Ugh…when is this brutal cold going to stop? On top of that, we have a severe weather warning in effect that is calling for more snow! I guess we will be staying in today and do what we love best – EAT! :) I made this delicious bacon fried rice last week, where we had it for dinner, and then breakfast the next day, and subsequently lunch, lol. I’m so spoiled…I’m not sure I can eat plain rice ever again, hahaha. Enjoy!
1 pound bacon (I use Kirkland Signature low sodium bacon), cut into 1/2″ pieces
Place bacon pieces in a large nonstick skillet (at least 12” wide although I prefer 14”) and cook over high heat, stirring constantly until crispy. Remove and set aside until needed. Pour bacon oil into a small bowl.
1 tablespoon bacon oil
5 large eggs, beaten
In the same skillet, heat bacon oil over medium-high heat until moderately hot. Add eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until scrambled. Remove eggs to a bowl and set aside.
4 tablespoons bacon oil
2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
1 small onion or shallot, minced or diced, optional
8 cups cooked rice (preferably cold from the fridge)
6 to 8 ounces bean sprouts*
1-1/2 cups frozen peas*
1 tablespoon light soy**
2 tablespoons fish sauce (if using regular bacon, start with 1 tablespoon, taste, and add more if needed)***
White pepper to taste
*My other favorite veggie in this dish is fresh green beans. I would use 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1/2” length. If using in combination with other veggies, you can reduce the amount used.
**My go-to brands are Koon Chun or Pearl River Bridge. In my opinion, Japanese soy sauces such as the commonly available Kikkoman brand do not taste the same as Chinese soy sauces. The Japanese soy sauce that is most similar to Chinese soy sauces is tamari and I would recommend the San-J brand.
***Fish sauce can be substituted with light soy sauce but if given a choice, I prefer fish sauce which has a more complex umami flavor.
In the same skillet, heat bacon oil over high heat until hot. Add garlic and onion/shallot (if using), and cook until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring constantly. Add rice, bean sprouts, frozen peas, seasoning – soy sauce, fish sauce, white pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through. (If using green beans, stir fry the green beans first until almost cooked before adding rice and seasonings.) Turn off heat and stir in cooked bacon and eggs. Dish out and serve.
