Imperial Fried Rice
Imperial Fried Rice combines savory bacon, tender vegetables, and soy sauce for a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for casual family meals or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice as package directs.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings.
- Stir in cooked rice and sliced green onions.
- Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in soy sauce.
- Season to taste with pepper.
- Add drained peas and carrots; gently toss.
- Cover and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old rice as it keeps the dish from becoming mushy. You can substitute bacon with diced ham or cooked chicken for different flavor profiles. If you want more vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or broccoli. For a slight kick, incorporate red pepper flakes. This dish is a great companion to various Chinese recipes, enhancing your meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Imperial Fried Rice as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite protein, like Teriyaki Pork Chops or Mandarin Pork Or Chicken. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. This fried rice also pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or soy sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imperial Fried Rice contains roughly 262 calories, with 10g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% 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 frozen peas and carrots instead of canned?
Absolutely! Frozen peas and carrots work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the rice to prevent excess moisture. This keeps the fried rice from becoming soggy and enhances the overall texture.
What can I do if I don't have soy sauce?
If you're out of soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. For a different flavor, consider using teriyaki sauce, which adds sweetness and depth. Just adjust the amount to your taste, as some alternatives may be saltier.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Imperial Fried Rice vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace it with tofu or tempeh for protein. You can also enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth when cooking the rice and adding a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
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).