Garlic Bacon Fried Rice Recipe with Scallions

Bacon fried rice is an easy side dish that is flavorful and quick to prepare. Ready in under 25 minutes, this bacon-and-egg fried rice is a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

This recipe works well with leftover rice and reheats nicely in the microwave, making it ideal for meal prep. You can divide the preparation into stages if that better suits your schedule.

You only need nine basic ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry or fridge. With simple steps and minimal equipment, this bacon fried rice adds a satisfying, savory change to your usual side dishes.

The notes below include tips to ensure the best texture and flavor, as well as suggestions to shorten cooking time when you’re in a hurry.

How to make bacon fried rice with egg

There are a few ways to prepare this dish; here is a straightforward method that delivers consistent results:

• Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet, wok, or frying pan until it reaches your preferred crispness. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
• In the same pan, add about a tablespoon of sesame oil or a bit of the reserved bacon fat, then cook finely diced carrot and frozen peas. These vegetables take the longest—about 5 to 10 minutes—so start them first. If you prefer, add the peas a couple of minutes later so they don’t overcook.
• When the vegetables are tender, remove them to the plate with the bacon. Use the same pan to scramble the eggs quickly; add a touch of oil if the pan seems dry. Transfer the eggs to a bowl once cooked.
• Add the remaining sesame oil to the pan along with the chilled cooked rice. Stir-fry the rice for a few minutes to heat through and separate the grains.
• Season the rice with low-sodium soy sauce and a generous pinch of black pepper. Taste before adding any additional salt, since the bacon and soy sauce contribute sodium.
• Return the bacon, scrambled eggs, and cooked vegetables to the pan and stir until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Serve immediately.

What rice to use when making fried rice?

Long-grain rice varieties such as jasmine or basmati work best for fried rice because the grains stay separate. You can use white or brown long-grain rice. Ideally use rice that was cooked and chilled beforehand—cold rice fries better and gives a superior texture.

Optional extras / add-ons

• Spring onion — add right before serving for fresh flavor and color.
• Chives — a mild onion-like herb that complements the dish.
• Onion — sauté with the carrots and peas or substitute for one of them. If you omit carrots and use onion instead, you may not need to add water when cooking the vegetables, which can save a few minutes.

Serving suggestions

Bacon fried rice pairs well with a range of proteins and salads. It’s great alongside grilled or roasted chicken, and also works as a hearty main course on its own for a quick lunch. A crisp salad rounds out the meal—choose something light and tangy to balance the richness of the bacon, such as a simple green salad or a cabbage slaw. If you enjoy seafood, adding cooked shrimp toward the end of the stir-fry makes a satisfying variation.

Tips for making the best bacon fried rice

• If you have a small skillet, cook the components separately and combine them in a large bowl rather than crowding the pan. This keeps textures and flavors distinct.
• Saltiness varies depending on the bacon and soy sauce you use. Taste the rice before adding extra salt—often none is needed.
• Finely dice the carrots so they cook quickly and evenly. Large chunks will lengthen cooking time and risk overcooking the peas.
• Precook the carrots and peas ahead of time (steam or boil) to cut active cooking time down to about 8 minutes when you assemble the dish.
• Eggs can be omitted for a vegetarian variation, or replaced with a plant-based alternative if needed.

Bacon Fried Rice

Summary: Bacon fried rice is a simple, flavorful side that’s ready in under 25 minutes. It reheats well and is suitable for meal prep.