Crispy bacon, cold rice, green beans, onion, garlic, egg, sesame oil, and soy sauce come together for the ultimate easy bacon fried rice!
You know those nights when you open your fridge and it’s like… crickets? That was me. One rogue pack of bacon, some leftover rice, a half-used bag of green beans clinging for dear life in the freezer — and a serious craving for something warm, salty, and fast.
Honestly, I wasn’t planning to create anything “blog-worthy” that night. I was just hungry and stubborn. But what hit the skillet surprised me — that first bite was pure comfort food magic. Salty bacon, chewy rice, and just enough veggies to convince myself it was healthy-ish. It tasted like a hug from my favorite diner… if my favorite diner happened to be my own kitchen at 9:30 p.m.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bacon Fried Rice Recipe?
First things first — bacon. I mean, if bacon’s involved, we’re already off to a good start, right? But it’s more than that. This Easy Bacon Fried Rice is:
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Fast. Like, faster-than-takeout fast.
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One-skillet easy. (Less dishes = happy you.)
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Crazy flexible. Got peas? Corn? Leftover rotisserie chicken? Toss it in.
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Pure cozy vibes. It tastes like a lazy Saturday afternoon.
And let’s be real — any dinner that starts with cooking bacon already feels like a win.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s walk through this like we’re standing at the fridge together:
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Bacon: Six slices, chopped up. You could probably use more. (I won’t judge. Actually, I’ll cheer you on.)
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Frozen French-Cut Green Beans: Thawed. If they’re a little icy, no big deal.
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Onion: Roughly chopped. I mean, we’re not looking for Michelin-star dicing here.
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Garlic: Because duh. Always.
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Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle — it gives you that “real-deal” fried rice smell that makes neighbors jealous.
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Egg: Scrambled right in the skillet like a boss.
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Cold Cooked Rice: Yep, it has to be cold. Fresh rice gets soggy. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
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Soy Sauce: Splash it on till your ancestors whisper, “That’s enough.”
How To Make Easy Bacon Fried Rice?
Step 1: Bacon Time.
Toss your bacon into a big skillet. Medium-high heat, about 7 minutes — you want it starting to crisp but not burned. Pour off most of the grease, but leave a little. (Flavor town, baby.)
Step 2: Add Some Green.
Throw in the green beans, onions, and garlic. Stir them around in the bacon goodness. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the veggies soften and your kitchen smells ridiculously good.
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Step 3: Make a Space for the Egg.
Scoot the veggies and bacon to the side. Drizzle sesame oil onto the empty spot. Let it sizzle, then pour in your beaten egg. Scramble it right there like you’re a street vendor in Bangkok.
Step 4: Rice Party.
Pile the cold rice into the pan. Break up the clumps (use a firm spatula if needed) and get it all mixed with the bacon and egg. Add your soy sauce. Stir until everything looks evenly golden and your mouth is officially watering.
Step 5: Taste Test (Optional but Highly Recommended).
Give yourself a little bite. Maybe add a smidge more soy sauce if you like it saltier. I always do.
Storage Options:
Let it cool a bit, then toss it into an airtight container. It’ll stay happy in the fridge for about 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet (way better texture than microwaving) with a tiny splash of water if it seems dry.
And yes, it freezes beautifully too — so you can be lazy and have backup bacon fried rice whenever you want. Future you says thanks.
Variations and Substitutions:
Oh man, you can have some serious fun here:
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Protein swap: Leftover chicken? Shrimp? Spam? (Don’t knock it till you try it.)
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Veggie party: Carrots, peas, corn, edamame — even leftover roasted veggies.
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Rice switch-up: Brown rice? Jasmine? Cauliflower rice if you’re feeling… ambitious? All good.
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Flavor boosts: A dash of sriracha, a spoonful of hoisin, or sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Basically, you do you.
What to Serve with Easy Bacon Fried Rice?
Honestly? This Easy Bacon Fried Rice is totally a meal on its own. But if you’re feeling extra (and I usually am):
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Fried Egg: Plop one right on top. Break the yolk. Live your best life.
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Asian Slaw: Something cold and crunchy to balance the salty goodness.
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Spring Rolls: Store-bought, homemade, who cares. Dip ’em in sweet chili sauce and thank me later.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use day-old takeout rice?
Heck yes, and it’s perfect! Fried rice is basically what day-old takeout rice dreams of becoming.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats like a champ. Just don’t skimp on the bacon or your future self will be sad.
So… are you about to go fry some bacon and save your weeknight? I hope so. If you give this Easy Bacon Fried Rice a try (or add your own crazy spin), I’d love to hear about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Easy Bacon Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen French-cut green beans thawed
- 1/2 medium onion roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 large egg beaten
- 3 cups cold cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or more to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Bacon:
- In a large, deep skillet placed over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, approximately 7 minutes. Carefully drain most of the rendered fat, reserving 1 to 2 teaspoons in the skillet.
Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the thawed green beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon. Sauté the mixture until the bacon becomes crisp and the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes.
Cook the Egg:
- Push the bacon and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, add the sesame oil and allow it to heat for approximately 30 seconds. Pour the beaten egg into the oil, cooking until just set, about 1 minute. Incorporate the cooked egg into the bacon and vegetables by stirring gently.
Add the Rice:
- Introduce the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps as needed. Stir to combine with the bacon mixture.
Season:
- Add the soy sauce and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
Serve:
- Serve the Easy Bacon Fried Rice immediately while hot. Adjust additional soy sauce to taste if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
