Savory Bacon Fried Rice

This savory bacon fried rice is a delicious way to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. With crispy smoky bacon, tender vegetables, fluffy eggs, and a rich umami sauce, it’s a comfort food classic that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for using up leftover rice, this dish is a quick fix that feels way more special than takeout.

I first made this on a hectic weeknight and it quickly became my go-to comfort meal whenever I want something tasty without a lot of fuss. My friends keep asking for the recipe because it tastes just like restaurant fried rice but way better homemade.

Ingredients

• Thick-cut bacon: brings a smoky savory crunch and rich fatty flavor choose good quality bacon for best results
• Onion: adds sweetness and aroma building a fragrant flavor base opt for a firm yellow onion
• Garlic: delivers a sharp pungent kick essential for layering taste use fresh cloves
• Frozen peas and carrots: introduce color mild sweetness and nutrients convenient and easy to add
• Long-grain rice: serves as the hearty backbone of the dish grains stay separate and fluffy best when using chilled day-old rice
• Eggs: provide richness and protein scrambled into the rice for creamy texture buy fresh large eggs
• Soy sauce oyster sauce and sesame oil: combine for an umami-packed salty-sweet coating with a nutty aroma select naturally brewed soy sauce if possible
• Salt and pepper: fine-tune the overall flavor readjust according to your taste
• Green onions: offer crunch and a fresh burst of color add them last for a bright finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bacon:

Add the chopped bacon to a large cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook slowly until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat but keep the rendered fat in the skillet for the next steps. This fat adds incredible flavor to the dish.

Sauté the aromatics and veggies:

In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until translucent about 3 to 5 minutes. This step allows the onions to soften and release their sweetness, deepening the dish’s flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and frozen peas and carrots. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

Add the rice:

Add the cold day-old rice to the skillet. Break apart any clumps and stir well so the grains become evenly heated. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This step helps the rice dry out slightly so it fries nicely without getting mushy.

Scramble the eggs:

Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet to create a space. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs gently until they just set, then combine them into the rice and vegetables mixture. This adds a creamy texture and extra protein.

Season the rice:

Turn up the heat to high to get a little crispness and excitement in the fried rice. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the cooked bacon pieces. Stir everything together carefully so all the flavors meld beautifully. Taste the rice and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the seasoning. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly caramelize and coat the rice.

Serve with garnish:

Serve the bacon fried rice hot, sprinkled generously with chopped green onions. They add a fresh crunch and a lovely pop of color that brightens each bite.

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My favorite ingredient here has to be the thick-cut bacon. It adds this smoky crispiness that brings the whole dish to life. I remember making this late at night after college parties and everyone loved the salty, comforting flavor. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that makes any kitchen feel like home.

Storage tips

Store leftover bacon fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best eaten within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and safety. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When warming, use a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or oil to keep the rice moist and prevent drying out.

Ingredient substitutions

If you want to swap bacon, cooked diced chicken shrimp or tofu work well. For the vegetables, bell peppers mushrooms corn or broccoli add great texture and flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or just increase your soy sauce slightly. For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon to maintain that smoky element.

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Serving suggestions

Serve bacon fried rice alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas for a fresh contrast. Pair it with egg rolls potstickers or a simple Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal. You can also add a fried egg on top for extra richness or drizzle some sriracha for a spicy kick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Day-old long-grain rice is ideal as it remains fluffy and separates well when cooked, avoiding mushiness often caused by freshly cooked rice.

→ Can I substitute bacon with other proteins?

Yes, diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be used to vary the protein while keeping the dish hearty and flavorful.

→ How should the bacon be cooked for optimal flavor?

Cook bacon from cold in a skillet until crispy, then reserve the rendered fat to sauté onions and vegetables for a smoky depth.

→ What sauces create the umami flavor profile?

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil blend to provide a salty-sweet and nutty coating that enhances the dish’s overall taste.

→ How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?

Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or top with crispy chili oil according to your preferred heat level.