Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon fried rice combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory soy sauce for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 8 slices bacon ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large carrot ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Refrigerate cooked rice until thoroughly chilled.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp.
- Drain on paper towels; crumble. Reserve 1/4 cup bacon drippings.
- Combine soy sauce and water; set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and crushed red pepper; stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Add cooked chicken and drained water chestnuts; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon bacon drippings in skillet; add diced carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add chopped green pepper, celery, and onion; stir-fry for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use day-old rice that's been chilled overnight; this prevents it from becoming mushy. If you want to add more veggies, consider incorporating peas or bell peppers. For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with tempeh or smoked tofu and use soy sauce or tamari for seasoning. If you like it spicy, add more crushed red pepper or a dash of sriracha.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Fried Rice makes a fantastic main dish, but you can also serve it alongside a light salad, such as Chinese Cabbage Chicken Salad, for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, pair it with Stir-Fried Broccoli or a side of dumplings. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and steam for a few minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave, ensuring to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Fried Rice contains roughly 386 calories, with 16g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked?
No, this recipe requires pre-cooked rice for the best texture. Uncooked rice will not achieve the desired results; it needs to be cooked and chilled beforehand to avoid becoming mushy during stir-frying.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a bacon alternative, try using turkey bacon or pancetta for a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, smoked tempeh or mushrooms can add a savory element without the meat.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this Bacon Fried Rice gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free version, such as tamari. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially pre-packaged items, are labeled gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).