This Easy Bacon & Fried Rice is a delicious, quick-to-make dish that combines crispy bacon with fluffy rice, savory soy sauce, and tender vegetables. It’s an ideal solution for using up leftover rice and delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, simple, and highly customizable. It uses ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen and transforms them into a flavorful, one-pan dish. The smoky, crisp bacon adds richness to every bite, while the soy sauce and sesame oil bring depth and umami. It’s also a great way to use leftover rice and can easily be adapted with different vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 slices of bacon (chopped into small pieces)
2 cups of cooked rice (preferably chilled, day-old rice works best)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or to taste)
1 tablespoon of sesame oil (for extra flavor)
2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 cup of frozen peas and carrots (or fresh, diced vegetables of choice)
2 green onions (chopped)
1 clove of garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
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In a large skillet or wok, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
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Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Push the vegetables to the side of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully set, about 2 minutes.
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Add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir until the rice is well combined with the eggs and vegetables.
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Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir it into the rice. Let everything cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 2 generous servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Substitute bacon with diced ham, cooked chicken, or tofu for a different protein.
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Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
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Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
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Spice it up with a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
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Replace sesame oil with chili oil for a touch of heat.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
Yes, but day-old rice is preferred as it is drier and less likely to become mushy when fried.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and use tofu or more vegetables. You can also add scrambled tofu for extra protein.
Can I freeze bacon fried rice?
Yes, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is sesame oil necessary?
While optional, sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick pan or wok, and ensure the rice is well chilled before adding it to the pan.
Can I add other sauces?
Yes, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a splash of fish sauce can add more depth of flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate when fried.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What can I serve with bacon fried rice?
It pairs well with steamed vegetables, a simple cucumber salad, or egg drop soup.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but for best texture and flavor, reheat it in a skillet rather than the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Bacon & Fried Rice recipe is a reliable, tasty option when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for endless variations, and its rich, savory flavor is sure to please. Perfect for using leftover rice, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Easy Bacon & Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Bacon & Fried Rice recipe is the ultimate quick weeknight meal! Smoky, crispy bacon combined with fluffy rice, eggs, and veggies creates a flavorful fried rice that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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4 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
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2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled, day-old rice works best)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 eggs, beaten
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1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh, diced vegetables of choice)
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add peas and carrots (or other vegetables) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Scramble the Eggs: Push veggies to one side of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked, about 2 minutes.
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Add Rice: Stir in chilled rice, breaking up any clumps. Mix well with the veggies and eggs.
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Season: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine with Bacon: Return bacon to the pan and stir everything together. Cook another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
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Day-old rice gives the best texture for fried rice.
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Add a splash of sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
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Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired