Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe

Quick & Flavorful Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe for Morning Joy

Rice can turn any breakfast gathering into a hearty celebration of morning flavors.

Crispy edges and savory aromas promise a delightful start to your day.

Leftover ingredients become magical when tossed into a sizzling breakfast fried rice pan.

Each bite connects you with comfort and creativity in the kitchen.

Quick-cooking techniques mean minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction.

Regional influences from asia inspire this versatile morning meal.

The combination of eggs, vegetables, and protein creates a balanced, energizing dish that will keep you full and happy.

Jump into this recipe and reimagine your morning meal with exciting, fresh ingredients.

Simple Instructions to Start Your Day Right

Step 1: Sizzle The Bacon

Start by heating a large skillet over medium flame. Crisp up the bacon until golden and delightfully crunchy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate, reserving the flavorful grease in the pan. Toss in:
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Chopped onions

Sauté these colorful veggies until they soften and become slightly translucent.

Step 2: Whip Up Fluffy Eggs

Slide the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them gently until fully cooked and wonderfully fluffy.

Step 3: Transform The Rice

Add cooked rice to the skillet, mixing everything together with enthusiasm. Season the mixture with:
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir-fry the ingredients for a few minutes, ensuring everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 4: Create Breakfast Magic

Incorporate the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Fold in:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Chopped green onions

Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors mingle. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

The result? A breakfast masterpiece that’ll kickstart your morning with incredible flavor and energy!

Tips for Crispy Rice and Fluffy Eggs

  • Crisp Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat evenly and achieve maximum crunchiness without burning.
  • Egg Scrambling Technique: Separate vegetables to one side of the skillet for precise egg cooking, ensuring fluffy and well-cooked scrambled eggs.
  • Rice Texture Trick: Use day-old cold rice for best results, as it prevents clumping and helps achieve that authentic fried rice consistency.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Adjust seasoning levels by gradually adding soy sauce and spices, tasting as you go to create a perfectly balanced breakfast dish.
  • Vegetarian Swap Option: Replace bacon with plant-based alternatives like tempeh or extra firm tofu for a meat-free version that still delivers incredible flavor.

Reheating Fried Rice Without Overcooking

  • Refrigerate leftover Breakfast Fried Rice in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
  • Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
  • When reheating, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Avoid freezing this dish, as eggs and bacon can change texture and become rubbery when thawed.
  • For best quality, consume the fried rice within two days and always reheat thoroughly until steaming hot.
  • Toss gently while reheating to maintain the rice's texture and prevent clumping.
  • Keep the rice covered to retain its moisture and prevent it from drying out during storage.

What Drinks and Sides to Serve with It

  • Pair with Morning Citrus Punch: Blend fresh orange juice with a splash of ginger for a zesty drink that cuts through the rich, savory breakfast fried rice.
  • Match with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, a drizzle of rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to balance the hearty rice.
  • Complement with Smooth Avocado Toast: Spread creamy avocado on toasted sourdough bread, adding a layer of smooth texture that contrasts with the crispy, flavorful fried rice.
  • Enhance with Cold Brew Coffee: Serve a chilled, smooth cold brew coffee with a hint of vanilla to provide a robust morning beverage that stands up to the bold breakfast flavors.

Mix-Ins to Shake Things Up

  • Veggie Breakfast Bonanza: Replace bacon with plant-based sausage crumbles and add mushrooms for an extra hearty vegetarian version that packs serious flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Swap bell peppers for jalapeños, add corn kernels, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty morning meal with southwestern flair.
  • Mediterranean Morning Mix: Incorporate feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley to transform this rice into a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast experience.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Include diced chicken breast or turkey sausage instead of bacon, mix in extra protein-rich ingredients like black beans or chickpeas for a muscular morning boost.

Your Breakfast Fried Rice Questions

FAQs for Breakfast Fried Rice:

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works great and adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked and cooled before adding to the skillet.

  • What if I don't have bacon?

No worries! You can substitute with ham, sausage, or even leave it out for a vegetarian version. The dish is super flexible and tasty with whatever protein you have on hand.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level. Without them, it’s a mild, flavorful breakfast that most people can enjoy. Add the flakes if you want a little kick!

  • Can kids eat this breakfast fried rice?

Definitely! It’s a kid-friendly meal packed with protein and veggies. Most children love the combination of eggs, rice, and bacon, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

Why Breakfast Fried Rice Makes Mornings Exciting

  • Whip Up a Speedy Breakfast: This recipe transforms leftover rice into a delicious morning meal in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy households rushing to start their day.
  • Pack in Protein-Packed Goodness: Bacon and eggs combine to create a hearty, satisfying breakfast that keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge – use different vegetables, add cheese, or switch up the proteins to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious breakfast with family or friends.

The Ingredients That Make It Breakfast-Ready

Protein:
  • Bacon: Crispy, flavorful base that adds richness and depth to the breakfast fried rice. Choose thick-cut bacon for more intense flavor.
  • Eggs: Provides protein and creamy texture when scrambled. Fresh eggs create the best scramble.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Adds sweetness and crunch to the dish. Red or green bell peppers work well for color and flavor.
  • Spinach: Optional green addition that boosts nutritional value. Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds a vibrant color.
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor as a final garnish. Adds a bright finish to the dish.
Seasonings and Base:
  • Cooked Rice: Serves as the main carbohydrate and foundation of the fried rice. Day-old rice works best for perfect texture.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish. Low-sodium option available for health-conscious cooks.
  • Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty, authentic Asian flavor. Use sparingly for best results.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides background aromatic flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the overall taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy extra spiciness.
Print
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Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe

Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Korean-inspired Breakfast Fried Rice delivers morning comfort with a spicy twist, combining crispy bacon, runny eggs, and zesty kimchi for a flavor-packed start to your day. Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises to elevate weekend brunch with bold, irresistible tastes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (or ½ cup cooked sausage, crumbled)
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • ½ cup bell peppers, diced
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • ½ cup spinach (or kale), chopped (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)

Seasonings and Flavoring:

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium flame, rendering bacon until golden and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a separate plate, preserving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat within the pan.
  2. Introduce diced bell peppers and onions into the skillet, sautéing until they become translucent and slightly softened, developing a gentle caramelization.
  3. Maneuver the vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating a clear space for egg preparation. Pour beaten eggs into the empty area and gently scramble until thoroughly cooked and fluffy.
  4. Integrate the pre-cooked rice into the skillet, combining all elements with a deliberate stirring motion. Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and black pepper across the mixture, incorporating red pepper flakes for additional warmth.
  5. Continue stir-frying the rice medley for several minutes, ensuring each grain becomes evenly heated and absorbs the aromatic seasonings.
  6. Reintroduce the crispy bacon pieces into the skillet, followed by delicate spinach leaves and freshly chopped green onions. Gently fold the ingredients together, allowing the spinach to slightly wilt.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat, permitting the residual warmth to complete the final melding of flavors. Transfer the breakfast fried rice to serving plates, presenting a vibrant and satisfying morning meal.

Notes

  • Experiment with different types of bacon for unique flavor profiles, like smoked or maple-cured varieties to add depth to the breakfast fried rice.
  • Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious essence.
  • Enhance protein content by adding leftover grilled chicken or tofu as alternative meat options for vegetarian preferences.
  • Maximize flavor by using day-old cold rice, which prevents the grains from becoming mushy and ensures a perfect crispy texture during stir-frying.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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