How to make Bacon Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 4 strips of bacon
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or wok, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the vegetable oil. Heat it over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the Veggies: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
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Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetable mix to the side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until cooked through. Mix everything together.
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Add Rice and Soy Sauce: Add in the cooked rice. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to combine and heat the mixture through, about 4-5 minutes.
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Crumble the Bacon: Crumble the crispy bacon and add it back into the rice mixture. Mix everything together and cook for another minute.
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Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon Fried Rice is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful way to transform simple ingredients into something special. Every bite is packed with layers of flavor, from the savory bacon to the aromatic garlic. This dish is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a quick weekday dinner or as a side dish for gatherings.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice. Instead of letting it sit in the fridge, you can turn it into a hearty meal with minimal effort. Plus, who doesn’t love the smoky, salty flavor of bacon? It’s comfort food that brings a smile to your face with every bite.
Nutriments benefits
Bacon Fried Rice provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The rice serves as a source of energy, while bacon and eggs add protein to help keep you full. The inclusion of mixed vegetables not only adds color but also brings in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Carbohydrates: The rice is a great source of energy.
- Protein: Bacon and eggs provide necessary protein for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins: Mixed vegetables contribute vitamins A, C, and K.
- Minerals: Ingredients like bacon and vegetables offer zinc, potassium, and magnesium.
While it’s delicious, moderation is key to enjoy this meal as part of a balanced diet.
What to Serve With Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon Fried Rice is hearty enough to stand alone, but it can also be served alongside other dishes for a more complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs well with the rice.
- Shrimp: For a surf-and-turf twist, consider sautéed shrimp with garlic.
- Vegetable Stir-fry: A light veggie stir-fry can balance the richness of the bacon.
- Egg Rolls: These are a fun, crunchy side that complements the soft rice.
Whether you go for a protein-packed option or a refreshing side, Bacon Fried Rice will hold its own!
How to store Bacon Fried Rice
To store your Bacon Fried Rice:
- Cool Down: Allow the fried rice to cool down to room temperature.
- Seal and Store: Transfer the rice to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply put the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of water if needed. Stir until heated through, or microwave it in a bowl covered with a plate until warm.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
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Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky. Use rice that has been cooked and chilled for at least a few hours.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, consider cooking it in smaller portions. This helps everything cook evenly and prevents sticking.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving. You might want to add more soy sauce, salt, or pepper based on your preferences.
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Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to modify veggies or add proteins like chicken or shrimp according to what you have.
Variation
You can make several variations of Bacon Fried Rice:
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Spicy Bacon Fried Rice: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use plant-based bacon or just loads of veggies for a lighter option.
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Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
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Loaded Fried Rice: Incorporate other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or beef to make it heartier.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked rice that isn’t a day old?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice, but it’s best to cool it down completely and spread it out on a baking sheet. This helps to dry it out a bit.
2. Can I freeze Bacon Fried Rice?
Yes, you can freeze Bacon Fried Rice. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
3. Is Bacon Fried Rice healthy?
While Bacon Fried Rice is tasty, it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sodium and fat content. However, with the right balance of ingredients, it can be part of a healthy meal.
Now, you’re ready to make and enjoy a great dish of Bacon Fried Rice! Whether you’re serving it on its own or as a side, it’s sure to be a favorite at your table.
Print
Bacon Fried Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory Bacon Fried Rice featuring crispy bacon, mixed vegetables, and fluffy scrambled eggs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 4 strips of bacon
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet or wok until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towel, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease.
- Sauté onion in the same skillet with vegetable oil until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Scramble eggs in the empty space of the skillet until cooked through, then mix with vegetables.
- Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and heat through for 4-5 minutes.
- Crumble the crispy bacon and mix back into the rice mixture. Cook for another minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
Ensure to use day-old rice for best results and avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
