Savory Bacon Fried Rice

This bacon fried rice transforms humble leftover rice into a crave-worthy meal that's become my weeknight salvation. The smoky bacon infuses every grain with rich flavor, while the veggies and eggs make it a complete one-pan wonder that satisfies even my pickiest eaters.

I first created this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something quick that wouldn't compromise on flavor. My family was so impressed they requested it three times that same month, and now it's in our regular rotation whenever we have day old rice.

Ingredients

• Thick cut bacon Adds incredible smoky depth and creates the fat base for cooking everything else. Look for bacon with visible meat and not just fat.
• Day old rice Essential for the perfect texture. Fresh rice tends to become mushy, while cold leftover rice maintains its structure.
• Onion and garlic These aromatics build the flavor foundation. Choose firm onions without soft spots.
• Frozen peas and carrots Convenience ingredients that add color and nutrition. The sweetness balances the savory elements.
• Eggs Provide protein and silky texture throughout the dish. Farm fresh eggs make a noticeable difference.
• Soy sauce Brings umami and salt. I recommend low sodium so you can control the saltiness.
• Oyster sauce The secret ingredient that adds incredible depth. Look for premium brands with real oyster extract.
• Sesame oil Just a touch transforms the entire dish with its nutty aroma. Always use toasted sesame oil for maximum impact.
• Green onions Adds fresh color and a mild onion bite at the end. Choose bright green, firm stalks.

How To Make Bacon Fried Rice

Start with cold bacon

Place chopped bacon in a completely cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. This gradual heat rendering creates perfectly crispy bacon pieces while extracting maximum fat. Cook until each piece is golden brown and crunchy, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Build the flavor base

Using the rendered bacon fat, sauté the diced onions for a full 5 minutes until they become translucent and start to caramelize at the edges. This creates a sweet, aromatic foundation for the entire dish. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Add vegetables and rice

Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, allowing them to cook for 2 minutes until bright and tender. Then add your day old rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Let the rice cook undisturbed for 1 minute intervals, then stir, repeating for about 4 minutes total. This creates toasty spots on the rice for texture.

Master the egg technique

Push everything to one side of the pan, creating an empty space. Pour beaten eggs into this space and let them set slightly before stirring to create fluffy curds. Once eggs are mostly cooked but still slightly wet, fold them into the rice mixture.

Finish with seasonings

Crank the heat to high and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, tossing continuously for 1 minute to coat every grain. Return the crispy bacon to the pan and toss again. The high heat helps evaporate excess moisture and caramelizes the sauces slightly.

My absolute favorite moment with this dish was when my father in law who rarely compliments cooking asked for the recipe after his second helping. He claimed it was better than our local takeout spot, which is the highest praise in our household. The oyster sauce is truly the magic ingredient here, adding complexity that most home cooks miss.

Make Ahead and Storage

This bacon fried rice actually improves with a little time, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, cool it completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight. To reheat, sprinkle with a few drops of water and microwave until steaming, or better yet, quickly stir fry in a hot pan to restore some of the texture.

Perfect Rice For Fried Rice

The secret to restaurant quality fried rice starts with properly prepared rice. Cook your rice with slightly less water than normal and spread it on a baking sheet to cool completely before refrigerating overnight. This dries the grains and creates the ideal texture for frying. If you absolutely must use fresh rice, cook it, spread it thin, and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes before using. The cold temperature helps firm up the grains.

Creative Variations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable based on what you have available. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or red pepper flakes. Swap the bacon for Chinese sausage, ham, or even kimchi for a Korean inspired version. Vegetable options are limitless try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, corn, or edamame. For a more substantial meal, include diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The technique remains the same regardless of your add ins just adjust cooking times for proteins.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice has had time to dry out in the refrigerator, making the grains firmer and less likely to clump together when stir-fried. Fresh rice contains more moisture which can result in soggy fried rice. If you don't have leftover rice, cook fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before using.

→ Can I substitute the bacon with other proteins?

Absolutely! This dish is versatile and works well with many proteins. Try diced ham, Chinese sausage (lap cheong), chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein will impart its own unique flavor to the dish while maintaining the overall character of the fried rice.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

To add heat, incorporate sriracha, chili oil, or chili garlic sauce to taste. You can also add thinly sliced fresh chilies or a teaspoon of chili flakes while cooking the vegetables. For a milder kick, try adding white pepper instead of black pepper.

→ What other vegetables work well in this fried rice?

This dish is great for using up vegetables in your fridge. Consider adding diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, snow peas, corn kernels, bean sprouts, or chopped bok choy. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—harder vegetables should be added earlier, while quick-cooking vegetables can go in later.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, bacon fried rice stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, sprinkle with a little water and microwave until hot, or stir-fry in a hot pan with a small amount of oil until heated through. The flavors often develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with bacon fried rice?

While this dish works perfectly as a stand-alone meal, it pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes like egg drop soup, hot and sour soup, spring rolls, or stir-fried vegetables. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside teriyaki chicken, beef and broccoli, or sweet and sour pork.