Rating: 3.74
(119)

Bacon Fried Rice

January 22, 2025

Bacon fried rice is the ultimate comfort food mashup – smoky, crispy bacon meets fluffy, flavorful rice in a dish that’s quick, easy, and absolutely packed with taste. Whether you’re using leftover rice or making a fresh batch just for this, bacon fried rice turns simple ingredients into something crave-worthy and satisfying.

The magic begins with bacon. As it cooks, it releases flavorful fat that becomes the base for the rest of the dish. Once the bacon is crispy, you can set it aside and use the rendered fat to stir-fry aromatics like garlic, onion, and scallions. This builds layers of savory flavor that give the rice its depth.

Cold, day-old rice works best here because it holds up to stir-frying without turning mushy. As it hits the hot pan, the rice soaks up all those smoky bacon flavors and gets a little bit crispy around the edges. Soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, and a pinch of pepper bring in that classic fried rice taste, while a drizzle of chili oil or a dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick if you like heat.

Scrambled eggs add a touch of richness and softness, balancing the salty bacon and adding protein. You can also toss in veggies like peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for color and extra texture. The final touch is stirring the bacon back in at the end, so every bite includes a bit of that smoky crunch.

Bacon fried rice is endlessly customizable. You can keep it simple or add extras like kimchi, pineapple, or even shrimp to make it your own. It’s perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, and it comes together in about 20 minutes – faster than ordering takeout.

Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or just craving something comforting and savory, bacon fried rice is a guaranteed hit. It’s the kind of dish that’s satisfying any time of day, from a quick lunch to a midnight snack. One skillet, a few pantry staples, and some crispy bacon are all you need to make magic happen.

Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon Fried Rice
3.74 from 119 votes
A delightful and savory rice dish loaded with crispy bacon, vegetables, and a hint of soy sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a side.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices Bacon chopped
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice preferably day-old
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 cup Mixed Vegetables peas, carrots, and corn
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
  • 2 pieces Eggs beaten
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
  • Add vegetable oil to the skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  • Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Push the vegetables to the side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until fully cooked.
  • Add the day-old rice to the skillet, mixing it with the vegetables and eggs. Pour in soy sauce, and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
  • Fold in the crispy bacon and top with green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Calories: 380kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: bacon, cooking, rice dishes
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    Not so sure about mixing bacon with rice, but gave it a shot. It was okay, I’ll say.

  2. User avatar Kittie Pollich says:

    5 stars
    This was AWESOME! Love the smoky flavor from the bacon. Will definitely make again!

  3. 2 stars
    Too greasy for me. I think there’s a better recipe without bacon. Just saying.

    1. User avatar kareem.gleichner73 says:

      4 stars
      I actually love the bacon in it! It adds flavor! You could always leave it out if you don’t like it though.

  4. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    5 stars
    This is amazing! The bacon really adds so much flavor. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar lakeisha.donnelly78 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! Bacon makes everything better. Can’t wait to try this recipe myself!

    2. User avatar clint.haley1964 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t get the hype about bacon in fried rice. Seems kinda weird to me.

  5. User avatar Rob McKenna says:

    3 stars
    Bacon? Rice? Eggs? What is this, a fancy restaurant? 😂

  6. User avatar sheila.herman30 says:

    2 stars
    My rice was soggy! How do you get day-old rice? I might have messed it up.

  7. User avatar iona.schmidt11 says:

    4 stars
    Bacon in rice? Sounds weird. But this actually turned out pretty good. Like a whole meal in one pan!

  8. User avatar son.witting says:

    1 star
    Bacon rice is not as good as chicken fried rice, just saying.

    1. 5 stars
      I think bacon adds so much flavor! Chicken fried rice is good, but bacon fried rice is on another level. 🌟

  9. User avatar Mr. Kelsey Champlin says:

    4 stars
    Hey, can I use fresh rice? I don’t have day-old. Will it ruin it?

  10. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    1 star
    Bacon rice? Sounds weird. Only like rice with soy sauce.

  11. User avatar willis.leuschke says:

    4 stars
    My kids loved it! Finally a meal they finished! Thanks for the recipe!

  12. User avatar trent.bergnaum70 says:

    2 stars
    I’m skeptical… could this really taste that good? I think I’ll stick with plain rice.

  13. 5 stars
    This is like food heaven! Highly recommend! 🤤

  14. User avatar maurice.hyatt says:

    5 stars
    This is the best fried rice I’ve ever made! The bacon adds such a wonderful flavor. Can’t wait to make it again!

  15. User avatar silas.walter says:

    4 stars
    I burnt the garlic… whoops! Still tasted okay tho. Bacon saved it.

    1. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

      4 stars
      Burnt garlic gives it a nice smoky flavor! Glad it turned out well. 🍚

    2. User avatar stella.brown53 says:

      3 stars
      How do you even burn garlic? It’s like, only a minute or two in the pan! But I guess bacon makes everything better. 😂

  16. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    2 stars
    Why would you use bacon??? That’s not real fried rice. What about the traditional way??

  17. User avatar karon.bergnaum says:

    5 stars
    Best recipe ever!! 😍 Can’t believe how quick it was! Made it twice this week already. 👍

  18. User avatar hettie.wolf2024 says:

    5 stars
    The instructions are clear. I like that you cook bacon first and keep the drippings—that’s the whole point! Def will make again.

  19. 1 star
    Too greasy for my taste. I think I’ll stick to plain rice.

    1. User avatar margy.wunsch says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you! Bacon can make things a bit heavy. Plain rice is a good choice if you want something light.

  20. User avatar basementDweller says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it’s dangerously good. The bacon drippings + day-old rice combo is the whole secret—so much better texture than fresh rice.

  21. User avatar ferne.zieme16 says:

    5 stars
    This bacon fried rice was so good! I added some shrimp for an extra kick. 5 stars!

    1. 5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I love shrimp in fried rice too! Gonna try it out this weekend.

  22. User avatar Nelida Stark says:

    2 stars
    Bacon and rice together? Seems a bit strange, my gran would never approve. But I guess young folks today like this sort of thing.

  23. User avatar Jessica Atreides says:

    3 stars
    Eh, it was just okay. Felt like it needed something more. Maybe soy sauce flavors don’t suit me.

  24. User avatar dionne.koepp1950 says:

    2 stars
    I’m skeptical about this recipe. Isn’t fried rice supposed to have more flavors? 🥱

  25. User avatar Truman Kautzer says:

    5 stars
    This bacon fried rice is phenomenal! I made it twice this week. 😋

    1. 3 stars
      Eh, I don’t know. Seems too greasy with that much bacon. Healthy can be tasty too! 🌱

    2. 5 stars
      I totally agree! It’s such a quick and delicious meal! I’ve been making it for my kids, and they love it too. 🤤

  26. User avatar leota.collins93 says:

    5 stars
    This bacon fried rice is everything! So delicious and easy to make. My family loved it!

    1. User avatar ariana.rutherford62 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe last night, and it was amazing! My kids went back for thirds!

  27. 3 stars
    I dunno. It seems like way too much bacon. Are you sure that’s healthy? But, I guess it tastes good…

  28. User avatar man.swift says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but 4 cups rice feels like a lot for “2 tbsp soy sauce” unless you’re using really bland rice. Next time I’d adjust soy to taste.

    1. 5 stars
      Yeah I agree—4 cups rice + only 2 tbsp soy sauce feels under-seasoned unless the rice is super plain. I usually start with a bit less soy and then add more little by little, too.

  29. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    4 stars
    YUM! I added some extra veggies and it turned out great. Will make again!

  30. User avatar sha.cole33 says:

    5 stars
    So good—bacon fried rice is my weakness lol. I’d pay for this at a takeout place.

  31. 2 stars
    This recipe is lying about the cook time. Took me longer than it says. 🤨

  32. User avatar Rex Easley says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night after a long day at work. Super easy and delish! 😍

  33. User avatar Ne'ez Yohma says:

    4 stars
    Solid recipe, but I’d reduce the soy sauce a bit. Mine came out slightly salty even with the “to taste” salt/pepper. Still delicious though.

  34. User avatar jesusa.weissnat32 says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, seems simple but kinda bland. Need more spices or something.

  35. User avatar vicente.leannon63 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad but I think it needed more soy sauce. It was kinda bland.

    1. 3 stars
      I don’t know, sounds fine to me. Shouldn’t be too salty! Just add more soy sauce next time.

    2. User avatar wellRespected says:

      4 stars
      I think it’s perfect as is! Maybe you just like stronger flavors? 😄

  36. User avatar Michael83 says:

    5 stars
    Made this for breakfast. Best choice ever! Bacon all the way! 😍

    1. User avatar Shadout Mapes says:

      5 stars
      Yum! Love bacon for breakfast! Can’t wait to try this!

    2. User avatar Drew Blood says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know… bacon in fried rice? Seems weird. But if you like it, good for you.

  37. User avatar craig.kunde79 says:

    5 stars
    Bacon makes everything better! This recipe is a winner for sure. 🥓🍚

  38. User avatar camellia.hills79 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Best fried rice ever!

    1. User avatar mauro.kunze28 says:

      3 stars
      Best fried rice? Really? I thought it was kinda dry… Maybe I’ll try again, but add more soy sauce.

    2. User avatar Pasta Fasta says:

      5 stars
      I agree! This fried rice is so good! Just had it for dinner, and my whole family loved it!

  39. 3 stars
    Made this but I forgot the egg! Still tasted okay but I hear eggs make it better. LOL

    1. 4 stars
      Wow, even without the egg it turned out okay? That’s impressive! I always thought eggs were essential in fried rice. Maybe I’ll try skipping it too. LOL!

  40. User avatar stefanie.rice1997 says:

    4 stars
    Really easy to follow recipe. Just threw everything in and it worked!

  41. User avatar livia.wuckert83 says:

    5 stars
    So good! I used leftover turkey bacon and it still worked! Added some hot sauce too. 🔥

    1. 4 stars
      I never thought of using turkey bacon! That’s a great idea. Do you think it changes the flavor much?

  42. User avatar bennett.pouros2 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know if I made it right, but mine turned out mushy. I think I added too much soy sauce.

    1. User avatar renetta.kerluke says:

      3 stars
      Mushy? I thought it was supposed to be fluffy! If you used fresh rice instead of day-old, that could be why. Looks good tho!

    2. User avatar jerrell.orn22 says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry! Mushy rice happens sometimes. Maybe try using less soy sauce next time and make sure the rice is really cold. You got this!

  43. User avatar vince.harris49 says:

    4 stars
    Love it! Next time, I’m adding pineapples! Bet it will taste even better.

  44. User avatar freddie.botsford says:

    3 stars
    Didn’t like the mixed veggies part. I think I’ll use just peas next time.

  45. 2 stars
    Too salty for my taste! Next time I’ll cut the sauce in half.

    1. User avatar ellis.borer47 says:

      4 stars
      I found it a bit salty too! Maybe just a little soy sauce next time could help. But I loved the bacon! 😋

  46. User avatar Lester Fisher says:

    3 stars
    I think 3-4 minutes for vegetables might be too short depending on the veggies. Mine were still a little crunchy. Flavor was good, just the texture wasn’t what I wanted.

  47. 4 stars
    Is it possible to use leftover chicken instead of bacon? Just curious.

  48. User avatar glory.corwin9 says:

    5 stars
    This was super delicious! My whole family loved it. Bacon makes everything better!

  49. 2 stars
    Eh. Not my vibe. I like soy sauce but this tasted a bit one-note to me. Also I forgot to use day-old rice and it got kinda mushy. 0/10? nah, but meh.

  50. User avatar lorilee.harvey1954 says:

    5 stars
    Bacon fried rice is my fave! I added some shrimp for extra protein. Delicious!

    1. User avatar trey.hoppe2012 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know if bacon and shrimp really go together… but whatever works for you, I guess.

    2. User avatar mario.boehm2023 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! Shrimp must make it even better. I gotta try that next time!

  51. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it slapped. Day-old rice really matters—got that perfect fried texture. Bacon + green onions is a winning combo.

  52. User avatar Treebeard says:

    5 stars
    OMG, so easy and delicious! My kids loved it! Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear your kids loved it! It’s a family favorite in our house too. Quick and tasty!

  53. User avatar alan.leannon87 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Bacon makes everything better! If you’re not using bacon, are you even cooking? 😂 Highly recommend!

  54. User avatar beata.jaskolski34 says:

    4 stars
    The instructions are simple, but “day-old rice preferably” should be “must be day-old” lol. Mine wasn’t actually a day old and it got clumpy. Still tasty though.

  55. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    3 stars
    Took a long time for me! But tasted ok. I’m not a great cook tho.

  56. User avatar sherill.kshlerin1999 says:

    3 stars
    The garlic smell was amazing while cooking, not gonna lie. But my eggs got a bit overcooked—scramble stage felt too fast on my stove. Still tasty.

    1. User avatar Draugr Death Overlord says:

      4 stars
      I tried this but my eggs got overcooked also 😅 maybe my pan was too hot? Scramble stage definitely goes from “perfect” to “rubbery” fast. Still, the flavor was legit—might use less time next go.

    2. User avatar michal.rau71 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—the garlic really does make the whole kitchen smell incredible. I’ve had the same “oops” moment with the eggs too; I start them as soon as the rice goes in and keep it on lower heat so they stay soft.

  57. 3 stars
    I don’t know why, but mine was kind of dry. Maybe I should’ve used less heat or more oil? The flavor was there, just not the texture.

    1. 4 stars
      Dry fried rice usually means the rice wasn’t warm/moist enough or it sat too long in the pan. I’d try medium-high heat *quickly*, and make sure the day-old rice is broken up (no clumps). Also add a tiny splash of soy sauce or even a teaspoon of water at the end to loosen it—doesn’t change the flavor much.

    2. User avatar Laurice Wilderman says:

      3 stars
      Hmm maybe you used too much rice for the pan? I always go a bit heavy on oil (like an extra tbsp) and cook it less, like 1–2 mins after soy sauce so it stays steamy. Also 4 cups can be a lot; if the skillet was crowded it’ll steam and get weird texture.

  58. 3 stars
    I tried this recipe but it turned out kinda soggy. I think I need to use less oil next time.

  59. User avatar vinita.little39 says:

    3 stars
    Not impressed. Rice was kinda bland, needs more flavor for me.

  60. 4 stars
    Bacon fried rice? Sounds like a heart attack on a plate! 💔 But I gotta try it.

  61. User avatar Siona Atreides says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, fried rice is fried rice… but using chopped bacon drippings instead of extra oil is a smart move. My kitchen smelled like a takeout spot.

  62. User avatar Lunkwill and Fook says:

    5 stars
    Bacon is the best! Bet this recipe is awesome. Will try it!

  63. User avatar Latrisha Schinner says:

    3 stars
    I don’t get why you’d use day-old rice. Fresh rice is just fine! Also, add more garlic next time.

    1. 4 stars
      Day-old rice has a better texture for fried rice! Fresh rice can be too sticky. Just saying!

  64. User avatar jerry.schinner says:

    5 stars
    Bacon & rice? Yes please! I can eat this every day. My kids loved it too!

    1. 5 stars
      This sounds delicious! I never thought of adding bacon to fried rice. Thanks for the idea!

  65. User avatar antwan.pagac says:

    1 star
    Why do you have to use day-old rice? Can I use fresh? What if it don’t work?

  66. User avatar teodoro.gutmann2021 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best fried rice I’ve ever made! The bacon adds so much flavor. Yum!

  67. 4 stars
    This looks easy! I don’t usually cook, but might try this out. Wish me luck!

  68. 3 stars
    Not bad, but I think 4 cups of rice is a lot for a typical skillet. I ended up crowding it and the rice steamed a bit instead of frying. Maybe use a bigger pan?

  69. User avatar stacee.hill55 says:

    3 stars
    Less bacon, more veggies? Just a suggestion! I thought it was a bit greasy.

  70. User avatar hans.sporer79 says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight—wow. The day-old rice trick really helps. Bacon + soy is a classic, and the green onions at the end are perfect.

  71. User avatar vallie.schaden says:

    4 stars
    I followed it mostly, but my eggs kinda turned into yellow bits instead of fluffy scramble. Still tasted good though, especially with the crispy bacon.

  72. 4 stars
    Pretty solid and easy. I added a tiny splash of sesame oil at the end and it tasted restaurant-y. Only thing: I needed a pinch more pepper.

  73. User avatar greg.morar1965 says:

    4 stars
    Wow, this was super easy! Even my kids loved it! 👩‍🍳

  74. User avatar andrew.witting says:

    2 stars
    Kinda skeptical about “mixed vegetables”—I used frozen peas/carrots/corn and it felt a bit sweet. Maybe use fresh? Or just season harder.

    1. 3 stars
      Maybe not fresh—just season smarter. Add a bit more soy (or a splash at the end) and a pinch of salt. Green onions also add sharpness. If you’re tasting sweet, it’s usually the veg browning that’s missing.

    2. User avatar noelia.jacobson22 says:

      4 stars
      I feel you—frozen mixed veg can come out a little sweet. I usually do 1) no thawing, so they don’t steam, and 2) cook them longer to drive off moisture. Also extra black pepper helps a lot.

  75. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, my eggs ended up all scrambled together. Followed the steps, but something’s off.

  76. User avatar rigoberto.kilback says:

    2 stars
    Question: do you really need salt since soy sauce already salty? I accidentally oversalted mine. Next time I’ll go lighter and rely on soy.

    1. User avatar Rosendo Keebler says:

      5 stars
      You *usually* don’t need much salt if you’re using soy sauce. Soy’s already pretty salty—just add a little salt at the end only if it still tastes bland. Day-old rice also helps absorb without needing extra.

  77. User avatar henriette.sauer says:

    2 stars
    My garlic burned a little because I got distracted (oops). Could’ve been better, but I scraped the bits and it recovered. Would cook garlic shorter.

  78. User avatar Corrupted Shade says:

    3 stars
    too much garlic! i like garlic but this was overkill. next time i will put less.

  79. User avatar dean.dooley43 says:

    4 stars
    I followed it mostly, but I only had frozen mixed veggies. Cooked them a little longer and it came out fine. Next time I’ll make sure the pan is hot so the rice doesn’t steam.

  80. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    4 stars
    Lol I cant find mixed vegetables so I used whatever was in the freezer. Still worked! Bacon fried rice is basically my love language.

    1. User avatar sang.king2 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! Whatever’s in the freezer always makes it better—love that you kept the spirit of the recipe. Day-old rice + bacon drippings is the real magic 😄

  81. User avatar Spriggan Earth Mother says:

    5 stars
    I followed it pretty closely, but I added a tiny splash of sesame oil at the end. Turned out restaurant-level. Also, 3-4 minutes for the veggies feels about right.

    1. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

      5 stars
      Nice! I always struggle with rice sticking, but leaving the bacon drippings + day-old rice is such a cheat code. That sesame oil splash sounds legit.

    2. User avatar Dan Streetmentioner says:

      4 stars
      3-4 minutes for veggies is probably right… I usually do longer tho because I like them softer. Also I once used fresh rice and it was a gummy mess 😅. Recipe still seems solid!

3.74 from 119 votes
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