Breakfast Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying way to start the day, packed with crispy bacon (or sausage), scrambled eggs, and seasoned rice. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice while creating a hearty, protein-packed meal that comes together in just minutes. Whether you’re craving something savory in the morning or need a quick brunch idea, this dish is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Great for Leftovers – Uses leftover rice for a delicious next-day breakfast.
- Customizable – Add your favorite proteins, veggies, and seasonings.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup required!
- Balanced & Hearty – Packed with protein, carbs, and veggies for a filling start to the day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- Bacon or sausage (chopped)
- Eggs
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Bell pepper (diced)
- Green onions (chopped)
- Soy sauce
- Butter or oil
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: Sriracha, cheese, or avocado for topping
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon or sausage until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving some grease in the pan.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
- In the same pan, scramble the eggs until just set. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- Add butter or oil if needed, then sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
- Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add Flavor & Combine
- Drizzle in soy sauce, stir in cooked bacon/sausage and scrambled eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then stir in chopped green onions.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot, topped with sriracha, avocado, cheese, or extra green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Use plant-based sausage or extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Fried Rice – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan at the end.
- Extra Protein – Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Hawaiian Style – Mix in diced pineapple for a sweet-savory combo.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month, then reheat in a skillet.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Yes, but spread it on a tray to cool for 15 minutes before frying for better texture.
What’s the best protein for this dish?
Bacon, sausage, ham, or even tofu all work well!
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Stir in shredded cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use day-old rice and fry it over medium-high heat without stirring too often.
What vegetables go well in breakfast fried rice?
Bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes all pair well.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use tofu instead of eggs and a plant-based sausage alternative.
Do I have to use soy sauce?
No, you can use tamari, coconut aminos, or skip it for a lighter flavor.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine, basmati, or long-grain white rice works best for fried rice.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Just reheat in a skillet with a little oil before serving.
Conclusion
This Breakfast Fried Rice is a delicious, savory way to switch up your morning routine. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect use for leftover rice. Try it today and enjoy a breakfast that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of bold flavors!
PrintBreakfast Fried Rice
This Breakfast Fried Rice is a delicious twist on a classic dish, packed with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon (or sausage), and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rice and makes for a quick, satisfying meal any time of the day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or ½ cup cooked sausage, crumbled)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup spinach (or kale), chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
-
Cook the Bacon & Veggies:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add diced bell peppers and onions, cooking until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the veggies to one side of the skillet.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
-
Fry the Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Stir in the cooked bacon, spinach (if using), and green onions.
- Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add mushrooms or tofu for extra protein.
- Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice can get mushy, so day-old rice works best for fried rice.
- Add more protein: Try adding diced ham, shredded chicken, or even breakfast sausage!