Every bite of bacon fried rice greets you with a symphony of flavors. Crisp, smoky bacon bits mingle with fluffy grains of rice that were waiting patiently in the fridge, ready to spring back to life. Each morsel packs a punch of savory goodness, underscored by the gentle sweetness of peas and carrots. When the tender onions turn translucent, they release a whisper of natural sugar that balances the dish perfectly. And don’t even get me started on the eggs—lightly scrambled until just set, they add a comforting silkiness that ties everything together. This dish feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, whether you’re enjoying it at a bustling family dinner or sneaking in a quiet solo meal after a long day.
When weekend evenings come around and time is tight, this beginner-friendly recipe becomes my secret weapon in the kitchen. With only 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ve got a hearty lunch or dinner ready in under half an hour. At around 450 calories per serving, it checks the box for filling comfort food without sending you into a midday slump. The magic happens in one skillet or wok, so cleanup is as breezy as the cooking itself. By tossing in a swirl of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, you elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing house guests, or just treating yourself, this Bacon Fried Rice recipe is your ticket to quick, crave-worthy satisfaction.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BACON FRIED RICE
Before you dive into the wok, let’s talk about the heroes of this recipe. Each ingredient brings its own magic to the table, working in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture. From the backbone of fluffy rice to the finishing touch of fresh green onions, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cold cooked white rice
Using rice that’s been chilled overnight ensures the grains separate easily in the pan and develop a slight toasty edge when stir-fried. This prevents clumping and yields that perfect al dente bite.
- Bacon
Chopped into small pieces, it sizzles until crispy, releasing rendered fat that forms the rich flavor base. The salty crunch it adds is pure comfort food bliss.
- Large eggs
Lightly scrambled in the leftover bacon fat, they soak up savory notes and provide a tender, custardy element that balances the crispiness of the bacon.
- Onion
Finely chopped and sautéed until translucent, onions lend a natural sweetness and depth, building a savory foundation before the rice even enters the pan.
- Frozen peas and carrots mix
A colorful duo that brings a pop of freshness and a hint of sweetness. Their quick-cooking nature makes them ideal for this speedy dish.
- Soy sauce
The umami superstar that ties everything together. A few generous splashes ensure the rice is evenly seasoned with that signature savory kick.
- Sesame oil
Just a drizzle at the end infuses a nutty fragrance that takes this fried rice from everyday to extraordinary.
- Green onions
Chopped and sprinkled on top, they offer a crisp, mild bite and a vibrant burst of color that brightens each serving.
- Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings to taste, added at the end to tailor the final flavor profile and make every bite sing.
HOW TO MAKE BACON FRIED RICE
Now that your ingredients are lined up, it’s time to bring everything together in one hot skillet. This step-by-step process transforms humble staples into a satisfying, restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up on a weeknight.
1. Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges turn deep golden and the bacon is thoroughly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, then set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate so it can drain off any excess fat.
2. In the same skillet, leave the rendered bacon fat behind. Push it to one side of the pan and crack the eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs gently, folding them until they’re fully cooked but still soft and slightly creamy. Fold the eggs into the bacon fat until they’re infused with that smoky goodness, then remove them to join the bacon off to the side.
3. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. This step releases the onion’s natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for the veggies and rice.
4. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are completely heated through and tender-crisp.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the cold cooked rice to the pan. Use a sturdy spatula to break up any stubborn clumps of rice, ensuring each grain gets individual attention. Keep stir-frying for 2–3 minutes so the rice edges develop a light, toasty finish.
6. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to coat every grain and vegetable piece in that irresistible umami flavor. The ingredients should glisten and smell incredibly inviting.
7. Return the crispy bacon and the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Mix thoroughly, ensuring all components are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
8. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your personal taste. Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld and the dish heats through consistently.
9. Finish by sprinkling the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of color and mild oniony crunch. Serve your Bacon Fried Rice hot and dive in while it’s at its fluffiest!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BACON FRIED RICE
When it comes to serving your homemade Bacon Fried Rice, a little extra flair takes this dish from simple to sensational. Whether you’re plating it up for family or sharing with friends, try these ideas to elevate each bowl:
- Garnish with a soft-boiled egg
Top each portion with a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg. The custardy yolk creates a rich sauce that mingles with the rice, adding extra depth and creaminess.
- Serve alongside pickled vegetables
Offer small bowls of crunchy pickled cucumbers or radishes on the side. Their tangy brightness cuts through the richness of the bacon and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Drizzle with chili oil
For a spicy kick, finish with a light drizzle of homemade or store-bought chili oil. The heat complements the soy sauce’s umami and warms you from the inside out.
- Pair with a fresh cucumber salad
A simple salad of sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a pinch of sugar adds a crisp, cooling element that balances the warm, savory fried rice.
HOW TO STORE BACON FRIED RICE
If you want to enjoy this Bacon Fried Rice again later, proper storage makes all the difference in preserving its texture and flavor. Here are some reliable methods to keep your leftovers tasting just as vibrant:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Transfer cooled fried rice into a sealed, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors locked in.
- Freeze in portions
Divide the rice into individual serving-size freezer bags or containers. Label each with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in a hot skillet over medium heat with a drop of oil or a splash of water. This helps revive the rice’s fluffy texture and prevents it from drying out.
- Avoid reheating multiple times
To maintain both food safety and quality, only reheat as much as you plan to eat in one sitting. Repeated heating can dry out the rice and diminish the fresh flavors.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this Bacon Fried Rice recipe into your kitchen means embracing a dish that’s equal parts comforting and exciting. We’ve walked through every step—from crisping up the bacon in a single skillet to adding just the right amount of soy sauce and sesame oil for maximum umami impact. Along the way, we’ve covered tips for serving friends and family, clever ways to store your leftovers, and even tricks for reheating so nothing goes to waste. With only a handful of pantry staples and freezer-friendly veggies, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under 30 minutes. Plus, as a beginner-friendly dish with simple techniques like sautéing, scrambling, and stir-frying, you’ll feel like a seasoned home cook in no time. Feel free to print this article or save it for later—you’ll definitely want to revisit it whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to help with any lingering questions. If you have comments, questions, or feedback after trying out the Bacon Fried Rice, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know how it turned out or share any creative twists you added. Your kitchen stories inspire me, and I’m always happy to help troubleshoot or celebrate your cooking victories. Enjoy every savory, crunchy, fluffy bite!
Bacon Fried Rice
Description
With crispy bacon, veggies, and fluffy rice all tossed in savory soy sauce, this Bacon Fried Rice promises a burst of flavor in every bite. It's quick, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
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In the same skillet, with the bacon fat remaining, push the bacon fat to one side of the pan and crack the eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked. Mix the eggs with the bacon fat and remove from the skillet, setting aside with the bacon.
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Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix, and cook until the vegetables are heated through.
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Increase the heat to medium-high, and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
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Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
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Return the bacon and scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing to combine everything thoroughly.
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Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
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Finish by adding the chopped green onions as a garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Bacon Fried Rice!
Note
- Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute with turkey bacon or omit altogether for a vegetarian version.
- Try adding more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn for extra nutrition.
