Breakfast Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying way to start your day, then you have to try this Breakfast Fried Rice! This recipe is a favorite of mine because it perfectly combines tasty ingredients into a comforting meal that feels indulgent without all the heaviness. It’s so easy to whip up, making it ideal for those busy mornings or even leisurely weekend brunches when you want something special.

The beauty of Breakfast Fried Rice lies in its versatility—whether you have leftover rice sitting in the fridge or need a quick dish to impress family and friends, this recipe has you covered. Trust me, once you make this savory dish, it will become a staple in your breakfast rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy mornings!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the savory flavors and colorful veggies.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand—this dish is super adaptable!
• Satisfying Meal: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’ll fill you up without weighing you down.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the rice ahead of time for even quicker cooking in the morning!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! The best part about this Breakfast Fried Rice is that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are often already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fried Rice

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

One of the greatest things about Breakfast Fried Rice is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you love or have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Instead of bacon, try using cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some sriracha or chili flakes for a kick of heat.
• Go vegetarian: Omit the bacon altogether and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a plant-based version.

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by lining a plate with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess fat from the bacon later. Place chopped bacon into a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cooking from cold helps render out the fat slowly, creating perfectly crispy pieces. Stir occasionally until golden brown—about 10 minutes—and then transfer to your prepared plate.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

While your bacon cooks, crack those large eggs into a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Lightly beat them with a fork until mixed well. You’ll want to keep an eye on your bacon while doing this! Once cooked, leave about two tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet (it adds amazing flavor!), then swirl in your beaten eggs. Scramble them gently until they’re just set but still soft—this should take about 4-6 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Increase the heat to medium-high and add butter to your skillet. Once melted and foamy, toss in diced onions. Sauté until translucent—that sweetness from caramelizing them really enhances the dish! After about 5-6 minutes, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just one more minute will do.

Step 4: Add Rice

Next up is our cold cooked rice! Toss it into your skillet with onions and garlic until everything is well combined. Spread it out evenly across the pan so that it can fry slightly undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes; this gives us those crispy bits we all love.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Pour soy sauce over the rice mixture while loosening any stuck bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Then fold in those lovely frozen peas, carrots, and sesame oil. Keep stirring until everything is heated through—that bright pop of color makes this dish so inviting!

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Finally, remove your skillet from heat and stir back in that crispy bacon along with scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Give everything one last gentle toss before serving hot! I like to drizzle additional soy sauce over my portion—feel free to adjust according to taste.

Now you’re ready to dig into your delicious Breakfast Fried Rice! Enjoy every bite of this warm comfort food made with love.

Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Fried Rice

Creating the perfect Breakfast Fried Rice is all about technique and a few thoughtful tweaks. Here are some pro tips to elevate your dish:

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky, making it hard to fry properly. Day-old rice has dried out a bit, which helps achieve that delicious, crispy texture.
• Customize with Veggies: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have at home. Bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach can add color and nutrition to your fried rice.
• Don’t Rush the Bacon: Cooking the bacon slowly allows it to crisp up perfectly and renders enough fat for flavoring the rest of the dish. Patience here pays off!
• Add Flavor Gradually: Layering flavors by adding ingredients in stages (like onions first, then garlic) helps build a more complex taste profile in your fried rice.
• Finish with Freshness: Adding green onions or fresh herbs right before serving enhances both the flavor and presentation. A pop of freshness makes all the difference!

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Serving Breakfast Fried Rice can be as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this comforting dish into a delightful meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and brightness.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices not only enhance texture but also provide healthy fats that complement the dish.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the fried rice.
• Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame is a nutritious side packed with protein that pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired dishes.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber slices dressed in rice vinegar make for a refreshing palate cleanser alongside your hearty breakfast.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the dish’s flavors while providing warmth and comfort to your meal.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, your Breakfast Fried Rice will not only be delicious but also visually appealing and well-rounded! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Breakfast Fried Rice is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making busy mornings a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the fried rice completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated rice, microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• For frozen rice, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water for moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I make Breakfast Fried Rice without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with plant-based alternatives or even just add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I make Breakfast Fried Rice with brown rice?

You can easily use brown rice instead of white rice. Just be sure it’s cooked and cooled beforehand to achieve the best texture!

What else can I add to my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Feel free to customize your fried rice with additional veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or even tofu for added protein and flavor!

Can I serve Breakfast Fried Rice for dinner?

Of course! This dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day. It makes for a great dinner option as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Breakfast Fried Rice! It’s a delightful way to start your day (or end it!) while savoring flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. Enjoy every bite and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Happy cooking!