If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and convenience, then Breakfast Fried Rice is your answer! This delightful recipe takes leftover rice and transforms it into a savory masterpiece. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a relaxed weekend brunch, this dish will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down. With its smoky flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen.

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for family gatherings or solo meals. You can whip it up quickly and enjoy the warmth of home-cooked goodness at any time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: This Breakfast Fried Rice comes together in no time, making it ideal for those hectic mornings.
Family-friendly: Kids love the mix of flavors and textures, so it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Wholesome ingredients: Packed with nutrition, you can feel good about serving this dish to your loved ones.
Perfect for leftovers: If you have cold rice sitting in your fridge, this is the perfect way to use it up!
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Breakfast Fried Rice, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Let’s gather everything we need:

For the Base

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

For the Flavor

1 medium white onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 c cold cooked rice
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil

For the Veggies

1 c frozen peas and carrots
½ cup frozen corn
4 green onions (sliced)

Variations

One of the best things about Breakfast Fried Rice is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

Swap the protein: Instead of bacon, try using turkey bacon or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Change up the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a unique flavor twist.
Make it spicy: Add some sriracha or chili flakes if you like a little heat in your breakfast!

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by lining a plate with paper towels. This will help soak up excess grease later. In a cold 12” skillet or wok, add your chopped bacon. Turn the heat to medium and cook until crispy—this usually takes about 10 minutes. By starting with a cold skillet, you allow the fat to render properly, giving you that perfect crispy texture. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto the paper towel-lined plate.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

While your bacon cooks away happily, crack those eggs into a bowl. Sprinkle in some kosher salt and ground pepper before giving them a light whisk with a fork. This adds flavor right from the start! Once your bacon is out of the pan, leave just enough fat behind (about two tablespoons) for scrambling those eggs perfectly.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Increase your heat to medium-high and toss in some butter until it melts and foams. Next up are your diced onions—sauté these until they turn translucent (about 5-6 minutes). This brings out their natural sweetness which complements all those savory ingredients beautifully! Afterward, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—just about one minute will do!

Step 4: Combine with Rice

Now we get to the fun part! Add in your cold cooked rice and mix it well with those sautéed onions and garlic. Press everything down into an even layer and let it fry undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This step helps achieve that delightful slightly crispy texture on the bottom!

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Drizzle soy sauce over your rice masterpiece, then gently loosen any stuck bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in those colorful frozen peas, carrots, corn, along with toasted sesame oil until everything is warmed through.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove from heat and fold in that crispy bacon along with scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Serve hot with additional soy sauce on the side if desired! Enjoy every bite of this comforting Breakfast Fried Rice; I know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Fried Rice

Creating a delicious Breakfast Fried Rice is all about the little details, and I’m here to share some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

Use cold rice: Cold, day-old rice works best as it’s drier and less sticky. This prevents your fried rice from becoming mushy and allows it to fry evenly.
Don’t rush the bacon: Cooking the bacon slowly at medium heat allows the fat to render out completely, giving you crispy pieces that add flavor and texture to your dish.
Scramble eggs gently: To achieve fluffy scrambled eggs, keep the heat moderate and stir occasionally. This technique allows them to cook evenly without becoming rubbery.
High heat is key: When adding the rice and vegetables, increase the heat to medium-high. This helps achieve that characteristic slight char that adds extra flavor.
Customize with veggies: Feel free to swap or add any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach can add a delightful twist while boosting nutrition.

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Serving up this Breakfast Fried Rice can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this dish beautifully and enjoyably.

Garnishes

Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that brightens up the flavors.
Sriracha or chili sauce: A drizzle of sriracha gives a spicy kick that complements the savory elements of the fried rice.
Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds sprinkle on top not only enhance presentation but also add a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast to the savory fried rice, making for a balanced meal.
Miso soup: This comforting soup pairs well with breakfast fried rice, bringing warmth and depth with its umami flavor.
Cucumber salad: A crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of fried rice.
Steamed edamame: Lightly salted edamame not only adds protein but also provides a fun finger food option alongside your main dish.

Now you’re all set to whip up an irresistible Breakfast Fried Rice! Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Breakfast Fried Rice is an excellent option for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your mornings easier and more delicious.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Allow the fried rice to cool completely before freezing.
Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw any frozen rice overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help steam it back to life.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

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

Can I use brown rice for Breakfast Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well too. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and it will offer a nuttier flavor.

What else can I add to my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even tofu make great additions while keeping the dish meat-free.

How do I make my Breakfast Fried Rice less salty?

To reduce the saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce or adjust the amount of soy sauce based on your taste preference.

Can I make this Breakfast Fried Rice ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just follow the storage tips above to enjoy it throughout the week.

What makes this recipe special?

It combines classic fried rice flavors with breakfast ingredients, creating a unique twist that’s satisfying and quick to prepare!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Breakfast Fried Rice! It’s not just a meal—it’s a comforting start to your day that’s both tasty and fulfilling. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or treating yourself on a leisurely morning, this dish is sure to please. Happy cooking!

Breakfast Fried Rice

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

Breakfast Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food, transforming leftover rice into a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. This quick and easy recipe combines wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and protein-rich eggs, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. With its delightful combination of textures and savory flavors, this dish not only nourishes but also brings joy to your table. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it truly your own!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cold cooked rice
4 large eggs
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
½ cup frozen corn
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Fresh green onions (sliced)

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Instructions

In a skillet, cook chopped turkey bacon until crispy and set aside.
Scramble eggs in the remaining fat until lightly cooked, then remove from heat.
Sauté diced onions in butter until translucent; add minced garlic.
Stir in cold cooked rice, pressing down to fry for several minutes until slightly crispy.
Add soy sauce, frozen vegetables, and sesame oil; mix well until heated through.
Fold in crispy turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, and sliced green onions before serving hot.