Breakfast Fried Rice

If you’re looking for a breakfast that can satisfy your cravings while still feeling light and delicious, look no further than this Breakfast Fried Rice! This dish has become a favorite in my home because it’s not just quick and easy to whip up; it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you have leftover rice from last night’s dinner or need a simple meal to fuel a busy morning, Breakfast Fried Rice is here to save the day.

Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe brings together savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that can please even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular breakfast rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This Breakfast Fried Rice comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it a perfect option for those hectic mornings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The mix of rice, eggs, and veggies means everyone gets something they enjoy.
• Use What You Have: It’s so flexible! You can easily swap in whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil adds a delightful depth of flavor that makes each bite satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an instant breakfast solution.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! This recipe relies on basic pantry staples that come together beautifully to create a hearty breakfast. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Main Dish

• 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 best things about this Breakfast Fried Rice is its flexibility. You can easily make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: If bacon isn’t your thing, try using turkey bacon or shredded chicken instead!
• Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in whatever vegetables you have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach work great.
• Go spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes if you like a little kick in your breakfast!
• Change the grains: For a healthier twist, use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by lining a plate with paper towels and setting it aside. In a cold 12” skillet or wok, add your chopped bacon. Heating the skillet to medium allows the fat to render out slowly, resulting in crispy bacon. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. Once it’s crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the prepared plate to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

While your bacon is cooking away, crack those eggs into a bowl. Season them with kosher salt and ground pepper before giving them a gentle whisk with a fork. Once your bacon is done, leave about two tablespoons of fat in the skillet—this will add extra flavor when you scramble the eggs. Pour them into the pan and let them cook for about 1-2 minutes until they start setting around the edges. Gently push them towards the center with a rubber spatula until scrambled to your liking.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Now that your eggs are out of the pan, crank up the heat to medium-high. Add butter until it melts and foams—this is where all that rich flavor comes from! Toss in your diced onion and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until they become translucent. Then add minced garlic and give it another minute until fragrant. This step builds such an aromatic base for your fried rice!

Step 4: Add Rice

Next up is adding your cold cooked rice! Toss it with the onions and garlic until everything is well combined—this helps infuse all those flavors into every grain. Smooth out the mixture into an even layer in the skillet and let it fry undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. This gives your rice that wonderful slightly crispy texture.

Step 5: Season and Mix In Veggies

Once you’ve got that nice golden crust on your rice, drizzle soy sauce over it and loosen everything up with a wooden spoon—mixing well ensures every bite is bursting with flavor! Stir in those frozen peas, carrots, corn, and sesame oil next; toss frequently until everything is warmed through.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Finally, take your skillet off heat! Fold in that crispy bacon you set aside earlier along with scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Give everything one last gentle toss so it’s evenly distributed before serving hot!

Enjoy this delightful Breakfast Fried Rice straight from the skillet or serve it up with extra soy sauce on the side for some added zing!

Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Fried Rice

Making the perfect Breakfast Fried Rice can be a breeze with these helpful tips to enhance your cooking experience!

• Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can clump together. Day-old, cold rice has dried out slightly, making it easier to fry without becoming mushy.

• Prep Your Ingredients Ahead of Time: Having everything prepped and ready to go will make cooking a smooth process. This way, you won’t risk overcooking or burning anything while you’re busy chopping or measuring.

• Don’t Skip the Scramble: Scrambling the eggs separately allows for better texture and flavor distribution throughout the dish. This step ensures that each bite is deliciously rich without being overly eggy.

• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in or add your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas work wonderfully and add color and nutrition to your fried rice.

• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust soy sauce or sesame oil amounts according to your preference for saltiness or richness.

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Presenting your Breakfast Fried Rice can transform it from a simple meal into an impressive feast. Here are some ideas on how to serve and elevate this dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the savory flavors of the fried rice, adding a light and sweet touch.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil create a crunchy side that pairs perfectly with the warmth of the fried rice.
• Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame adds protein and texture, making it an excellent complement while keeping your meal balanced.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your breakfast experience beautifully, offering comfort alongside your savory dish.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’ll create not just a meal but a delightful experience for you and your loved ones! Enjoy every tasty bite of your Breakfast Fried Rice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. It stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for busy mornings.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the fried rice cool completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen fried rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
• Stir frequently until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

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

Can I use other vegetables in my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace the peas and carrots with any favorite vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces for even cooking.

How can I customize my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Customizing your Breakfast Fried Rice is easy! You can add different proteins like chicken or tofu, swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh, and play around with sauces to suit your taste preferences.

How do I make Breakfast Fried Rice vegan?

To make a vegan version of Breakfast Fried Rice, simply omit the eggs and bacon. You can replace them with scrambled tofu seasoned with turmeric for color and flavor. The rest of the recipe remains the same!

Is Breakfast Fried Rice healthy?

Yes! This Breakfast Fried Rice is made with wholesome ingredients and provides a balanced meal with protein from eggs and fiber from vegetables. It’s a great way to start your day without feeling heavy.

What should I serve with my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Breakfast Fried Rice can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete breakfast experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Breakfast Fried Rice brings warmth and satisfaction to your mornings! It’s quick to whip up, deliciously savory, and perfect for customizing to your taste. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your personal touches! Happy cooking!

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