Introduction
Breakfast Fried Rice is one of those recipes that feels both comforting and practical, especially on busy mornings or relaxed weekends. I started making this dish as a way to use leftover rice, and it quickly became a breakfast favorite. It combines classic breakfast ingredients like eggs and bacon with the hearty texture of fried rice, creating a meal that is filling without feeling heavy. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its flexibility. You can keep it simple or load it up with vegetables, depending on what you have on hand. The flavors are familiar, savory, and deeply satisfying, making it a great alternative to traditional breakfast plates. Whether served as a stand-alone dish or paired with fresh fruit, Breakfast Fried Rice is a reliable, flavorful way to start the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, customizable, and perfect for using leftovers. It delivers bold, savory flavor and works equally well for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner.
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Breakfast Fried Rice: A Savory, Satisfying Start to the Day
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Breakfast Fried Rice is a savory and satisfying morning meal made with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and vegetables, all stir-fried together for a quick and hearty breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (day-old preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or breakfast sausage)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter or oil and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
- Push vegetables to one side, crack eggs into the pan, and scramble until just set.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Stir in soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked bacon back to the pan and mix well.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Garnish with green onions and cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best for fried rice texture.
- Swap bacon for sausage or ham if preferred.
- Add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Serve with hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Cooked Rice
Cold, leftover rice works best because it fries evenly and does not become mushy. It provides the hearty base of the dish.
Eggs
Eggs add protein and richness. Scrambling them directly in the pan ensures soft texture and even distribution.
Bacon or Breakfast Sausage
Bacon or sausage adds savory depth and classic breakfast flavor. Either option works well depending on preference.
Green Onions
Green onions add freshness and mild onion flavor, balancing the richness of the rice and eggs.
Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and aroma, enhancing the overall savory profile.
Frozen Peas or Mixed Vegetables
Vegetables add color, texture, and balance. Frozen options are convenient and work perfectly.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, tying all the ingredients together.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty finish that elevates the dish.
Butter or Oil
Butter adds richness, while oil prevents sticking and helps achieve a lightly crisp texture.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and completes the seasoning.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add butter or oil and cook the bacon or sausage until fully cooked and lightly crisp. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving a small amount in the pan for flavor.
Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Push the meat to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble gently until just set, then mix with the meat.
Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir to combine and allow the rice to cook undisturbed for a minute to develop light crispness.
Add vegetables and green onions, stirring well. Season with soy sauce and black pepper. Finish with a small drizzle of sesame oil, mixing thoroughly. Cook until everything is heated through and evenly combined, then serve immediately.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2 to 3 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes, making the total time around 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, stirring to ensure even heating.
Variations and Customizations
Breakfast Fried Rice is highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or tofu. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach work particularly well.
For a spicy twist, add chili paste, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. Cheese lovers can stir in shredded cheddar or sprinkle parmesan over the top before serving.
You can also customize the protein by using ham, turkey sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be substituted for different dietary needs, though texture will vary slightly.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. It can be adjusted for lower sodium or lighter diets by modifying sauces and proteins.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use cold rice
Cold rice fries better and stays fluffy.
Cook in stages
Adding ingredients gradually prevents overcrowding.
Taste before serving
Adjust seasoning at the end for best balance.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but allow it to cool slightly for best texture.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and stores easily.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat.
What vegetables work best?
Peas, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach are great options.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, mild cheeses work well.
Is soy sauce required?
It adds flavor, but alternatives can be used.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add chili sauce or flakes.
Does sesame oil matter?
It adds flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, it works well with a slightly chewier texture.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Conclusion
Breakfast Fried Rice is a practical, flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it is perfect for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or anytime you want a comforting, savory option. This recipe proves that breakfast can be both creative and deeply satisfying.
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