Bacon Fried Rice is the perfect combination of smoky bacon, savory sauces, and fluffy rice, offering a satisfying meal packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or create a quick and easy dinner, this dish is sure to please. The addition of crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the eggs, vegetables, and flavorful sauces make it a complete meal in itself. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- ½ large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 cups of previously cooked and refrigerated long-grain rice, ideally made a day ahead for best texture.
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or wok, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan to cook the other ingredients.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic :
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until it releases a fragrant aroma.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly tender.
- Add the Rice:
- Add the day-old cooked and cooled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, ensuring the rice is evenly heated.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side.
- Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix them into the rice.
- Season the Rice:
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet, stirring everything together to evenly coat the rice with the sauces.
- Finish with Bacon and Green Onions:
- Finally, stir the crispy bacon back into the rice.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the bacon fried rice hot as a main dish or a hearty side.
- It pairs well with additional protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Conclusion:
Bacon Fried Rice is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures—crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and savory rice brought together by a rich combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Whether you’re using up leftover rice or making it fresh, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect go-to recipe when you’re in need of a delicious meal in a hurry.
Bacon Fried Rice: A Savory Twist on a Classic Dish
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- ½ large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 cups of previously cooked and refrigerated long-grain rice ideally made a day ahead for best texture.
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet or wok, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan to cook the other ingredients.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic :
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until it releases a fragrant aroma.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly tender.
Add the Rice:
- Add the day-old cooked and cooled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, ensuring the rice is evenly heated.
Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side.
- Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix them into the rice.
Season the Rice:
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet, stirring everything together to evenly coat the rice with the sauces.
Finish with Bacon and Green Onions:
- Finally, stir the crispy bacon back into the rice.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.
Serve:
- Serve the bacon fried rice hot as a main dish or a hearty side.
- It pairs well with additional protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.