Breakfast Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a delicious way to start your day, this Breakfast Fried Rice will quickly become a favorite! It brings together the comforting flavors of savory rice, fluffy eggs, and crispy bacon in one hearty dish. Imagine waking up on a busy morning, craving something satisfying yet easy to whip up. This recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s great for breakfast but can also be enjoyed any time of day—whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself!

Breakfast Fried Rice is not only tasty but also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. With its quick prep time and simple ingredients, it’ll have you feeling like a culinary genius in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe cooks up in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic mornings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors and textures. It’s a sure hit at the breakfast table!
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
• Delicious Flavors: The salty soy sauce combined with smoky bacon creates an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Breakfast Fried Rice, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cook; everything comes together so effortlessly!

For the Base

• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables and Rice

• 1 medium white onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 c cold cooked rice
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 c frozen peas and carrots
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 4 green onions (sliced)

Variations

This Breakfast Fried Rice is wonderfully flexible! You can play around with different ingredients to make it your own.

• Swap the protein: Replace bacon with turkey bacon or crispy tofu for a lighter option.
• Change up the veggies: Toss in any leftover vegetables you have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach work beautifully!
• Add some heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for an extra kick.
• Go vegetarian: Simply omit the bacon and add extra eggs or your favorite plant-based protein.

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by lining a plate with paper towels for draining the bacon later. Add chopped bacon to a cold 12” skillet or wok. Heating it slowly allows the fat to render nicely, giving that perfect crispiness we all love. Stir occasionally until it’s golden brown—about 10 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

While your bacon is cooking, crack those eggs into a bowl. Season them lightly with kosher salt and ground pepper, then give them a gentle whisk with a fork. This step adds flavor right from the start! Once your bacon is set aside, drain most of its fat from the skillet but leave about two tablespoons behind. Pour in your beaten eggs and let them swirl around until they begin to set at the edges—this creates deliciously fluffy scrambled eggs!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Next, crank up the heat to medium-high and toss in your butter until it melts and foams. Now add your diced onion; sautéing them until translucent (about 5-6 minutes) enhances their sweetness! After that, introduce minced garlic into the mix—give it about a minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Add that cold cooked rice into your skillet, mixing well with onions and garlic. This is where it gets fun! Spread everything out evenly across the pan and let it fry undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes—this gives your rice nice crispy bits.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Pour soy sauce over your rice mixture—it’s what gives this dish its classic umami flavor! Use a wooden spoon to loosen any stuck bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then toss in frozen peas, carrots, corn, and toasted sesame oil—mix thoroughly until everything is warm through.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Finally, remove from heat and stir back in that delicious bacon along with those scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while it’s hot! Feel free to add more soy sauce at the table for those who want an extra splash of flavor.

Now you have a vibrant plate of Breakfast Fried Rice that’s packed with goodness—a meal truly worthy of starting any day right! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Fried Rice

Creating the perfect Breakfast Fried Rice is all about technique and using quality ingredients. Here are some tips to help you cook up a dish that’s not just good, but great!

• Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky. Day-old rice dries out a bit, making it easier to fry without clumping together.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add too much rice at once, it can steam instead of fry. Cooking in batches ensures that each grain gets that lovely golden color.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different! Start with the recommended soy sauce and taste as you go, adding more if you like a bolder flavor.
• Add protein variety: While crispy bacon adds delicious flavor, feel free to mix in other proteins like tofu or chicken. This enhances the nutritional value and makes it more filling.
• Customize your veggies: The beauty of fried rice is its versatility! You can swap out peas and carrots for any vegetables you have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach work wonderfully.

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Presentation matters! Serving your Breakfast Fried Rice beautifully can make for an inviting meal that everyone will love. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color to your dish.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Sliced red chili: For those who enjoy a kick, a few slices of fresh chili can bring heat and vibrancy.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of seasonal fruits balances the savory flavors of the fried rice perfectly.
• Cucumber salad: Lightly pickled cucumber slices add a crisp texture and tangy contrast.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the richness of the fried rice while keeping things light.
• Steamed edamame: These little green gems are packed with protein and make for a nutritious side that pairs well with Asian dishes.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’ll be ready to whip up a delicious Breakfast Fried Rice that everyone at your table will adore. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a satisfying breakfast in no time. You can store leftovers or even make a big batch for the week ahead!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the fried rice into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen fried rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if necessary to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about preparing Breakfast Fried Rice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Breakfast Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before using it in this recipe.

Is Breakfast Fried Rice healthy?

Yes! This Breakfast Fried Rice is a wholesome option packed with veggies, protein from eggs, and flavorful seasonings. It’s filling without being heavy.

How can I customize my Breakfast Fried Rice?

You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. For extra protein, consider adding tofu or chicken substitutes instead of bacon.

What is the best way to serve Breakfast Fried Rice?

Serve it hot with extra soy sauce on the side. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance its flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Breakfast Fried Rice as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to start your day with warmth and satisfaction. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own, so feel free to add your twist. Enjoy every flavorful bite!