Breakfast Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying way to kick off your day, let me introduce you to my favorite dish: Breakfast Fried Rice. This delicious meal combines the flavors of classic breakfast ingredients with the comfort of fried rice, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings or lazy weekends alike. Whether it’s a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely brunch with friends, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

What I love most about Breakfast Fried Rice is its versatility. You can easily whip it up using leftover rice and whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the eggs and bacon, keeping you fueled throughout your day without weighing you down!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to serve.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this tasty twist on traditional breakfast foods!
• Flexible ingredients: Use leftover rice and any vegetables you have on hand for a personalized touch.
• Full of flavor: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste.
• One-pan wonder: Less mess means more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful Breakfast Fried Rice. You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in one pan.

For the Base

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

Veggies and Rice

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

Variations

One of the best parts about Breakfast Fried Rice is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have in your kitchen.

• Swap the protein: Replace bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add some sriracha or chopped chili peppers for a kick.
• Turn up the flavor: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce for a unique twist.

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by lining a plate with paper towels and setting it aside. Next, add your chopped bacon to a cold 12” skillet or wok. Heating it slowly allows the fat to render out nicely. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer your bacon onto the prepared plate to drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

While your bacon is cooking, crack those lovely eggs into a bowl. Season them with kosher salt and ground pepper before giving them a light beat with a fork. This will help create fluffy scrambled eggs that complement your fried rice perfectly!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Drain all but about two tablespoons of bacon fat from your skillet (you want just enough for flavor!). Add the lightly beaten eggs to the skillet next; swirl them around so they coat the bottom of the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes until set around the edges before gently scrambling. Once cooked to your liking, set them aside.

Step 4: Cook Onions and Garlic

Increase the heat to medium-high and melt your butter until it’s foamy. Toss in diced onion and sauté until translucent—this step really brings out their sweetness! After about 5-6 minutes, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant; this should only take another minute.

Step 5: Fry the Rice

Now it’s time for that cold cooked rice! Add it directly into your skillet with onions and garlic; toss everything together until well combined. Flatten out the mixture into an even layer in your pan and let it fry undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This will give your rice that delightful crispy texture.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour soy sauce over your rice mixture while using a wooden spoon to loosen everything from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in those colorful frozen vegetables along with toasted sesame oil—this makes everything come together beautifully! Toss frequently until everything is warmed through.

Step 7: Finish Up

Finally, remove your skillet from heat, and stir in that crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot with extra soy sauce if desired!

Enjoy every bite of this comforting Breakfast Fried Rice; it’s sure to become a new morning favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Fried Rice

Making the perfect Breakfast Fried Rice is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out absolutely delicious.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky, leading to clumpy fried rice. Day-old rice has a firmer texture that’s perfect for frying and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Don’t Rush the Bacon: Cooking the bacon slowly at medium heat helps render the fat properly and achieve that perfect crispiness. This adds a savory depth of flavor to your dish.

• Adjust the Heat: Be mindful of your cooking temperature. Starting at medium heat and then adjusting to medium-high when adding ingredients allows for a nice sear while preventing burning.

• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in or out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, or even leftover roasted vegetables can add unique flavors and textures.

• Top with Fresh Herbs: Adding freshly chopped herbs, like cilantro or parsley, right before serving can brighten up the dish and enhance its overall flavor profile.

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Serving Breakfast Fried Rice can be a fun experience, allowing you to showcase your culinary masterpiece in style! Here are some presentation ideas:

Garnishes

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances out the savory elements of fried rice.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds provides a lovely crunch and enhances the nutty flavor of sesame oil used in the recipe.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a kick, a dash of chili flakes can elevate the dish with an exciting heat that complements its savory notes.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits like berries, melons, and citrus is a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with savory fried rice.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds comfort and depth, offering umami flavors that harmonize wonderfully with breakfast fried rice.
• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil brings a crisp texture and tangy brightness that balances out your meal.
• Steamed Dumplings: These bite-sized delights make for an excellent finger food side that complements the rich flavors of your fried rice perfectly.

Enjoy crafting your delightful Breakfast Fried Rice experience! Remember, this dish is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about enjoying every bite along with those you share it with. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a large batch ahead of time, making your mornings a breeze. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftover fried rice.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the cooled fried rice into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for the best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Breakfast Fried Rice!

Can I use leftover rice for Breakfast Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Leftover rice works wonderfully in this recipe. In fact, day-old rice gives the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for bacon in Breakfast Fried Rice?

You can use turkey bacon or even tempeh bacon as a tasty alternative. Just cook them until crispy before adding them to the fried rice.

Is Breakfast Fried Rice healthy?

Yes! This Breakfast Fried Rice is packed with protein from eggs and plenty of veggies, making it a nutritious choice to start your day.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Breakfast Fried Rice recipe as I am! It’s an easy way to enjoy a comforting breakfast that feels indulgent yet is made with wholesome ingredients. Whether you make it fresh or prep it ahead of time, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade breakfast!