Contents
Why This Recipe Works
15-minute Meal: From prep to table in a quarter of an hour, this is the ultimate quick comfort food.
Pantry Staples: Use everyday ingredients like leftover rice, eggs, and bacon.
Flavour Explosion: The mix of tasty bacon, fragrant garlic, and creamy egg is hard to resist.
The texture is ideal: Day-old rice keeps the grains apart. It soaks up all that tasty garlicky flavour.
I’m a fan of breakfast for dinner, but let’s get real – sometimes you just need a proper meal to kick off your day. That’s where Bacon Garlic Fried Rice shines – it’s the kind of dish that just wraps you in a warm, comforting hug. Smoky, salty bacon, zesty garlic, and fluffy eggs mixed in a bowl of perfectly cooked rice.
It’s super simple, it hits the spot, and it’s ready in about 15 minutes flat. Honestly, it’s a total lifesaver for those busy mornings or lazy nights when you need something to lift you. This garlic bacon rice is my favourite recipe. I love it, especially when I have leftover rice. It turns plain rice into something much more exciting.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start, let’s get the equipment ready. I love using a wok for this Bacon Garlic Fried Rice. It has plenty of room to toss everything. A large skillet or frying pan works just as well, though.
- A large wok, skillet, or nonstick frying pan
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula
- A cutting board and a knife
- A small bowl for the eggs
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic fried rice. The ingredient list is short and sweet, all easily accessible.
- 6 slices of bacon, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups of cooked long-grain rice (preferably a day or two old)
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (Optional) Green onions for garnish
How to Make the Best Bacon Garlic Fried Rice
Alright, let’s get cooking. This recipe is simple, but a few key steps turn good fried rice into great fried rice.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bacon and cook it until it reaches a crisp texture and the fat has rendered. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The smell of frying bacon is the best way to start any recipe.
Slicing bacon when it’s slightly cold is easier than slicing it when it is at room temperature.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the bacon is perfectly crisp, add the garlic to the pan. Sauté for about a minute until golden and slightly crisp.
The aroma will be incredible. Be careful, though. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin your entire batch of garlic fried rice. Stir it without pause, and when it becomes fragrant and golden, it’s time to move on.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Now, add your day-old cooked rice to the wok. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes. You want every grain of rice to get coated in that delicious bacon-garlic fat. The heat will help dry out the rice even more, which is exactly what we want.
Here’s a little secret: Using long-grain rice like basmati is a game-changer. It has less starch, so the grains stay separate and don’t clump up. That allows the garlicky goodness to blend with each bite.
Step 4: Mix up the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the wok. Crack the eggs into the space and scramble them until they’re set. Once they’re cooked, stir and toss all the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
The dish is now ready to serve. Each spoonful has different textures. You get chewy rice, crispy bacon, and soft eggs. There’s also a nice crunch from golden garlic.
What Other Ingredients Can You Add to Fried Rice?
This Bacon Garlic Fried Rice recipe offers much variety. It’s a perfect canvas for other ingredients.
Instead of scrambled eggs, why not top the dish with a sunny-side-up egg? Picture this: You break the yolk with your fork. The yellow goodness runs down the fried rice, adding a rich, tasty flavour. It’s a simple upgrade that makes the dish feel extra special.
Swap the protein:
If you’re out of bacon or want a change, this garlic fried rice is as amazing with Spam. (I know, I know, but trust me, crispy Spam cubes are incredible).
Add some vegetables:
Do you love vegetables? Peas, carrots, corn, and scallions will work well. Green beans or any of your other favourites are great, too. You can use fresh or frozen. If you want to save some time and skip the slicing and dicing, use frozen stir-fry vegetables. They’re a lifesaver.
How to cook bacon in the oven:
If you want a less messy method, you can cook your bacon in the oven. It’s healthier, too, because a lot of the grease drips out. Just place the slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Put them in a cold oven. Set the temperature to 200°C. Wait to start the timer until the oven dings and reaches the right temperature. Then, set the timer for one and a half minutes per slice.
For six slices, that’s nine minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on thickness, but this method has never failed me.
To store and freeze
If you have leftovers, which is rare here, this Bacon Garlic Fried Rice keeps well.
- To store: Let the fried rice cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat: The best way to revive the fried rice is in a hot wok or skillet. This will help restore that smoky, crispy texture. You can also microwave it, but the texture won’t be quite as good.
- To freeze: For longer storage, place the fried rice in an airtight container or a resealable bag. It will last for up to 2 months. Make sure to press out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet.
Your Turn
I’ve shared all you need to make this tasty Bacon Garlic Fried Rice. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is so simple to make. The sweet, savoury, and umami-rich flavours are difficult to surpass.
What’s your favourite addition to fried rice? Do you have any secret ingredients you like to add? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you think!
Garlic Bacon Fried Rice Recipe
This Garlic Bacon Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying meal made with crispy bacon, golden garlic, fluffy eggs, and day-old rice. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's packed with savoury flavour and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night comfort meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced bacon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy and the fat has rendered.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add the cooked rice and toss well to coat every grain with the bacon and garlic mixture.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the rice is heated through.
- Push the rice to one side of the pan.
- Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble until fully cooked.
- Mix the eggs into the rice.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 365kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 125mg42%
- Sodium 620mg26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Day-old rice works best because it stays fluffy and prevents soggy fried rice.
- Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning.
- Add peas, carrots, corn, or scallions for extra color and nutrition.
- Top with a fried egg for an even richer meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use if I don't have hoisin sauce?
If you can't find hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with the same amount of brown sugar. It will give you that same sweet/salty combo that's so important for the sauce.
Why is my fried rice mushy?
Mushy fried rice is usually the result of using freshly cooked rice. Using cold, day-old rice is the key. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the rice will steam instead of fry.
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