Bacon fried rice is a dish that combines cooked rice with bacon and other ingredients, such as vegetables, eggs, and seasonings, that are stir-fried together in a skillet or wok. To make bacon fried rice, bacon is typically cooked until crispy and then removed from the pan, and vegetables such as onion, garlic, and carrots are sautéed in the bacon fat until they are tender. Cooked rice is then added to the pan along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings, and is stir-fried until the rice is heated through and well coated with the sauce. Finally, the crispy bacon is crumbled and stirred into the rice mixture to add a salty, savory flavor and texture. Bacon fried rice is a popular variation of traditional fried rice, and can be served as a side dish or as a main course.
SERVINGS: 4
PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 strips of bacon, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked and chilled white rice
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, sliced (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large skillet or wok, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- In the same pan, add the vegetable oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Push the onion and garlic to one side of the pan, and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until set, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked and chilled white rice, breaking up any clumps, and cook until the rice is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked bacon, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with sliced green onions (if using).
SERVING SUGGESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- You can add any other veggies you like to the fried rice, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn.
- You can also add diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- For a spicier fried rice, you can add diced jalapeno peppers or red pepper flakes.