
Notes
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Day-old rice works best to avoid soggy fried rice — it fries up with that perfect chewy texture!
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Customize with extra veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn.
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Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day — perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: bacon fried rice, easy fried rice, fried rice with bacon, quick fried rice, homemade fried rice, bacon rice, dinner with bacon, 20 minute meal, leftover rice recipe, Asian comfort food