Crispy, savory, and packed with umami, this breakfast fried rice is a flavorful way to jumpstart your day. The combination of perfectly cooked rice, tender vegetables, and protein, all brought together with the salty tang of soy sauce and the nutty aroma of sesame oil, creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
What makes this recipe work so well is the use of day-old rice. Its drier texture allows it to crisp up beautifully in the skillet, preventing a soggy final product. This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftovers and transform them into a satisfying and energizing breakfast.
Why you’ll love this Savory Breakfast Fried Rice
- This savory breakfast fried rice is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked rice and vegetables, reducing food waste.
- Customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and proteins for a personalized breakfast.
- The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
- It’s a complete and balanced meal, providing protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
- This dish offers a delightful textural contrast – fluffy rice, tender veggies, and perfectly cooked eggs.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Breakfast fried rice makes every moment feel velvety. Substitutions: For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken or turkey and add tofu or more vegetables. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice, though the texture will be slightly different.
How to make Savory Breakfast Fried Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Protein
Add cooked chicken or turkey and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the vegetables and meat to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble until cooked through.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice and Seasonings
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chef’s Tip: Be sure to break up any clumps of rice for even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 5: Fry and Serve
Stir everything together until the rice is heated through and evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, drizzle a little more sesame oil over the finished dish just before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in soggy fried rice.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re making a large batch, cook the rice in two smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste as you go and add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or ginger as needed.
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will help the cooking process go smoothly and prevent the vegetables from burning.
Serving Suggestions
This savory breakfast fried rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of kimchi or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider adding a fried egg on top. A glass of iced green tea or a cup of miso soup are great beverage pairings.
If you need more ideas for what to make for breakfast, why not try these blueberry buttermilk biscuits? A delicious alternative to fried rice!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover breakfast fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, or stir-fry in a skillet with a little oil until warmed and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this breakfast fried rice?
While you can freeze fried rice, the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or microwave.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to add some heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice has a chewier texture and may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired crispness. Make sure the brown rice is also day-old for best results. For another great recipe to consider, try these garlic parmesan focaccia. They may not be breakfast, but you could try it!
This vibrant and customizable breakfast fried rice is a guaranteed way to brighten your morning. Its delightful combination of savory flavors and satisfying textures makes it a winner every time. Experiment with different vegetables and proteins to create your perfect version, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your favorite variations!
Savory Breakfast Fried Rice
Start your day with this vibrant and flavorful breakfast fried rice! Packed with protein, veggies, and savory seasonings, this recipe is a delicious and quick way to use leftover rice. It’s customizable to your favorite ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or a weekend brunch treat. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures and tastes – fluffy rice, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked eggs, all seasoned with a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil. Get ready to experience a breakfast that’s both comforting and energizing!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or turkey
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken or turkey and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the vegetables and meat to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble until cooked through.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together until the rice is heated through and evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crispy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use day-old rice as it tends to be drier and will fry up better. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms. You can also add a touch of chili flakes for a little heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg