Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the comforting goodness of fried rice? If so, then you’re in for a treat with this Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout. Picture fluffy grains of rice, crispy bacon pieces, and vibrant vegetables all tossed together in a savory sauce that will awaken your taste buds. This dish is not just quick to prepare; it’s also packed with delicious flavors that make it perfect for any meal.
This recipe is inspired by my fond memories of enjoying takeout on busy weeknights, but now I can create a fresher, more satisfying version right at home. The aromas wafting through the kitchen as the bacon crisps up and the veggies sauté are simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish promises a delightful experience that rivals your favorite restaurant. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this amazing fried rice in just 20 minutes!
Key Ingredients For Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cooked Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it dries out slightly and prevents mushiness.
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Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for more flavor and crispiness; chop it into bite-sized pieces.
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Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor; slice them thinly for garnish and cooking.
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Frozen Peas and Carrots: These provide color and sweetness; they are convenient and cook quickly.
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Eggs: Scrambled eggs add richness; use large eggs for optimal texture.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
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Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil enhances the overall taste; opt for toasted sesame oil for added depth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Cook the Bacon
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Second Step : Scramble the Eggs
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet but leave some grease behind. In the same skillet, crack in the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked, approximately 2 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Third Step : Sauté Vegetables
In the remaining bacon grease, add green onions along with frozen peas and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are heated through and tender.
Fourth Step : Combine Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with vegetables. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice as you stir everything together for about 2 minutes.
Fifth Step : Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to ensure even coating over all ingredients. Stir in the cooked bacon and scrambled eggs at this stage.
Final Step : Serve Hot
Transfer everything to plates or bowls immediately while hot. Garnish with additional green onions if desired for an extra pop of freshness.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky; day-old rice has drier grains that work better in fried rice recipes.
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Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to add more soy sauce or sesame oil based on your preference.
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Add More Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Presentation Ideas
This Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Steamed Vegetables: A colorful assortment of steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas adds both nutrition and a delightful crunch to your meal.
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Fried Egg: Top each serving of bacon fried rice with a perfectly fried egg. The runny yolk enhances the dish’s flavor and adds creaminess.
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Sliced Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions not only add a pop of color but also bring a fresh, oniony crunch that complements the savory flavors.
Storage Tips
To keep your Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. You can microwave it or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not just quick and delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. The rice provides carbohydrates for energy, while bacon offers protein and healthy fats. Adding vegetables boosts fiber content, promoting digestive health. This balance makes it a fulfilling meal option without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For an interesting twist, consider serving this Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout in a pineapple bowl. Simply hollow out a pineapple half and fill it with the fried rice for an eye-catching presentation. Pairing it with sweet chili sauce can enhance the flavor profile even further!
FAQs
How can I customize my Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice?
You can easily customize your Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables. Consider incorporating shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added protein. You can also include vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn to make the dish more nutritious and colorful. Experimenting with different sauces, such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, can create new flavor profiles that suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! To create a vegetarian version of Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout, simply omit the bacon and replace it with plant-based alternatives such as tempeh or mushrooms that offer umami flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want to enhance taste further without using meat products.
What type of rice works best for fried rice?
For optimal results in your Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout, use day-old rice as it is drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice. Jasmine or basmati rice works well due to their fragrant qualities. However, you may also use brown rice for added fiber and nutrients if desired; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I freeze leftovers of this fried rice?
Absolutely! You can freeze any leftovers from your Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout. Allow the fried rice to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through for a quick meal option.
Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savory 20-Minute Bacon Fried Rice That’s Better Than Takeout combines the smoky flavor of crispy bacon with fluffy rice and vibrant veggies, all tossed in a savory sauce. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. Whip it up for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 cups day-old cooked rice
- 6 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside, leaving some grease.
- In the same skillet, scramble the beaten eggs for about 2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add green onions, peas, and carrots to the skillet; sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in day-old rice, breaking up clumps as you mix everything together for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; stir well to coat. Mix in bacon and scrambled eggs before serving.
- Transfer to bowls or plates and garnish with additional green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
