Fried rice is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. This recipe combines crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and a mix of savory sauces to create a deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for utilizing leftover rice, this dish is both quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend treat.
Some ingredients in this recipe, like oyster sauce and hoisin sauce, might not be common in every pantry. These sauces add a unique depth of flavor and can usually be found in the Asian food aisle of your supermarket. Additionally, peanut oil and sesame oil might be less familiar but are essential for achieving the authentic taste and aroma of fried rice.
Ingredients for Fried Rice Recipe
Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Eggs: Provide a rich, creamy element and extra protein.
Peanut oil: Used for frying, it has a high smoke point and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Carrots: Add sweetness and a slight crunch.
Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the dish with its pungent aroma and flavor.
Frozen peas: Offer a pop of color and sweetness.
White rice: The main component, best if cold and leftover for better texture.
Low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami flavor while controlling saltiness.
Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory taste with a hint of sweetness.
Butter: Adds a creamy richness and helps meld the flavors together.
Sesame oil: Provides a distinct, toasty aroma and flavor.
Hoisin sauce: Sweet and salty sauce that adds complexity.
Green onions: Used as a garnish, adding freshness and a mild onion flavor.
One reader, Angy Crouch says:
This fried rice recipe is fantastic! The combination of bacon, eggs, and veggies creates a delicious, savory dish. The sauces add incredible depth of flavor. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Perfect Fried Rice
How to fry bacon: Fry bacon in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate with a paper towel. Set aside. How to scramble eggs: Wipe the pan over with a paper towel and heat 1 tbsp oil. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Transfer to the plate with bacon and keep warm. How to cook vegetables: Heat remaining oil in the pan. Add carrots and onion to the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. How to cook rice: Add in the cold rice and peas and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice begins to soften. How to combine ingredients: Add the eggs back into the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, butter, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to melt butter and heat the sauce through the rice. How to garnish: Garnish with green onions and serve.
How To Make Fried Rice
Enjoy steamy, garlicky fried rice anytime by making it at home. Topped with crispy bacon pieces and fluffy eggs, this recipe is better than take-outs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4ozbacon,diced
- 4eggs,large, whisked
- 2tbsppeanut oil,or olive oil
- 2medium carrots,diced
- 1onion
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 1cupfrozen peas,thawed
- 4cupswhite rice,or brown rice
- 3tbsplow sodium soy sauce
- 1tbspoyster sauce
- 1tbspbutter
- 2tbspsesame oil
- 1tbsphoisin sauce
- green onions,sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Fry the bacon in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate with a paper towel. Set aside.
-
Wipe pan over with a paper towel and heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Transfer to the plate with bacon and keep warm.
-
Heat remaining oil in the pan. Add carrots and onion to the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add in the cold rice and peas and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the rice begins to soften.
-
Add the eggs back into the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, butter, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to melt butter and heat the sauce through the rice.
-
Garnish with green onions and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 732.92kcal
- Fat: 22.22g
- Saturated Fat: 6.29g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.00g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.50g
- Carbohydrates: 113.09g
- Fiber: 2.10g
- Sugar: 4.04g
- Protein: 17.08g
- Cholesterol: 124.28mg
- Sodium: 587.22mg
- Calcium: 53.24mg
- Potassium: 356.81mg
- Iron: 2.23mg
- Vitamin A: 256.92µg
- Vitamin C: 7.40mg
Crucial Technique for Mastering Fried Rice
When making fried rice, it's crucial to use cold rice that has been refrigerated for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps the rice grains firm up and prevents them from becoming mushy when stir-frying.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Fried Rice
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop carrots, onions, and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use leftover rice: Cold, day-old white rice works best and saves cooking time.
Cook bacon in batches: Fry bacon in larger quantities and store the extra for future use.
Frozen vegetables: Use frozen peas directly without thawing to save time.
Quick scramble eggs: Scramble eggs quickly in a separate pan while other ingredients cook.
Combine sauces: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce together beforehand for easy addition.
Substitute Ingredients For Fried Rice Recipe
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Provides a similar smoky flavor with less fat.
bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: A vegetarian option that mimics the texture and taste of bacon.
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Crumbled tofu can mimic the texture of scrambled eggs, making it a good vegan alternative.
peanut oil - Substitute with canola oil: Has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement.
peanut oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Also has a high smoke point and adds a subtle, buttery flavor.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Adds a different but complementary crunch and sweetness.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Provides a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Offers a similar flavor profile, though less intense.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Adds a similar texture and a boost of protein.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
white rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: A low-carb alternative that mimics the texture of rice.
low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: A gluten-free option that provides a similar umami flavor.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory flavor, though slightly different in profile.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Provides a similar texture and flavor, suitable for those avoiding dairy.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: While the flavor is different, it can still add richness to the dish.
hoisin sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Offers a similar sweet and savory profile.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Adds a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Presenting Your Fried Rice Dish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the fried rice in a small, elegant bowl or on a minimalist plate to emphasize quality over quantity.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped green onions and a few sprigs of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
Layer flavors: Arrange the bacon and scrambled eggs artistically on top of the rice to showcase the different textures and flavors.
Add a sauce drizzle: Lightly drizzle extra soy sauce or a reduction of hoisin sauce around the plate for an elegant touch.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure the carrots, onion, and peas are fresh and vibrant, enhancing the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a few crispy fried garlic chips on top for an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal.
Highlight the main elements: Place a small, perfectly cooked egg on top of the fried rice as a focal point, showcasing the dish's key components.
Balance colors: Ensure the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables and bacon to create a visually appealing, colorful dish.
Use elegant plating techniques: Employ a ring mold to shape the fried rice into a neat, compact form, giving it a refined and professional look.
Serve with a side: Accompany the fried rice with a small side of pickled vegetables or a light salad to add contrast and elevate the dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Fried Rice
Wok: A versatile and deep pan ideal for stir-frying, allowing for even heat distribution and quick cooking.
Large skillet: An alternative to a wok, providing a flat surface for frying bacon and other ingredients.
Slotted spoon: Useful for removing crispy bacon from the pan while leaving the grease behind.
Paper towel: Essential for draining excess oil from bacon and wiping the pan clean.
Spatula: Handy for scrambling eggs and stirring ingredients in the pan.
Knife: Necessary for chopping carrots, onions, and green onions.
Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of oils and sauces.
Measuring cup: Useful for measuring the rice and peas.
Plate: Used to hold cooked bacon and scrambled eggs temporarily.
Mixing bowl: Optional for holding prepped vegetables before cooking.
Serving spoon: Ideal for mixing the fried rice and serving it.
Storing and Freezing Fried Rice
Let the fried rice cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy and soggy.
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from entering and drying out the rice.
To reheat refrigerated fried rice, microwave it in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
To freeze fried rice, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen fried rice can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat frozen fried rice, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten the rice if needed.
For best quality, consume frozen fried rice within 1-2 months. After that, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.
How To Reheat Leftover Fried Rice
- The best way to reheat leftover fried rice is to use a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and stir-fry the rice for a few minutes until it's heated through and slightly crispy.
- Another option is to use a microwave. Place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the rice from drying out.
- If you have a lot of leftover fried rice, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rice out in an even layer on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
- For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the fried rice under the broiler. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the rice is heated through.
- Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice before reheating to help keep it moist. You can also add some additional soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil to enhance the flavor.
- If you find that your leftover fried rice has dried out a bit in the fridge, you can revive it by adding a beaten egg to the pan while reheating. The egg will help to moisten the rice and give it a fresh flavor.
- Finally, don't forget to give your leftover fried rice a good stir while reheating to ensure that it's evenly heated through and to prevent any clumps from forming.
Interesting Fact About Fried Rice
A random fact about this fried rice recipe is that using cold rice is essential for achieving the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to achieve the desired separation and slight crispiness in the fried rice.
Is Making Fried Rice at Home Cost-Effective?
This fried rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of bacon, eggs, and vegetables like carrots and peas keeps the cost low while providing a nutritious meal. The sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce add flavor without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $12-$15 USD.
Is Fried Rice Healthy or Unhealthy?
The fried rice recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The use of bacon and butter adds saturated fat and cholesterol to the dish.
- Soy sauce and oyster sauce are high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provides fewer nutrients compared to brown rice or other whole grains.
- The recipe relies on oil for cooking, which can increase the overall calorie count of the dish.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as:
- Carrots and peas provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Garlic and onions offer antioxidants and have potential health benefits.
- Eggs are a good source of protein and nutrients.
To make this fried rice recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace bacon with a leaner protein source, such as chicken breast or tofu, to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, or opt for healthier cooking methods like steaming or stir-frying with minimal oil.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce, or replace them with healthier alternatives like coconut aminos or homemade sauces.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Use a smaller amount of sesame oil for flavor, as it is high in calories.
- Limit the use of hoisin sauce, as it often contains added sugars.
Editor's Opinion on This Fried Rice Recipe
This fried rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The use of bacon adds a savory depth, while the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a rich, umami-packed profile. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots, peas, and green onions provides a fresh contrast to the hearty rice and eggs. The peanut oil and sesame oil contribute a subtle nuttiness, enhancing the overall dish. It's a well-balanced, satisfying meal that's both comforting and flavorful.
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Why trust this Fried Rice Recipe:
This fried rice recipe is a must-try because it combines the savory flavors of bacon and soy sauce with the richness of butter and sesame oil. The addition of fresh carrots, onion, and green onions ensures a delightful crunch in every bite. Using cold rice helps achieve the perfect texture, making it an ideal dish for using up leftovers. Plus, the step-by-step instructions are straightforward, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delicious meal.
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