Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe

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Start Here: Cozy Cravings with Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe

I love waking up on a slow weekend morning and whipping up this Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory soy-seasoned rice that just hits the spot. Inspired by takeout classics but made homey and fresh, this dish is perfect when you want a comforting breakfast that’s a little different from the usual eggs-and-toast routine.

You’ll enjoy how the aromas fill your kitchen—the sizzle of bacon, the sweet pop of sautéed garlic, and the nutty sesame oil finishing touch. Whether it’s a nourishing start before your day or a casual brunch treat, this recipe brings a satisfying mix of texture and flavor in every bite.

Plus, the best part? Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe is incredibly versatile and a great way to use up leftover rice and those little veggies hiding in your freezer.

Prep Like a Pro

Getting organized is key, especially with a dish that cooks quickly like this Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe. I always set out all my ingredients, chop and measure everything in advance—otherwise, the timing can get off and that lovely sizzle turns into scrambling chaos.

• Get a large 12” skillet or wok ready for even heat distribution.
• Line a plate with paper towels for draining crispy bacon.
• Use a rubber spatula for scrambling eggs gently.
• Have a wooden spoon handy to stir-fry the rice without smashing the grains.
• Prep all chopped vegetables and measure sauces beforehand.

Gather Your Ingredients

Accurate measuring ensures your Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe comes out flavorful and balanced every time. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

• Bacon slices – bring that smoky crispness.
• Large eggs – for creamy scrambled texture.
• Kosher salt and ground pepper – simple seasoning staples.
• Butter – adds richness and helps sauté veggies.
• White onion, diced – builds savory depth.
• Garlic cloves, minced – gives a fragrant punch.
• Cold cooked rice – day-old preferred for best fry texture.
• Soy sauce – provides umami kick.
• Toasted sesame oil – enhances nuttiness.
• Frozen peas and carrots – colorful veggie combos.
• Frozen corn – adds natural sweetness.
• Green onions, sliced – fresh garnish and crunch.

If you don’t have cold rice ready, just cook your rice a little ahead of time and spread it out to cool. Veggie-wise, feel free to swap or add in bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to keep it fun and seasonal.

Step-by-Step to Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe Bliss

This recipe is as much about timing and technique as ingredients. Follow these steps to build layers of flavor and texture that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

1. Render the bacon: Start by placing the chopped bacon in a cold 12” skillet. Turn on medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the bacon crisps up nicely (about 10 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Prepare the eggs: While the bacon cooks, crack your eggs into a bowl. Add ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then lightly beat with a fork. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet.
3. Scramble eggs gently: Pour the eggs into the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Let them cook undisturbed 1-2 minutes until edges set. Use a rubber spatula to scrape edges toward the center, letting them cook again 1-2 minutes. Repeat scrambling 1-2 times until the eggs are softly scrambled to your liking. Remove eggs and set aside.
4. Sauté aromatics: Turn the heat to medium-high and add butter to the skillet. When melted and foaming, toss in the diced onion. Sauté 5-6 minutes until translucent and sweet. Add garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add rice and fry: Mix the cold rice with the onion and garlic in the skillet until well combined. Pat the mixture into an even layer and let it fry undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, allowing a bit of toasty crust to develop.
6. Season and stir in veggies: Pour soy sauce over the rice. Use a wooden spoon to loosen and stir the rice, mixing the soy sauce thoroughly. Add frozen peas, carrots, corn, and toasted sesame oil. Toss frequently until veggies heat through and rice is dry to the touch.
7. Finish with bacon, eggs, and scallions: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in your crisp bacon chunks, scrambled eggs, and sliced green onions. Serve piping hot with extra soy sauce on the side.

Serve & Savor

Serve your Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe straight from the pan or plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of color. The inviting crunch from bacon combined with velvety eggs and tender veggies makes every forkful a little celebration. Make sure to grab an extra splash of soy sauce or chili sauce on the side for added zing.

Creative Variations with Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or sausage for a leaner protein option.
• Try colorful bell peppers or zucchini ribbons in place of frozen veggies.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin for a slightly sweet tang.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, fiber-rich twist.
• Incorporate tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Top finished rice with a fried egg for extra indulgence.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

• Make the entire Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe up to 2 days in advance; store tightly covered in the fridge.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or oil to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring between, to warm evenly.
• Do not freeze cooked rice dishes to maintain ideal texture; fresh is best.

Your Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I use day-old rice? Absolutely! Cold, day-old rice is ideal since it’s drier and fries up without clumping.
• What if I don’t eat pork? No worries—you can swap bacon for chicken, turkey bacon, or keep it vegetarian with tofu.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• How do I get fluffy scrambled eggs? Cook eggs low and slow, gently stirring to keep them soft and creamy.
• Is sesame oil necessary? It adds a wonderful nutty aroma, but can be omitted if you prefer a more straightforward flavor.

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