This hearty and flavorful Low Calorie Bacon Fried Rice is the perfect way to use up leftover rice and add a delicious twist to your meal routine. It's a quick and delicious meal that will become a family favorite in no time!
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Check out my Instant Pot Vegetable Fried Rice and my Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Rice for more rice recipes!
Low calorie bacon fried rice is a classic Asian-inspired dish that is easy to prepare and is packed with delicious flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be made with different types of rice and vegetables, and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
It's also a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, making it convenient and budget friendly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The combination of crispy bacon, savory garlic and ginger, mixed vegetables, and beaten egg creates a flavorful dish.
- This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.
- This recipe uses affordable and easily accessible ingredients, making it a budget friendly option for feeding your family.
- This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, reducing waste and saving you money.
Prefer to keep it vegetarian? Then make this low calorie vegetable fried rice instead.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious savory flavor.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle spicy and sweet flavor.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative to white rice, as it is less processed and contains more fiber and nutrients.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Add color, texture, and flavor to the dish, and are a convenient option as they are pre-cut and frozen.
- Egg: The beaten egg adds protein and a rich, creamy texture.
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish, and the reduced-sodium version is a healthier alternative to regular soy sauce.
- Hot Sauce: Hot sauce is optional, but adds an extra kick of spice for those who like it spicy.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the thawed mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
Step 4: Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Push the rice and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, and pour the beaten egg onto the other side. Scramble the egg until cooked through, and then mix it into the rice and vegetables.
Step 6: Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet and drizzle the soy sauce over everything. Stir well to combine.
Step 7: Serve the fried rice hot, with hot sauce on the side.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Fried rice is best made with leftover rice that has been chilled, as it helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy or clumpy. If you don't have leftover rice, you can cook the rice in advance and chill it in the fridge for a few hours.
- Cooking the bacon first and using the bacon grease to cook the vegetables and rice adds a delicious smoky flavor.
- Taste the fried rice as you go and adjust the seasonings and soy sauce according to your preferences. Some people may prefer a more salty or savory flavor, while others may prefer a milder taste.
Variations
- Shrimp: Add cooked shrimp to the fried rice for an extra protein boost and a delicious seafood flavor.
- Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the fried rice for a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory bacon.
- Kimchi: Add chopped kimchi to the fried rice for a spicy and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish that is still packed with flavor and protein.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before transferring it to the container.
Freezing: Let the fried rice cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Press out any excess air from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the fried rice for up to 2-3 months.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown rice.
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen vegetables. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Yes, you can omit the eggs if you prefer. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious.
Other Recipes You'll Love
Low Calorie Fried Rice
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 strip bacon
- ¾ garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetable medley thawed
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 large egg beaten
- ¼ tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the thawed mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Push the rice and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, and pour the beaten egg onto the other side. Scramble the egg until cooked through, and then mix it into the rice and vegetables.
- Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet and drizzle the soy sauce over everything. Stir well to combine.
- Serve the fried rice hot, with hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Fried rice is best made with leftover rice that has been chilled, as it helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy or clumpy. If you don't have leftover rice, you can cook the rice in advance and chill it in the fridge for a few hours.
- Cooking the bacon first and using the bacon grease to cook the vegetables and rice adds a delicious smoky flavor.
- Taste the fried rice as you go and adjust the seasonings and soy sauce according to your preferences. Some people may prefer a more salty or savory flavor, while others may prefer a milder taste.
- Storing: Fried rice with bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before transferring it to the container.
- Freezing: Let the fried rice cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Press out any excess air from the container or bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the fried rice for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Elaine
This was so quick and easy, and dh liked it very much. In place of the bacon, I used a leftover thin porkchop from the fridge and it was quite tasty.
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Angela Greven | Mean Green Chef
Fried rice is a favorite here too, I love that you used brown rice, ginger, and bacon! Winning combo! 😋
Beth
This looks so tasty, and I know I've never made it with bacon it would add a lot of flavor. I've also always found that refrigerating the rice before making fried rice is the absolute key, thanks for including that tip.