Breakfast Fried Rice

Our easy Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is the perfect way to kickstart your day. This dish combines tender beef sausage and fresh veggies with fluffy scrambled eggs and chilled rice, creating a flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for breakfast or any time of the day, this versatile recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal even on busy mornings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of savory beef sausage, fresh vegetables, and aromatic garlic delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your Breakfast Fried Rice by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking; enjoy leftovers throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
• One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup since everything is made in one skillet, making it convenient for any home cook.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Breakfast Fried Rice efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making it easier to fry the rice.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meats, ensuring precision in all your cuts.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing vegetables, enhancing speed and safety during food prep.

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!

Proteins

• 5 oz Canadian bacon, chopped into pieces
• ½ lb beef sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)

Fats

• 4 or 5 Tablespoons butter, divided

Eggs

• 5 large eggs, beaten

Vegetables

• ½ bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1/3 cup frozen peas
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

Seasonings

• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4-5 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Rice

• 5 cups cooked and chilled rice (I prefer short-grain white rice)

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

Step 1: Cook the Meats

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

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

1. If there’s no grease left in the pan from the meat, add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter.
2. Add veggies (bell pepper, carrots, onion) to the pan; season with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender for a few minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove to the same bowl.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan; once melted, add beaten eggs.
3. Cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Remove eggs to the bowl.

Step 4: Fry Rice

1. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan; once melted, add chilled rice.
2. Spread rice into an even layer; cook over medium-high heat while stirring every minute or so until it crisps slightly.
3. Add green onion, soy sauce, sesame oil; toss everything together to combine well.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return all ingredients from the bowl back into the pan with rice.
2. Toss thoroughly to combine; taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, salt or pepper as desired.

Enjoy this delightful Breakfast Fried Rice as a fulfilling start to your day!

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice

Breakfast Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, serving it up creatively can enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Green Onions: Adding more sliced green onions can boost the dish’s color and taste.

With Sriracha or Hot Sauce

• Spicy Kick: Drizzle Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meals.

As a Breakfast Bowl

• Topped with Avocado: Serve the fried rice in a bowl and top with sliced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
• With a Poached Egg: Add a poached egg on top for extra protein and richness.

With Fruit

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Pair with a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the fried rice.
• Sliced Melon: Serve alongside slices of melon for a sweet finish to your meal.

How to Perfect Breakfast Fried Rice

To make the best Breakfast Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best as it prevents clumping and results in better texture.
• Cook Over High Heat: Cooking on high heat allows for better frying and helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a large batch, cook in smaller portions to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go when adding soy sauce or salt to achieve the perfect flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for Breakfast Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with Breakfast Fried Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Fruit Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie made with yogurt and seasonal fruits complements the savory rice beautifully.
2. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the fried rice’s richness.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli provides added nutrients while keeping the meal light and healthy.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting flavors that pair well with fried rice.
5. Scrambled Tofu: For added protein, serve scrambled tofu seasoned with turmeric and black salt alongside your dish.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls add texture and are perfect for dipping in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Breakfast Fried Rice to new heights. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Stale Rice: Freshly cooked rice works best for fried rice. If using leftover rice, ensure it’s cooled properly to avoid clumping.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much at once can lead to steaming instead of frying. Work in batches if necessary for better texture.
• Neglecting Seasoning: A lack of seasoning will make your dish bland. Always taste and adjust with soy sauce, salt, or pepper until perfect.
• Skipping the Crisping Step: Allowing rice to sit undisturbed helps it get crispy. Don’t stir too often during frying.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to prepare and chop all ingredients beforehand can slow you down. Have everything ready before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Breakfast Fried Rice

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Breakfast Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwavable bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a skillet over medium heat. Stir until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Breakfast Fried Rice:

Can I use different meats in my Breakfast Fried Rice?

Yes! Chicken, turkey, or even beef makes great alternatives. Customize according to your preference.

How can I make this Breakfast Fried Rice vegetarian?

Simply omit the meat and add more vegetables or tofu for protein. Use soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.

What type of rice is best for Breakfast Fried Rice?

Short-grain white rice or jasmine rice gives the best texture. Ensure it’s cooked and chilled before using.

Can I prepare Breakfast Fried Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to reheat.

Final Thoughts

This Breakfast Fried Rice recipe is versatile and packed with flavor, making it a delightful way to start your day. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist each time you make it!