Savory Bacon and Garlic Fried Rice
Indulge in this delightful and rich Savory Bacon and Garlic Fried Rice, a cherished family recipe that beautifully blends Filipino roots with a Southern twist. This dish offers a comforting array of flavors, highlighted by crispy bacon and robust garlic, creating a unique fried rice experience that has garnered love from all who taste it. Perfect for using up leftover rice, this vibrant dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing for various vegetable additions to suit your taste preferences. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, often leaving guests asking for seconds and the treasured recipe.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1/2 lb (sliced into thin strips)
cooked long-grain rice
5 cups (cold, preferably day-old)
garlic cloves
6 (smashed and diced)
frozen peas and carrots
1 1/2 cups (no preparation needed)
eggs
2 (beaten slightly)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (optional, can substitute for bacon fat)
light soy sauce
1/4 cup (to taste)
salt
to taste (optional)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bacon and Garlic Fried Rice?
It is a rich and flavorful dish that blends Filipino culinary roots with a Southern twist, featuring crispy bacon and robust garlic.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
Cooked long-grain rice is best, specifically if it is cold and preferably day-old to ensure the best texture.
How much bacon do I need?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of bacon sliced into thin strips.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe uses 6 garlic cloves, which should be smashed and diced for maximum flavor.
What vegetables are included in this fried rice?
It includes 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots.
How many eggs are in this dish?
Two eggs are used, and they should be beaten slightly before being added to the rice.
Can I use something other than vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with rendered bacon fat for a richer flavor.
What kind of soy sauce is used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of light soy sauce, added to taste.
Why is day-old rice preferred?
Day-old rice is drier than freshly cooked rice, which helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy and allows the grains to separate.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is a quick and easy meal, especially perfect for utilizing leftover rice.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely, this dish is versatile and allows for various vegetable additions based on your preference.
Is this dish served as a main or a side?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a hearty main dish or a flavorful side dish.
What gives this fried rice a Southern twist?
The inclusion of crispy bacon provides a smoky, Southern-style profile to the traditional garlic fried rice.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be smashed and then diced to release their oils and flavor.
Is salt necessary in this recipe?
Salt is optional and should be added to taste, as the bacon and soy sauce already provide significant saltiness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients: bacon, rice, garlic, peas and carrots, eggs, oil, soy sauce, and salt.
What makes this a Filipino-inspired dish?
The heavy use of garlic and rice is a nod to 'sinangag,' a traditional Filipino garlic fried rice.
Can I use frozen vegetables directly?
Yes, the 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots require no special preparation before being added.
What is the best way to slice the bacon?
The bacon should be sliced into thin strips to ensure it gets crispy and distributes evenly throughout the rice.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors of bacon and eggs make it a very kid-friendly and comforting meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You would need to omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly savory substitute or extra vegetables to maintain the flavor profile.
What type of pan is best for frying the rice?
A large skillet or a wok is ideal for providing enough surface area to fry the rice properly.
Should the eggs be cooked separately?
While the instructions vary by preference, typically eggs are scrambled directly into a cleared space in the pan or mixed with the rice.
How much cooked rice does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of cooked long-grain rice.
Is light soy sauce different from regular soy sauce?
Light soy sauce is saltier and thinner than dark soy sauce, providing flavor without darkening the rice too much.
Can I use jasmine rice?
Yes, jasmine rice is an excellent long-grain rice choice for fried rice because of its fragrance and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat this fried rice?
Reheat it in a skillet with a tiny splash of water or oil to restore the texture, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel.
Can I add spice to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.
Why is this dish a crowd-pleaser?
The combination of salty bacon, aromatic garlic, and savory soy sauce creates a universally loved comfort food profile.