Breakfast Fried Rice

Savory Breakfast Fried Rice is a delightful way to kickstart your day. This dish combines the hearty flavors of bacon and eggs with the satisfying texture of fried rice. It’s perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even as a quick dinner option. Enjoy this classic comfort food that packs a punch of flavor while keeping things light and easy on your stomach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of bacon, eggs, and soy sauce creates a savory profile that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy this dish anytime – breakfast, lunch, or dinner! It’s suitable for any occasion.
• Healthy Comfort Food: With fresh veggies and protein, this meal provides comfort without the heaviness often associated with traditional breakfasts.
• Leftover Friendly: Perfect for using up leftover rice, making it a smart choice for reducing food waste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this savory Breakfast Fried Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures an easier cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 12” skillet or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Rubber spatula
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• 12” skillet or wok: This provides ample space for frying the rice evenly without overcrowding.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing cooked bacon efficiently while allowing excess fat to drain.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scrambling eggs and mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

To create your flavorful Breakfast Fried Rice, gather the following ingredients:

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)

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Add chopped bacon to a cold 12” skillet or wok. Heat it over medium heat. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

While the bacon cooks, crack the eggs into a bowl. Add kosher salt and ground pepper. Lightly beat with a fork until combined.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet. Pour in the beaten eggs, swirling them to coat the pan’s bottom. Cook for 1-2 minutes until edges firm up. Scramble gently with a rubber spatula until cooked to your liking.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Increase heat to medium-high. Add butter until melted and foamy. Toss in diced onion; sauté until translucent for about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Step 5: Combine Rice with Vegetables

Add cold cooked rice to the skillet, mixing well with onions and garlic. Flatten into an even layer on the pan’s surface without stirring for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Add Soy Sauce and Vegetables

Pour soy sauce over the rice mixture, loosening any stuck bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in frozen peas, carrots, corn, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.

Step 7: Finish Up

Remove from heat once vegetables are warmed through. Fold in cooked bacon, scrambled eggs, and sliced green onions gently before serving immediately with additional soy sauce if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Breakfast Fried Rice, packed with flavors that will surely please everyone at your table!

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Breakfast Fried Rice is versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your breakfast experience.

Top with Extra Ingredients

• Fried Egg: Place a sunny-side-up or poached egg on top for added richness.
• Sriracha Sauce: Drizzle with Sriracha for a spicy kick that complements the flavors.
• Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for a fresh and healthy touch.

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds crunch and freshness to balance the savory rice.
• Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast to the salty breakfast fried rice.
• Yogurt Dip: Serve with a tangy yogurt dip to enhance flavor and provide creaminess.

Enjoy with Beverages

• Green Tea: A warm cup of green tea perfectly complements the Asian-inspired flavors.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Bright and citrusy, orange juice refreshes your palate after each bite.

How to Perfect Breakfast Fried Rice

Making perfect Breakfast Fried Rice is easy if you follow these tips. Enjoy a dish full of flavor and texture every time!

• Use Cold Rice: Using leftover, cold cooked rice prevents clumping and ensures even frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to allow proper browning of ingredients.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste your dish while cooking; adjust soy sauce or seasoning as needed.
• Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil before serving for an aromatic finish.

Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Fried Rice

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Breakfast Fried Rice with these delightful side dishes. They complement the main dish beautifully!

1. Miso Soup: A warm, savory soup that adds depth to your meal; quick and easy to prepare.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious crunch; season lightly with salt.
3. Asian Slaw: A fresh slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds crispness; toss with sesame dressing.
4. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp bring texture; serve hot with dipping sauce.
5. Kimchi: This fermented side dish offers tangy spice; serves as an excellent probiotic addition.
6. Edamame Beans: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a healthy finger food option; quick to cook!
7. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles drizzled with peanut sauce add flavor variety; serve chilled alongside.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies enhance the meal’s complexity; easy to make ahead!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Breakfast Fried Rice, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. Instead, use cold, day-old rice for the best results.
• Overcooking the Bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it tough. Aim for crispy but tender bacon by monitoring it closely during frying.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Skipping seasonings can lead to bland fried rice. Make sure to evenly distribute soy sauce and sesame oil for a flavorful impact.
• Cooking at Low Heat: Low heat can result in soggy rice. Use medium-high heat to achieve that desirable fried texture.
• Neglecting Vegetables: Forgetting to add vegetables can leave your dish unbalanced. Incorporate a mix of frozen veggies for color and nutrition.
• Skipping Garnishes: Not garnishing with green onions or additional soy sauce can undercut the dish’s appeal. Always finish with fresh toppings for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the rice cool down before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Breakfast Fried Rice

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Label the bags with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Breakfast Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute increments until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breakfast Fried Rice?

Breakfast Fried Rice is a savory dish made from leftover rice combined with ingredients like eggs, bacon, and vegetables, creating a hearty breakfast option.

How do I make Breakfast Fried Rice healthier?

You can swap bacon for turkey bacon or use less oil. Adding more vegetables also boosts the nutritional value of your Breakfast Fried Rice.

Can I customize my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Absolutely! You can add proteins like chicken or shrimp, use different vegetables, or adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

What type of rice is best for Breakfast Fried Rice?

Day-old jasmine or basmati rice works best as they are less sticky and provide better texture when frying.

Final Thoughts

Breakfast Fried Rice is not only quick and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful breakfast experience!