Easy Bacon & Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines savory bacon with the rich flavors of fried rice? This Easy Bacon & Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect answer! It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. The crispy bacon adds a mouthwatering crunch, while the rice soaks up all the delicious seasonings, making this dish irresistible. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a satisfying, hearty fried rice with bacon that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this easy bacon and fried rice recipe stand out? First off, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The savory bacon pairs perfectly with the tender rice, offering a blend of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. The crispy bacon, combined with sautéed vegetables, soy sauce, and egg, creates a balanced and hearty meal that’s full of comfort and umami.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to fit what you have in your pantry. Whether you’re using leftover rice, adding in different vegetables, or even switching up the protein, the possibilities are endless. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this fried rice with bacon will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Recipe Details

Fried rice is a dish with humble origins in Chinese cuisine, often considered a staple of Chinese households. Over time, it has evolved into countless variations, becoming a beloved comfort food worldwide. The version we’re diving into today features bacon, a flavor-packed twist that’s not commonly found in traditional fried rice recipes. Bacon brings a savory, smoky edge that beautifully complements the mild taste of rice and the subtle sweetness of the vegetables.

The dish is traditionally made with leftover rice, which helps prevent the grains from becoming too sticky when stir-fried. The key to achieving the perfect fried rice lies in using cold rice, as it holds its structure better and creates that satisfying crispiness when cooked in a hot pan. Whether you’re preparing it as a side dish or as a full meal, this bacon fried rice offers the right balance of textures and flavors that you’ll crave over and over again.

Nutritional Information

This Easy Bacon & Fried Rice Recipe is both satisfying and packed with nutrients. Let’s break down the nutritional components:

Calories: Depending on the portion size and ingredients used, each serving can range between 350 to 500 calories.
Protein: The bacon provides a good source of protein, while the eggs also contribute to the overall protein content.
Carbohydrates: The rice is the primary source of carbohydrates, providing energy and fiber, especially if you opt for brown rice or a whole-grain variety.
Fat: Bacon is high in fat, but this dish can still be made healthier by reducing the amount of bacon or using leaner cuts.
Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables in the dish, including onions, peas, and carrots, contribute a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and folate. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting cellular function.

For a healthier twist, consider swapping out some of the bacon for leaner proteins or adding more vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient intake.

Ingredients

Bacon (6 slices): Choose thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. Bacon adds saltiness, crunch, and a smoky flavor to the rice.
Cold Rice (3 cups): Leftover rice works best for this dish. Freshly cooked rice can become too soft and mushy when stir-fried.
Vegetables (1 cup mixed, like peas, carrots, and onions): Use whatever vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Peas, carrots, and onions add sweetness, crunch, and color.
Egg (2 large): Eggs are crucial for giving fried rice its fluffy, creamy texture.
Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): Soy sauce brings an essential savory flavor to the fried rice, balancing out the richness of the bacon.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): For a hint of nuttiness and an authentic flavor, sesame oil is the ideal cooking oil for fried rice.
Green Onions (optional, for garnish): Green onions add a fresh, crisp note when sprinkled on top of the finished dish.

When sourcing ingredients, always choose fresh, high-quality bacon, and consider using organic or locally sourced vegetables for an added layer of flavor and nutrition.

Equipment Needed

Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is the traditional tool for making fried rice, as its high sides allow for easy stirring and flipping. However, a large skillet will also work well.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula is ideal for stirring and tossing the rice, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and sturdy cutting board are essential for chopping vegetables and slicing bacon.
Measuring Spoons: To ensure accuracy in seasoning, especially when using soy sauce and sesame oil.

While these tools are ideal, if you don’t have a wok, any large skillet or sauté pan will suffice. The goal is to have a wide, flat cooking surface to fry the rice evenly.

Pro Tips For Success

Use Cold Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice because it is drier and less likely to clump together. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Crisp the Bacon First: To get the best texture, crisp the bacon before adding the vegetables. This way, the bacon will remain crunchy and not soggy by the end of the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, work in batches to ensure the rice cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Too much rice in the pan will lead to steaming rather than frying.
High Heat: To achieve that signature fried rice crunch, cook the rice on high heat. This helps create a crispy texture on the rice without it becoming too soft.
Customize Your Vegetables: You can swap out peas and carrots for other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms. This allows for endless customization and creativity in the recipe.
Flavor Balance: Be mindful of the soy sauce and sesame oil ratio to avoid over-salting the dish. Taste as you go, and add more seasoning if needed.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the bacon into small pieces and chopping your vegetables. If you’re using leftover rice, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Beat the eggs in a bowl and set them aside.
Cook the Bacon: Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onions to the pan with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the carrots and peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Stir constantly until the eggs are fully cooked and scrambled, about 2 minutes.
Add the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan and toss it in the bacon fat and egg mixture. Break up any clumps of rice as you stir, and ensure each grain is coated with the bacon and egg mixture.
Season the Rice: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Add the crispy bacon back into the pan and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
Finish and Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with green onions if desired, and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to make the dish hearty.
Spicy Fried Rice: Add some chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh diced chilies to give your fried rice an extra kick. The spice will balance the richness of the bacon and soy sauce.
Healthy Substitution: Swap out the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier, low-carb alternative. These options still absorb the flavors of the dish while adding more fiber.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover bacon fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry on the stovetop with a little oil until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This easy bacon fried rice can be served as a standalone dish or paired with other Asian-inspired recipes. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or a hot bowl of miso soup for a complete meal. If you’re serving it as a side, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, beef, or even shrimp for a surf-and-turf experience.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, brown rice is a great substitute and adds a nutty flavor. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using it in the fried rice.
How do I avoid soggy fried rice? Ensure the rice is cold and dry before cooking. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, which leads to sogginess when fried.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
How can I make the rice crispier? To achieve crispier rice, cook on high heat and don’t stir constantly. Allow the rice to sit in the pan for a few seconds to get crispy.
Can I add more vegetables? Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies to the dish for a spicy kick.
Can I freeze bacon fried rice? Yes, bacon fried rice freezes well. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly before serving.
How long does bacon fried rice last in the fridge? Leftover bacon fried rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with bacon fried rice? Bacon fried rice pairs well with a variety of dishes like grilled meats, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.

Conclusion

This Easy Bacon & Fried Rice Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, delicious, and customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a simple weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress anyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, crispy fried rice that’s packed with bacon and topped with your favorite seasonings. Give it a try today—you won’t regret it!