Easy Bacon Fried Rice Recipe – Better Than Takeout!
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This Bacon Fried Rice is the perfect easy dinner when you want something quick, filling, and packed with flavor. Crispy bacon adds smoky richness to every bite, while fluffy rice, eggs, peas, carrots, onion, and garlic make it hearty and satisfying. Tossed with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, this homemade bacon fried rice is a delicious way to turn leftover rice into a simple stovetop meal the whole family will love.
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Why You’ll Love Bacon Fried Rice
- This Bacon Fried Rice is full of smoky, savory flavor from the crispy bacon. The bacon grease adds richness to the rice, eggs, and vegetables. Every bite tastes hearty and satisfying. It is a delicious way to make simple ingredients taste amazing.
- This recipe is perfect for using leftover rice. Day-old rice fries up beautifully and helps keep the texture fluffy instead of mushy. It is a great way to turn leftovers into a brand-new meal. You can make it for lunch, dinner, or a quick family meal.
- It is easy to make in one skillet. The bacon, vegetables, eggs, rice, and sauce all cook together in the same pan. That means less cleanup after cooking. This makes it a great recipe for busy days.
- The combination of eggs, vegetables, and rice makes this dish filling and comforting. The peas and carrots add color and a little sweetness. The green onions add a fresh finishing touch. It is simple, cozy food that tastes homemade and delicious.
- This fried rice is very versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish. It goes well with many other Asian-inspired recipes. It is also tasty enough to enjoy all by itself.
Ingredients For Bacon Fried Rice
- Bacon – Adds crispy texture and smoky flavor to the fried rice. The bacon grease is also used to cook the vegetables and add even more flavor.
- Onion – Gives the dish a savory base and mild sweetness once it cooks down in the skillet.
- Garlic – Adds delicious flavor and makes the fried rice taste extra savory.
- Frozen peas and carrots – An easy shortcut that adds color, texture, and veggies to the dish.
- Cooked and cooled long-grain rice – The main ingredient for the fried rice. Day-old chilled rice works best because it fries nicely and does not get mushy.
- Eggs – Add protein and make the fried rice hearty and satisfying.
- Soy sauce – Gives the rice classic savory flavor and helps season the whole dish.
- Oyster sauce – Adds rich, deep flavor that makes this fried rice taste extra delicious.
- Sesame oil – Adds a nutty finishing flavor that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper – Used to season the fried rice to taste.
- Green onions – Add a fresh pop of flavor and color right before serving.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
How To Make Bacon Fried Rice
- Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet until it is crispy. Take the bacon out of the pan, but keep the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the rest of the ingredients.
- Add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook it until it softens and smells delicious.
- Stir in the garlic, peas, and carrots. Cook everything together until the vegetables are heated through.
- Add the cooked chilled rice to the skillet. Stir well and break up any clumps so the rice mixes evenly with the vegetables.
- Move the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until cooked.
- Mix the scrambled eggs into the rice. Stir everything together so the eggs are evenly spread throughout the dish.
- Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything until the rice is evenly coated with sauce. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Bacon Fried Rice as a quick main dish for lunch or dinner. It is hearty enough to enjoy all by itself.
- Pair it with chicken shu mai dumplings or vegetable dumplings for a tasty Asian-inspired meal. The soft dumplings go perfectly with the savory fried rice.
- Serve it with homemade egg rolls or crispy spring rolls on the side. This makes the meal feel like homemade takeout.
- Add a spicy cucumber salad for a fresh and crunchy side dish. The cool cucumbers balance the smoky bacon flavor.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, sauteed green beans, or sauteed cabbage. This adds more color and veggies to the plate.
- Top each serving with extra green onions before serving. You can also add a drizzle of sweet and spicy sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
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Tips For Success
- For the best Bacon Fried Rice, use cooked and cooled rice. Day-old rice is ideal because it has had time to dry out in the refrigerator. This helps the grains stay separate when they hit the hot skillet. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and moist, which may make the fried rice clump together.
- Cook the bacon until it is crispy before removing it from the skillet. Starting the bacon in a cold skillet helps the fat render slowly and evenly. The bacon grease adds wonderful smoky flavor to the onion, garlic, vegetables, and rice. Be sure to leave enough of that flavorful grease in the pan to cook the rest of the ingredients.
- Keep the ingredients moving as you cook. Fried rice comes together quickly, so it helps to have everything chopped, measured, and ready before you start. Once the rice goes into the skillet, stir often and break up any clumps with your spatula. This helps the sauce coat every bite.
- Scramble the eggs on one side of the skillet before mixing them into the rice. This keeps the eggs fluffy and prevents them from disappearing into the rice mixture. Once the eggs are fully cooked, stir them through the rice so every serving gets a little bit of egg.
- Taste the fried rice before adding extra seasoning. Bacon, soy sauce, and oyster sauce all add saltiness, so you may not need much extra salt. Start with a small amount, then adjust to your taste. Finish with green onions right before serving for fresh flavor and color.
Variations And Substitutions
- This Bacon Fried Rice is easy to change based on what you have in your kitchen. You can keep the recipe simple as written, or you can add extra ingredients to make it even more filling. Since fried rice is such a flexible dish, it works well with many different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. This makes it a great recipe for using up leftovers.
- For the bacon, you can use regular bacon or thick-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon gives the fried rice bigger, meatier bites, while regular bacon cooks a little faster. If you want a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon may not release as much grease, so you may need to add a little oil to the skillet.
- You can also change the vegetables. Frozen peas and carrots are easy and convenient, but other vegetables work well too. Try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, corn, or snap peas. Just make sure the vegetables are cut into small pieces so they cook quickly and mix well with the rice.
- For the rice, long-grain white rice works great, especially when it is cooked and chilled ahead of time. You can also use brown rice if you prefer a heartier texture. The most important thing is to use rice that is cooled, not freshly cooked and hot. Cold rice fries better and helps keep the dish from turning mushy.
- You can adjust the sauces to your taste. Add a little more soy sauce if you like a stronger savory flavor. Use less oyster sauce if you want a lighter taste. A little extra sesame oil can add more nutty flavor, but use it carefully because it is very strong.
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, ham, or more eggs. You can also make it spicier with sriracha, chili oil, or crushed red pepper flakes. This recipe is easy to customize, so you can make it just the way your family likes it.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover Bacon Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small splash of water or a little oil to keep the rice from drying out, then stir until heated through.
- You can also reheat it in the microwave. Place the fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- For the best taste and texture, reheat only the amount you plan to eat. This helps keep the rice from getting too dry or overcooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly cooked rice for Bacon Fried Rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but cooked and cooled rice works much better for fried rice. Fresh rice is soft and moist, so it can stick together and turn mushy when it is added to the hot skillet. Chilled rice is firmer, which helps the grains separate and fry nicely. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a plate or baking sheet and let it cool before using it. This helps remove some of the extra moisture. Day-old rice from the refrigerator is the best option because it gives the fried rice that classic fluffy texture.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Thick-cut bacon works really well in this recipe because it gives you crispy, smoky pieces that stand out in the rice. Regular bacon can also be used and will still taste delicious. The most important thing is to cook the bacon until it is crispy before adding it back into the fried rice. Crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor. The bacon grease also seasons the onions, garlic, vegetables, and rice, so it makes the whole dish taste richer. If your bacon releases a lot of grease, you can remove a little before adding the onion.
Can I make Bacon Fried Rice without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can make this recipe without oyster sauce. The oyster sauce adds a rich, savory flavor, but the fried rice will still taste good with just soy sauce and sesame oil. You may want to add a little extra soy sauce if you skip the oyster sauce. Taste the rice before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Keep in mind that soy sauce and bacon are both salty, so add slowly. This recipe is very flexible and easy to adjust based on what you have.
Can I add more vegetables to this fried rice?
Yes, this is a great recipe for adding extra vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, corn, snap peas, or zucchini would all work well. Cut the vegetables into small pieces so they cook quickly and mix evenly into the rice. If you are using vegetables that take longer to cook, add them before the rice so they have enough time to soften. Frozen vegetables are also a great shortcut because they are already prepped. Adding more vegetables makes the fried rice more colorful and filling.
Can I add another protein to Bacon Fried Rice?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, ham, or extra eggs to make this fried rice even heartier. Since the bacon already adds lots of flavor, you do not need a lot of extra protein. Make sure any added meat or seafood is fully cooked before stirring it into the rice. Add it near the end of cooking so it warms through without getting overcooked. This is a great way to use leftovers from the refrigerator. The recipe is easy to customize for lunch or dinner.
How do I keep fried rice from getting mushy?
The best way to keep fried rice from getting mushy is to use cold cooked rice. Chilled rice is drier than fresh rice, so it fries instead of steaming in the skillet. It also helps to cook over higher heat once the rice and sauces are added. Stir often and break up clumps with a spatula. Do not add too much sauce at once, because extra liquid can make the rice too wet. A large skillet or wok also helps because the ingredients have room to cook evenly.
How long does Bacon Fried Rice last in the refrigerator?
Bacon Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the rice cool before storing it, then place it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot. A small splash of water or oil can help bring back moisture while reheating. For the best flavor and texture, reheat only the portion you plan to eat. This keeps the rice from drying out from repeated reheating.
Can Bacon Fried Rice be served as a main dish?
Yes, Bacon Fried Rice makes a great main dish. It has rice, eggs, bacon, and vegetables, so it is filling enough for a complete meal. You can serve it for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty breakfast-style meal. It is also delicious as a side dish with dumplings, egg rolls, chicken, or vegetables. This recipe is especially helpful when you want something quick and satisfying. It is a simple homemade meal that tastes comforting and flavorful.
Other Easy Bacon Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Irish Bacon And Cabbage Soup
- Bacon Wrapped Steak Bites
- Southern Fried Cabbage With Bacon
Other Easy Rice Recipes
Bacon Fried Rice
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Add chopped bacon to a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook until crispy, remove the bacon, and leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic, frozen peas, and carrots. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are heated through.
- Add the cooked chilled rice and stir everything together. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, breaking up any clumps of rice.
- Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
- Mix the eggs into the rice and vegetables, then turn the heat to high.
- Add the cooked bacon, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined and evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Day-old chilled rice works best because it is drier and fries up without getting mushy.
- Since bacon, soy sauce, and oyster sauce are salty, adjust the salt to taste after mixing everything together.
