Breakfast Fried Rice: A Hearty Morning Twist on a Classic
An all-in-one skillet packed with savory flavors to jump-start your morning.
Breakfast Fried Rice: A Morning Upgrade for a Beloved Classic
If you love the comforting flavors of fried rice but crave something that fits perfectly into your breakfast routine, breakfast fried rice is your answer. This dish takes the foundational elements of traditional fried rice and infuses them with the heartiness and savory goodness of classic breakfast ingredients—think fluffy eggs, breakfast sausage, and crispy bacon. Easy to customize and quick to whip up using leftover rice, it’s the perfect solution for a crowd-pleasing family breakfast or a weekend brunch.
Why Make Breakfast Fried Rice?
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packs in proteins, veggies, and carbs in a single skillet.
- Quick and Adaptable: Perfect for using up leftovers and can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Change up the meats, veggies, and spices to suit your family’s tastes or what’s in your fridge.
- Ideal for Batch Cooking: Make a large skillet to feed a crowd, or refrigerate portions for easy reheating.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
The beauty of breakfast fried rice is that, while there’s a basic blueprint, it invites improvisation. Here’s a foundational list, inspired by generations of family breakfasts and Lake house mornings:
- Cold, Cooked Rice: Day-old white rice, jasmine, or brown rice. Cold rice fries up best and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Bacon Grease or Butter: Adds classic breakfast flavor and helps crisp the rice.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced.
- Onions: Diced yellow, white, or red onion.
- Green Pepper: Diced for color and flavor.
- Breakfast Sausage: Bulk or links, crumbled and cooked until browned.
- Eggs: Scrambled lightly for tender curds.
- Salt, Pepper, and Sage: To season; fresh sage is especially aromatic, but dried works as well.
Optional additions to make it your own:
- Chopped bacon or ham
- Spinach or kale for extra greens
- Diced tomatoes, scallions, or shredded cheese for garnish
- Hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Directions
This recipe follows an intuitive order—cooking each ingredient separately ensures perfect texture and flavor, then bringing everything together at the end.
- Prepare the Eggs
Whisk the eggs until fully blended. Pour into a skillet with a bit of butter or bacon grease over medium heat. Scramble the eggs gently, cooking only until just set. Remove them to a plate; they’ll go back into the pan later and will finish cooking then.
- Sauté the Veggies
Add more bacon grease or butter to the skillet. Add the onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Cook the Sausage
Add the sausage to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Brown it thoroughly for flavor and texture—some crispiness is encouraged. Once fully cooked and nicely browned, remove it to a plate.
- Fry the Rice
Make sure your skillet is piping hot. Add more bacon grease or butter. Add the cold rice, using a spoon to break up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice, allowing it to get hot and develop some golden, crispy bits—about 5 minutes.
- Combine Everything
Return the cooked eggs, veggies, and sausage to the skillet. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and chopped sage. Stir everything together, cooking just until everything is heated through and well-mixed, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve Hot
Spoon into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra herbs, scallions, grated cheese, or hot sauce, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Breakfast Fried Rice
- Use Chilled Rice: Freshly cooked rice retains too much moisture; day-old rice that’s been chilled in the fridge fries up best without becoming mushy.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: They’ll go back in the pan at the end, so a light scramble prevents rubbery results.
- Pre-Cook Ingredients Separately: This keeps everything from steaming together and ensures each component tastes its best.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Everyone’s salt and spice preferences differ, so taste before serving and adjust as needed.
- Mix Up the Proteins: Swap sausage for bacon, ham, leftover steak, or even veggie sausage for a vegetarian version.
Customizing Your Breakfast Fried Rice
This is a flexible recipe—use whatever you have on hand or what needs using up in your fridge. Here are some creative variations:
| Variation | How to Modify |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Omit sausage and bacon; use extra veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini. Consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of soy sauce for umami. |
| Spicy | Add diced jalapeños to the onions and peppers. Top finished fried rice with your favorite hot sauce or sriracha. |
| Cheesy | Sprinkle shredded cheddar, jack, or gouda cheese over the finished rice, cover briefly to melt. |
| Mediterranean | Add chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta. Use olive oil instead of bacon grease or butter. |
| Korean-inspired | Top each serving with a fried egg, a dash of gochujang, and sesame seeds. |
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings, or re-fry in a skillet until thoroughly hot. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: While best fresh, fried rice can be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet, adding a little water or broth.
What others are reading
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced breakfast.
- Include as part of a brunch spread with toast, pancakes, and freshly squeezed juice.
- Wrap leftovers in a tortilla for an on-the-go breakfast burrito.
- Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or hot honey for a sweet-and-savory twist (trust us, it works!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely. Brown rice gives a heartier texture and nutty flavor. The key is making sure the rice is cooked and chilled before frying.
Q: I don’t eat pork—what can I substitute for the sausage?
A: Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, vegetarian sausage, or even crumbled tempeh for a plant-based option. You can also skip meat entirely and double up on vegetables or use tofu for extra protein.
Q: Can I add soy sauce like traditional fried rice?
A: Yes, but use it sparingly or try a breakfast-appropriate alternative like Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or even a dash of maple syrup for a unique twist. Traditional soy sauce can darken and salt the rice, so adjust to taste.
Q: Why does the recipe call for cold rice?
A: Cold rice fries better, crisps up, and won’t stick together as much. Freshly cooked, hot rice retains moisture and can turn mushy when fried.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a large group?
A: Definitely. Double or triple the recipe in batches, then keep finished fried rice warm in a 200°F oven or in a slow cooker until ready to serve.
Expert Tips for Flawless Breakfast Fried Rice
- Use a large skillet or wok to avoid overcrowding; this ensures good browning and prevents steaming.
- Always have all ingredients prepped before you start—the process moves quickly once you begin frying.
- Don’t be afraid to taste as you go and adjust to your family’s preferences.
- Fresh herbs like chives, sage, or parsley add a bright finish.
Nutritional Highlights
While breakfast fried rice varies by ingredients, it generally provides:
- Protein from eggs and sausage (or plant-based alternatives)
- Carbohydrates from rice for morning energy
- Essential minerals & vitamins from fresh vegetables
For a lighter version, use lean sausage, brown rice, and more vegetables, or substitute plant-based proteins.
Breakfast Fried Rice Recipe Card
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cold cooked rice | 4 cups |
| Bacon grease or butter | 3 tbsp |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Green pepper (diced) | 1 medium |
| Breakfast sausage | 8 oz |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Salt, pepper, sage | To taste |
| Optional: Other veggies, bacon, cheese | As desired |
Final Thoughts
Breakfast fried rice is proof that a little creativity goes a long way in the kitchen. It brings together comfort, nourishment, and opportunity to use up whatever you have on hand—all while offering a hot, satisfying meal. Whether you follow the classic version or give it your own twist, it’s sure to become a new breakfast tradition in your home.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46411670/pork-fried-rice-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a93715/veggie-stuffed-fried-rice/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a102497/breakfast-fried-rice/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JycLJTiESA
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g37135333/rice-recipes/
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