Bacon Fried Rice: The Ultimate Guide to Deliciousness

Bacon Fried Rice: Prepare to elevate your fried rice game to a whole new level! Forget your usual takeout order; this recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine perfectly cooked rice, studded with crispy, smoky bacon, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties it all together. Are you drooling yet?

Fried rice, in its essence, is a culinary masterpiece born from resourcefulness. Originating in China as a way to use leftover rice, it has evolved into a globally beloved dish with countless variations. While the traditional versions often feature pork or shrimp, this Bacon Fried Rice rendition adds a distinctly American twist, infusing the classic comfort food with the irresistible flavor of bacon.

What makes this dish so universally appealing? It’s the perfect marriage of textures – the tender rice, the crunchy bacon, the crisp vegetables – all bathed in a flavorful sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This Bacon Fried Rice recipe is quick, easy to customize with your favorite veggies, and a fantastic way to use up any leftover cooked rice you might have. Get ready to experience fried rice like never before!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
• 4 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old (this helps prevent it from getting mushy)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 4 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is recommended)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great umami)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste, for heat
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews, for garnish
• Vegetable oil, as needed

Preparing the Bacon and Vegetables:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add the diced bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches.
2. Remove Bacon and Reserve Fat: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet. If you have more than 2 tablespoons, pour the excess off; too much fat will make the fried rice greasy. The bacon fat is key to the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This is the foundation of the flavor, so make sure the vegetables are properly cooked.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic and ginger at this stage is just heavenly!
5. Incorporate Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through. You don’t want to overcook them, as they will become mushy.

Cooking the Eggs and Rice:

1. Push Vegetables to the Side: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space in the center.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Crack the eggs into the empty space. Let them cook for a few seconds, then scramble them with a spatula until they are cooked through but still slightly moist. Don’t overcook the eggs, as they will become rubbery.
3. Combine Eggs and Vegetables: Mix the scrambled eggs with the cooked vegetables.
4. Add the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula. You want the rice to be evenly distributed throughout the skillet.
5. Incorporate the Bacon: Add the cooked bacon to the skillet.

Seasoning and Finishing:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. This sauce is what will bring all the flavors together.
2. Pour Sauce Over Rice: Pour the sauce over the rice mixture in the skillet.
3. Stir-Fry: Stir-fry everything together, making sure the sauce is evenly distributed and the rice is heated through. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or white pepper for a little kick.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes and chopped peanuts or cashews. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Fried Rice:

• Use Day-Old Rice: This is crucial for preventing mushy fried rice. Day-old rice has less moisture, which allows it to fry up nicely.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the bacon and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed, rather than fried, ingredients.
• Use High Heat: While you don’t want to burn anything, using medium-high heat will help the rice fry up nicely and develop a slightly crispy texture.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The sauce is the key to the flavor of the fried rice, so adjust it to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter fried rice, add more sugar. If you prefer a saltier fried rice, add more soy sauce.
• Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or bean sprouts. You can also add other proteins, such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
• Don’t Be Afraid of the Wok Hei: Wok hei is the slightly smoky flavor that you get from cooking in a wok over high heat. It’s a desirable flavor in fried rice, so don’t be afraid to let the rice get a little bit charred.

Variations:

• Spicy Bacon Fried Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with sliced chili peppers.
• Vegetarian Bacon Fried Rice: Use vegetarian bacon or omit the bacon altogether. You can also add more vegetables to compensate for the lack of bacon.
• Shrimp Bacon Fried Rice: Add cooked shrimp to the fried rice along with the bacon.
• Chicken Bacon Fried Rice: Add cooked chicken to the fried rice along with the bacon.
• Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice: Add kimchi to the fried rice for a spicy and tangy flavor.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover bacon fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

Bacon fried rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish with other Asian-inspired dishes, such as:

• Egg rolls
• Spring rolls
• Dumplings
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Grilled chicken or beef

Conclusion:

This isn’t just fried rice; it’s an experience. It’s the crispy, smoky allure of bacon mingling with the fluffy rice, the savory dance of soy sauce, and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. It’s comfort food elevated, a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend treat. Honestly, after trying this Bacon Fried Rice, you might just find yourself craving it every single week!

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rice, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget ordering takeout; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your own kitchen, and you get to control exactly what goes into it. Plus, who can resist the siren call of bacon?

But the best part? You can totally make it your own! Feeling adventurous? Try adding a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor. For a vegetarian twist, swap the bacon for smoked tofu or tempeh – you’ll still get that wonderful smoky depth. You could even add some pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory explosion. The possibilities are truly endless!

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

* As a Main Course: Serve a generous portion of the Bacon Fried Rice as a complete meal. It’s satisfying and filling all on its own.
* As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete and balanced dinner. It complements almost any protein beautifully.
* With a Fried Egg: Top your Bacon Fried Rice with a perfectly fried egg for extra richness and protein. The runny yolk adds a luxurious touch.
* In a Bento Box: Pack it in a bento box for a delicious and convenient lunch. It’s a great way to enjoy leftovers on the go.
* Garnished with Scallions: A sprinkle of fresh scallions adds a pop of color and a refreshing bite.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, sauces, and toppings to create your own signature version. Maybe you love peas and carrots, or perhaps you’re a fan of adding a little ginger for warmth. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok (or skillet!), and get ready to create some magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and what your family and friends thought. Tag me in your photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Bacon Fried Rice! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help.

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June 24, 2025 by Melissa