Bacon Fried Rice with Peas
Bacon Fried Rice with Peas is a delicious and versatile dish that has become a staple in many households. This quick-to-prepare recipe combines the savory richness of bacon with the sweet pops of peas, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or want to whip up a satisfying dish from scratch, this Bacon Fried Rice with Peas is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that’s easy to customize to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Bacon Fried Rice with Peas apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon provides a delightful contrast to the soft, fluffy rice, while the peas add a fresh, sweet crunch. It’s a truly comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round.
Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is also incredibly accessible. Most of the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, making it easy to whip up on short notice. And the best part? It’s a dish that can be made ahead and reheated, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Bacon Fried Rice with Peas ❓
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Bacon Fried Rice with Peas ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Bacon Fried Rice with Peas is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy bacon, savory soy sauce, and sweet peas creates the Asian-inspired flavor profile that has made fried rice recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Bacon Fried Rice with Peas Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Step 3: Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and become lightly browned.
• Step 4: Stir in the frozen peas, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the flavors have blended.
• Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional fried rice dishes that can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this Bacon Fried Rice with Peas saves you 17% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 787mg
These Bacon Fried Rice with Peas provide approximately 24% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the traditional rice to create a low-carb fried “rice” dish.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the butter and use a plant-based oil, such as avocado or coconut oil, to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for additional nutrients and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Bacon Fried Rice with Peas.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light salad or soup for a balanced, Asian-inspired dinner.
• Complement the fried rice with grilled or baked protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• For a family-style meal, serve the Bacon Fried Rice with Peas alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, like egg rolls or potstickers.
• Create an appetizer or snack platter with the fried rice, sliced cucumbers, and a dipping sauce for a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooked rice: Using day-old, refrigerated rice is best for fried rice recipes, as it helps prevent the grains from sticking together and becoming mushy.
• Skipping the soy sauce and sesame oil: These two key ingredients provide the signature flavor profile of fried rice, so don’t skip them.
• Not seasoning enough: Be generous with the salt and pepper to ensure the fried rice is well-seasoned and flavorful.
• Forgetting to add the peas at the end: Adding the frozen peas towards the end of cooking helps them retain their bright green color and crisp texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Bacon Fried Rice with Peas retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the fried rice up to the point of cooking, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked fried rice to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat the fried rice, simply place it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help restore the texture. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Bacon Fried Rice with Peas ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make this dish in advance. The cooked fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok, adding a splash of water or broth to help restore the texture.
Can I substitute other ingredients for the bacon?
Absolutely! While the bacon provides a delicious savory flavor, you can substitute it with other proteins, such as diced ham, shredded chicken, or tofu. You can also omit the bacon entirely and use a plant-based oil, like avocado or coconut oil, to make the dish vegetarian or vegan.
How can I make this recipe more diet-friendly?
There are several ways to adapt this Bacon Fried Rice with Peas to suit different dietary needs. For a lower-carb version, you can use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. To reduce the fat content, opt for turkey bacon or a lower-fat pork variety. You can also add extra vegetables, like diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient content.
What should I do if the rice is sticking together?
If the rice is sticking together, it’s likely because it’s too fresh. The best fried rice is made with day-old, refrigerated rice, as the grains have had a chance to dry out a bit. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, try spreading it out on a baking sheet and refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this Bacon Fried Rice with Peas is that it’s highly customizable. You can easily add diced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked through.
Conclusion
These Bacon Fried Rice with Peas represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, they’re sure to impress with their crispy bacon, fluffy rice, and bright pops of pea. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Bacon Fried Rice with Peas demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting and satisfying flavors of this fried rice classic.
