Okay, picture this: Is it Is it Friday night and you’re craving something savory and satisfying? What is it like to take out a pizza? What’s the point of this post?Bacon Fried Rice: What are someRecipe comes to the rescue. What’s your favorite Chinese takeout? What are some umami flavors that will make your taste buds sing? What is better than plain old Egg Fried Rice? Is it faster to wait for delivery? My grandma used to make a simpler version of fried rice, but the bacon? What’s my little touch of genius that takes it from “meh” to “OMG, this is amazing!”
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What is Bacon Fried Rice?
Bacon Fried Rice: What are some, at its heart, is a simple dish: cooked rice that’s stir-fried with various ingredients, most notably, bacon! Think of it as a canvas for deliciousness. It’s essentially a way to use up leftover rice (day-old rice is actually *better* for fried rice – trust me on this one!), but it’s so good, I often cook extra rice *just* to make it. The bacon adds a smoky, salty depth that really elevates the whole dish. It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that’s customizable to whatever you have in your fridge. It’s not just “fried rice with bacon”; it’s a flavor explosion that’s incredibly comforting and satisfying.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? What I love the most about this book?Bacon Fried Rice: What are someIs it so easy to learn something new? If you’re a complete novice in the kitchen, you can nail this. Why is it a weeknight winner?
- Flavor:The smoky bacon paired with the savory soy sauce, sweet carrots, and that subtle kick from the greens. Is it addictive? What are some of the best bacon fats?
- Simplicity:Is it a one-pan wonder? What are the ingredients in a recipe?
- Cost-Rice is cheap, bacon is often on sale, and the veggies can be whatever’s in season or lurking in the pantry. How do you keep a crisper What is the best way to feed a family?
- Versatility:What are some good side dishes to serve as a main course? Add a fried egg to top for extra protein (my personal favorite)! ), or serve it alongside some grilled chicken or shrimp.
Is this a Breakfast Hash? Is jambalaya the same as ham? How do you combine all the ingredients in a single dish? Is this true?Bacon Fried Rice: What is BacWhat are the easiest recipes to make? Is it really that easy to chop vegetables? What makes it a fun family experience!
How do I make Bacon Fried Rice?
Quick Overview
This Bacon Fried Rice: What are someWhat are some good ways to cook bacon? What are some ways to stir fry veggies, add rice, toss in bacon, and drizzle with a flavorful drizzle? What is soy sauce? What is the best way to use cold, cooked rice and not overcrowd the pan. Is it easier than it sounds, and the results are seriously restaurant-worthy (if I do say so myself)?
Ingredients
For the Bacon Goodness:
What is the best way to make 8 slices of bacon, preferably thick-cut (because who doesn’t love bacon? I like using applewood smoked bacon for extra flavor, but any kind will work. What’s a good quality bacon? What are some good ways to use bacon in this recipe?
For the Foundation:
4 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old and chilled. Long grain rice, like jasmine or basmati, works best because it tends to be less sticky. Freshly cooked rice will get mushy. I’ve learned that the hard way.
For the Veggie Power: What is the best
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or a mixed veggie blend). Can you use fresh vegetables, just chop them small? What are some good substitutes for shredded cabbage and bell peppers?
2 green onions, thinly sliced. These add a nice fresh bite.
For the Flavor Bomb: What is the best flavor
How much soy sauce should I use?
1 tablespoon sesame oil (this adds a nutty aroma and flavor).
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for a touch of tang).
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger minced).
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh garlic, minced).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or wok, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet (drain off any excess – too much fat will make the fried rice greasy).
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the frozen peas and carrots (or your veggie of choice) to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook until the veggies are tender, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. If using fresh veggies, you might need to cook them a bit longer.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir-fry the rice and veggies together for about 3-5 minutes, until rice is heated through and the veggies are tender. Is it toasted Make sure to evenly distribute the bacon fat around the pan.
Step 4: Crumble the Bacon
While rice is cooking, crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces. Don’t make it too fine, you want to have some nice little chunks of bacon in there! I usually use my hands for this.
Step 5: Add the Flavor
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and garlic. Set aside. Mix the rice and veggies and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is coated with the mixture. When the sauce is absorbed, it is evenly coated. Where do you get that beautiful color?
Step 6: Finish it Off
Stir in the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions. Toss everything together one last time. What are some good seasonings to add to a salad?
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious!Bacon Fried Rice! I like to top mine with a fried egg and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
What to Serve It With
Bacon Fried Rice is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways! It’s a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:
As a Main Course: Top with a fried egg for extra protein and richness. A side of kimchi or pickled vegetables adds a nice tangy contrast.
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak. It’s also great with stir-fried tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
For Lunch: Pack it in a lunchbox with a side of edamame or a small salad. It reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.
For a Snack: Okay, maybe not a “snack” per se, but sometimes I just crave a small bowl of this in the afternoon! It’s so satisfying.
My family loves it best served with some Spring Rolls, it really balances the dish out. It’s a tradition now, every time I make Bacon Fried Rice, I have to make spring rolls too!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Bacon Fried Rice
Okay, listen up, because these tips are game-changers:
Rice is Key: Day-old rice is a MUST! Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in mushy fried rice. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a bit. That said, the day-old rice is always better than fresh!
Hot Wok, Hot Oil: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the rice and veggies. This will help prevent sticking and ensure that the rice gets nice and toasty.
Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the rice in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than fried, rice.
Bacon Fat is Your Friend: Don’t be afraid to use bacon fat! It adds so much flavor to the fried rice. Just don’t use too much, or it will be greasy. 2 tablespoons is usually the perfect amount.
Soy Sauce Savvy: Use low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the salt level. You can always add more salt if needed, but you can’t take it away!
Veggie Variations: Feel free to experiment with different veggies! Broccoli, bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, and water chestnuts are all great additions. Use whatever you have on hand!
After many years of making this Bacon Fried Rice recipe, I find that keeping the temperatures high is a super important part. When I started, I was scared to burn things, but now I know that nice, high heat is crucial. Also, don’t be scared to add a little more soy sauce for extra flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving Bacon Fried Rice at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Bacon Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Bacon Fried Rice. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat Bacon Fried Rice in the microwave, in a skillet, or in the oven. For the microwave, add a splash of water to help prevent it from drying out. For the skillet, add a little bit of oil and stir-fry until heated through. For the oven, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
If freezing, I suggest holding back a bit of the soy sauce until reheating, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavor slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Fried Rice recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving something comforting and delicious. The combination of smoky bacon, savory soy sauce, and tender veggies is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s so customizable! Feel free to experiment with different veggies, proteins, and sauces to create your own signature version. If you love this, you might also enjoy my shrimp fried rice or my chicken and broccoli stir-fry! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Savory Mushroom Fried Rice: A Quick Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz button mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 3 cups cooked brown rice preferably day-old
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce plus more to taste
- 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, peas, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the remaining olive oil into the empty side and add the rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes, until the rice is heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
