Introduction

Breakfast fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying way to start your day, combining crispy bacon, fluffy scrambled eggs, and savory vegetables all mixed into fragrant rice. This quick and easy dish transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal perfect for any morning.

A white bowl filled with fried rice showing a mix of light brown rice grains, bright yellow scrambled egg pieces, small green peas, yellow corn kernels, and crispy reddish-brown bacon bits. Thinly sliced green onions are scattered on top, adding fresh green color. A shiny gold spoon rests inside the bowl, partially buried in the rice. In the background, there is a wooden bowl with more sliced green onions on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 slices bacon (chopped)
4 large eggs
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp butter
1 medium white onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 cups cold cooked rice
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
½ cup frozen corn
4 green onions (sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a plate with paper towels and set aside for draining bacon.
Step 2: Add chopped bacon to a cold 12-inch skillet or wok, then heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp and fat is rendered, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to the prepared plate with a slotted spoon to drain.
Step 3: While bacon cooks, crack eggs into a bowl and season with ¼ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp ground pepper. Lightly beat with a fork.
Step 4: Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the skillet. Add eggs and swirl to coat the bottom. Cook 1–2 minutes until edges set. Using a rubber spatula, scrape edges toward the center to scramble. Repeat scrambling and cooking several times until eggs are set to your liking. Remove eggs from pan and set aside.
Step 5: Increase heat to medium-high. Add butter and heat until melted and foaming. Add diced onion and toss to coat in fat. Sauté until translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 6: Add cold cooked rice to the skillet and toss with onion and garlic until combined. Flatten mixture into an even layer and fry undisturbed for 4–5 minutes.
Step 7: Pour soy sauce over rice. Loosen rice from skillet bottom with a wooden spoon, stirring soy sauce into the rice. Add frozen peas and carrots, frozen corn, and toasted sesame oil. Toss frequently until vegetables are warmed through and rice appears dry.
Step 8: Remove from heat. Stir in cooked bacon, scrambled eggs, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with extra soy sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rice for the best texture—freshly cooked rice can be too sticky for frying.
Swap bacon for diced ham or cooked sausage for a different protein twist.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add more vegetables or tofu.

Storage

Store leftover breakfast fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water to loosen the rice if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl of fried rice with several visible layers and ingredients. The bottom layer consists of golden-brown cooked rice mixed with small pieces of green peas, yellow corn, and orange carrot bits, creating a colorful base. Scattered throughout the rice are chunks of fluffy yellow scrambled eggs and small, reddish-brown pieces of cooked bacon, adding texture and richness. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl, partially submerged in the rice. The bowl itself is white and placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works well but may require slightly longer cooking when frying since it is denser. Make sure it is fully cooked and chilled before using.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare all ingredients in advance and assemble quickly when ready to cook. However, best results come from frying the rice fresh.