Do Share Recipe

I Tried Breakfast Fried Rice—and It’s My New Favorite Morning Hack

The other morning, I had some leftover rice in the fridge, a couple of eggs, and half a bell pepper on the edge of going bad. Instead of tossing them, I whipped up a batch of breakfast fried rice, and wow—it was the best decision of the day!

It reminded me of the comfort you get from a Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe, but with a fun, hearty twist perfect for breakfast. Let me walk you through how I made it and how you can too!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Breakfast Fried Rice

This dish is all about working with what you have—but here’s a base that I’ve found works beautifully. Always use fresh, simple ingredients to keep the flavors on point.

2 cups day-old cooked rice: Day-old rice is drier than freshly cooked rice, which helps it fry up crispy without becoming mushy.
2 eggs: They add richness and protein. Scramble them directly in the pan for easy blending with the rice.
½ cup diced onion: Adds savory depth and a touch of natural sweetness once sautéed.
½ cup chopped bell pepper or leftover veggies: Great for cleaning out the fridge. Use carrots, peas, zucchini—anything goes.
½ cup diced cooked bacon, ham, or sausage (optional): Adds a hearty, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the eggs and rice.
2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and savory depth. Start with a little and adjust to taste.
1 tbsp sesame oil or butter: Sesame oil gives a toasty, nutty note; butter adds creamy richness. Choose based on your flavor preference.
Salt & pepper to taste: Season to preference after tasting the soy sauce addition.
Sliced green onions or sriracha (optional, for topping): Adds a fresh crunch or spicy kick to finish off the dish.

Note: This recipe serves about 2 generous portions.

Fun Twists: Delicious Variations for Every Taste

You can easily tweak this breakfast fried rice to match dietary needs or flavor preferences. It’s one of those dinner recipes you can transform into a morning win!

Make it dairy-free: Use oil instead of butter, and avoid any cheese-based toppings.
Go veggie: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, tofu, or even chickpeas.
Spice it up: Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sriracha straight into the rice.
Add sweetness: A little pineapple or corn can add a fun contrast.
Boost protein: Mix in leftover chicken or shredded turkey.

Cooking Time: Get Your Breakfast on the Table Fast

This recipe is a total time-saver—great for busy mornings!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Tools You’ll Need for This Easy Morning Recipe

Here’s the simple gear that gets the job done:

Large skillet or wok – for frying everything evenly
Spatula – to stir and scramble with ease
Knife and chopping board – for prepping veggies and protein
Measuring spoons – for accurate seasoning

How to Make Breakfast Fried Rice

You won’t believe how quick and satisfying this recipe is. Let’s break it down step-by-step so your breakfast turns out just right.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oil and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a tablespoon of sesame oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper (or whatever veggies you’ve chosen). Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften and smell amazing.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs in the Same Pan

Push the veggies to one side of the skillet to create space. Crack the eggs directly into the pan and scramble them gently using your spatula. Once they’re mostly cooked through, stir them into the rice mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Add Protein and Cold Rice

If you’re using cooked bacon, ham, or sausage, now’s the time to add it to the pan. Let it warm up and crisp slightly. Then, toss in your cold, day-old rice. Don’t use freshly cooked rice—it’ll turn mushy. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Season and Mix to Finish

Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the mixture. Stir everything together so the flavor coats all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste, remembering the soy sauce already brings saltiness.

Step 5: Add Final Toppings

Plate the fried rice and top with sliced green onions or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a little heat. Serve it up warm and fresh!

Tips I Swear By to Make Breakfast Fried Rice Even Better

After making this recipe a few times, I picked up a few tricks that elevate the whole experience:

Let your rice sit uncovered in the fridge overnight—this dries it out for perfect crisping.
Don’t overcrowd the pan or it’ll steam instead of fry.
Use a non-stick skillet if possible for easier cleanup and less sticking.
Add a pinch of sugar for balance if you’re using very salty meats like bacon.
I like to use a mix of butter and sesame oil for a creamy and nutty flavor combo.

How to Serve Breakfast Fried Rice Like a Pro

This dish is super flexible and fun to plate. I like to serve mine in a shallow bowl with a soft-set fried egg on top for extra richness. Add sliced avocado for creaminess or a side of fruit for a fresh contrast.

And if you love cozy meals like the Bobby Flay Salisbury Steak Recipe, this fried rice gives off the same comforting, warm flavors in a totally different way.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a quick glance at what you’re getting from this delicious breakfast:

Calories: 390
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g

How to Store Breakfast Fried Rice

Here’s how to make sure your leftovers stay fresh and tasty:

Storing in Fridge: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze fried rice in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Warm it up in a skillet over low heat or microwave in a covered bowl with a splash of water for moisture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this recipe keeps making its way back to my table:

Quick and easy to make: From fridge to table in 15 minutes flat.
Uses up leftovers: A great way to reduce food waste creatively.
Customizable: Adjust the veggies, spices, or protein to fit your diet.
Works for any meal: Not just breakfast—it’s perfect for lunch or dinner too.
One-pan cleanup: Fewer dishes, more time to relax.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Keep these missteps in mind to make sure your fried rice turns out perfect every time:

Using fresh rice: It will clump and turn soggy—always go for day-old.
Overcrowding the pan: This traps steam and prevents crisping.
Not seasoning in layers: Taste as you go and adjust gradually.
Skipping the protein or veggies: These build flavor and texture—don’t miss out!
Overcooking the eggs: Scramble gently to avoid rubbery eggs.

More Info for a Better Cooking Experience

Want to take your breakfast fried rice to the next level? Here are some quick extras:

Try adding a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness.
Mix in shredded cheese for a melty surprise in every bite.
Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
Pair it with hot coffee or a fresh smoothie to round out the meal.

Ben Carraoli