Breakfast Fried Rice

Our easy Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is a delightful way to start your day. Packed with flavor and colorful veggies, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. With its satisfying combination of scrambled eggs and rice, it’s an excellent choice for busy mornings or leisurely weekend meals. You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, making it a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Flavorful and Satisfying: A delicious mix of savory meats and fresh veggies that will fill you up.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with whatever veggies you have on hand for a unique twist every time.
Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that reheat well for another meal during the week.
Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its tasty flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools for making Breakfast Fried Rice. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
Mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when frying rice.
Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients without damaging your cookware.

Ingredients

Our easy Breakfast Fried Rice recipe has sausage, Canadian bacon, and veggies tossed with scrambled eggs and rice. It’s bursting with flavor and ready in 30 minutes!

5 oz Canadian bacon, chopped into pieces
½ lb beef sausage, (I use Jimmy Dean)
4 or 5 Tablespoons butter, divided
5 large eggs, beaten
½ bell pepper, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 small white onion, diced
1/3 cup frozen peas
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups cooked and chilled rice, (I prefer short-grain white rice)
3 green onions, thinly sliced
4-5 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook Meats

Add the Canadian bacon in a single layer to a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat.
1. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.
2. Stir and cook undisturbed for another minute.
3. Remove to a large bowl.
4. Add beef sausage to the skillet and cook over medium heat, crumbling into small pieces as it cooks until browned.
5. Remove to the bowl with Canadian bacon.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

If there’s no grease left in the pan from the meat, add 1 Tablespoon of oil or butter.
1. Add diced bell pepper, carrots, onion, peas, salt, and pepper to the pan.
2. Sauté over medium-high heat for a few minutes until tender.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Remove to the same bowl.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

Reduce heat to medium-low.
1. Add 2 Tablespoons of butter to the pan.
2. Once melted, pour in the beaten eggs.
3. Cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove eggs to the bowl.

Step 4: Fry Rice

Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter to the pan once melted.
1. Add cooked rice spread into an even layer; cook over medium-high heat.
2. Mix in green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil; toss everything together.
3. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed while stirring every minute or so to let it crisp slightly.

Step 5: Combine

Return everything from the bowl back into the pan.
1. Toss all ingredients together until well combined.
2. Taste and season with additional soy sauce, salt, or pepper as needed.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Breakfast Fried Rice!

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Serving Breakfast Fried Rice can be a delightful experience. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day.

With Fresh Herbs

Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of flavor.
Green Onion: Top with extra sliced green onions for a fresh crunch.

Accompanying Sauces

Soy Sauce: Offer low-sodium soy sauce on the side for those who like extra seasoning.
Chili Sauce: Provide a spicy chili sauce for those wanting an added kick.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

Egg Dishes: Pair with scrambled eggs or an omelet for a hearty brunch.
Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced meal.

How to Perfect Breakfast Fried Rice

To achieve the best Breakfast Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use Cold Rice: Cold, leftover rice prevents clumping and ensures even frying.
High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat helps to crisp the rice and brings out flavors.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; this allows for better browning.
Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adding soy sauce gradually helps control saltiness.
Add Protein Variations: Experiment with different proteins like turkey sausage or chicken for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Fried Rice

Complement your Breakfast Fried Rice with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal.

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition; steam lightly to retain crunch.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the warm rice dish.
Miso Soup: A light miso soup adds umami flavors and balances the meal’s richness.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and a smooth texture.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add sweetness and are nutritious; roast until crispy.
Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies add brightness and acidity to cut through richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Breakfast Fried Rice. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping chilled rice: Using freshly cooked rice can lead to a mushy texture. Always use chilled, day-old rice for the best results.
Overcooking vegetables: Overcooked veggies lose their crunch and flavor. Sauté them just until tender for a better bite.
Not seasoning properly: Underseasoned rice can taste bland. Be sure to season with salt and soy sauce adequately.
Using too much heat: Cooking at high heat for too long can burn the rice. Stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed.
Neglecting leftovers: If you have extra rice, don’t toss it! Breakfast Fried Rice is an excellent way to use up leftovers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Breakfast Fried Rice

Cool completely before placing in freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Breakfast Fried Rice

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread fried rice on a baking sheet and heat for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth, then add the rice. Cook while stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breakfast Fried Rice?

Breakfast Fried Rice is a hearty dish made with cooked rice, eggs, vegetables, and your choice of meat like sausage or chicken, all sautéed together.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes! Brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative; just ensure it’s fully cooked and cooled before using.

How do I make Breakfast Fried Rice vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit any meat and add more vegetables or tofu for protein.

How do I customize my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also change up the protein source based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins and vegetables according to your tastes. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful start to your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe