Bacon Fried Rice Recipe

Sizzling Bacon Fried Rice Recipe: Crispy, Savory Perfection

Crispy bacon adds an irresistible smoky punch to our classic fried rice adventure.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delightful meal.

Pantry staples become something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of textures and flavors that dance on your palate.

Kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected culinary magic like this dish.

Comfort meets creativity in a skillet that transforms everyday ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in.

Quick Instructions for Bacon Fried Rice Mastery

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Bits

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Toss in chopped bacon and let it dance and crisp up for 4-5 minutes. Once golden and crunchy, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving behind the flavorful grease. Set the bacon aside for later magic.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Egg Clouds

In the same pan with sizzling bacon drippings, slide the grease to one side. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble them until they transform into soft, pillowy clouds. Transfer the eggs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Rice

Slide leftover rice into the pan with remaining bacon fat. Stir and toss the rice, letting it absorb all the delicious bacon essence. Break up any clumps and ensure each grain gets coated.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

Add these ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Green onions
  • Minced garlic

Stir everything together, allowing the rice to develop a rich, golden color and tantalizing aroma.

Step 5: Reunite the Team

Return the crispy bacon and fluffy eggs to the pan. Gently fold them into the rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Give the fried rice a final toss, ensuring everything is well combined. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, savory creation.

Handy Tips for Getting Fried Rice Just Right

  • Bacon Fat Magic: Use the rendered bacon grease to add incredible depth and richness to your fried rice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Crispy Bacon Technique: Cook bacon until perfectly crisp but not burnt, ensuring a delightful crunch that adds texture to the dish.
  • Rice Temperature Trick: Use day-old, cold rice to prevent mushy texture and achieve that authentic restaurant-style fried rice with separated grains.
  • Egg Scrambling Secret: Cook eggs separately and set aside to maintain their fluffy texture and prevent overcooking when mixing with other ingredients.
  • Customize with Extras: Boost nutrition by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green onions to create a more balanced and colorful meal.

Best Storage Tips for Bacon Fried Rice

  • Store leftover bacon fried rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm the rice over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  • Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, mixing between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Add a small amount of fresh oil or butter when reheating to enhance flavor and maintain the rice's original texture.

Dishes That Pair Well with Bacon Fried Rice

  • Pair this savory fried rice with a crisp pilsner beer that cuts through the fatty bacon and refreshes the palate with its light, hoppy notes.
  • Select a dry Riesling wine to complement the salty bacon and provide a subtle sweetness that enhances the dish's depth.
  • Serve with a tangy cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to offer a bright, refreshing contrast to the hearty bacon fried rice.
  • Add a side of pickled vegetables like kimchi or quick-pickled radishes to introduce a zesty, acidic element that cuts through the richness of the bacon.

Tasty Variations for Bacon Fried Rice Recipes

  • Vegetarian Bacon Rice: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips or coconut bacon bits, using olive oil instead of bacon grease for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Version: Add gochujang sauce, sesame oil, and sprinkle with green onions for a bold, zesty flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Fried Rice

  • What makes bacon fried rice different from traditional fried rice?

Bacon fried rice uses bacon’s natural fat to create a richer, more savory flavor profile compared to other fried rice recipes. The crispy bacon pieces add a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish.

  • Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thick-cut, regular, or even turkey bacon work well. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish. Just ensure the bacon is cooked crispy for the best results.

  • Is bacon fried rice considered a complete meal?

While delicious, bacon fried rice is typically considered a side dish or a quick lunch. For a more substantial meal, you can add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling and nutritionally balanced.

  • How can I make bacon fried rice healthier?

Use less bacon, opt for center-cut bacon with lower fat content, add more vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach, and use brown rice instead of white rice for increased nutritional value.

What Makes Bacon Fried Rice a Bold and Savory Winner

  • Crispy bacon infuses the rice with a rich, smoky taste that transforms ordinary ingredients into an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Using simple pantry staples like leftover rice and bacon, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cost, proving gourmet-style meals can be affordable and easy to prepare.
  • Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that streamlines cooking and reduces dish-washing time, ideal for home cooks who want delicious food without complicated kitchen work.

Ingredients for Making Bacon Fried Rice

Protein Base:
  • Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture, choose thick-cut for better crunch.
  • Eggs: Provides protein and richness, use fresh large eggs for best results.
Carbohydrate Foundation:
  • Rice: Serves as the main base, day-old cold rice works best for preventing mushiness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Soy Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Brings depth and seasoning to the dish, use low-sodium soy sauce for better control of saltiness.
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Bacon Fried Rice Recipe

Bacon Fried Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling bacon fried rice delivers a flavor-packed punch of smoky, savory goodness. Crispy bacon bits and perfectly seasoned rice create a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave any time of day.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 slices bacon (chopped)
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)

Vegetables and Grains:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious skillet or wok, positioning it over medium-intensity heat to create an optimal cooking environment.
  2. Introduce chopped bacon into the heated surface, allowing it to sizzle and transform into crisp, golden morsels through a 4-5 minute rendering process.
  3. Extract the bacon pieces using a slotted utensil, strategically leaving behind the rendered, flavorful grease within the cooking vessel.
  4. Manipulate the bacon grease to one side of the pan, creating a dedicated zone for egg preparation.
  5. Pour the whisked eggs into the cleared pan section, gently agitating and folding them until they achieve a completely cooked, fluffy consistency.
  6. Transfer the perfectly scrambled eggs to a separate plate, maintaining their warmth and texture for subsequent incorporation.

Notes

  • Opt for day-old rice to prevent soggy texture and ensure each grain remains separate during frying.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture, which adds depth to the overall dish.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking bacon ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
  • For a healthier version, swap regular bacon with turkey bacon or remove excess grease by patting bacon with paper towels before cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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