American Fried Rice

Let’s talk about a dish that’s as fun and unique as it sounds: American Fried Rice. A delicious fusion of bold flavors, this dish takes the comforting essence of fried rice and adds a whole new twist with the savory touches of a hearty American breakfast! You get the crispy rice, the warmth of eggs, and the savory richness of bacon or hot dogs—all mixed together in one satisfying plate. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a delightful way to shake up your usual rice routine. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to when you’re craving something familiar but with a little extra flair. So, grab your wok or skillet, and let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing dish!

Why You’ll Love American Fried Rice

• A Fun Fusion: This dish is the best of both worlds, combining the aromatic flavors of fried rice with a touch of classic American breakfast ingredients. It’s a conversation starter at the dinner table, for sure!
• Customizable: Feel free to play around with the ingredients. Add a little more spice, toss in some veggies, or throw in extra meats like sausage or ham. The sky’s the limit!
• Quick & Easy: This meal comes together in a flash. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to impress with something fun and flavorful, American Fried Rice is the answer.
• Comfort Food, Reimagined: It’s one of those dishes that feels like home, no matter where you are. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always hits the spot.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Got leftover rice? This recipe is an excellent way to turn it into a whole new meal. It’s the perfect solution for using up any extra ingredients from last night’s dinner.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering American Fried Rice:

• Cold, Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use rice that has been cooled down in the fridge. This helps the grains stay separate and fry up nicely without becoming mushy.
• Eggs: You’ll scramble these into the rice for a creamy, protein-packed bite.
• Bacon or Hot Dogs: Both add that savory, smoky, and slightly crispy element that makes this dish unique. You can also swap these out for your favorite breakfast meats.
• Frozen Peas: A bit of green color and freshness to balance all the richness.
• Carrots: A bit of crunch and sweetness; they also add color to the dish.
• Onion: Chopped finely, it gives the fried rice that essential depth of flavor.
• Soy Sauce: For seasoning the rice with a touch of umami and saltiness.
• Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It gives the rice a tangy, slightly sweet kick that is signature to this dish.
• Garlic: To infuse the oil with fragrance and elevate the overall taste.
• Butter or Oil: To fry everything together and add that comforting richness.
• Green Onions: For garnish and an extra pop of color and flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s break it down step by step—this American Fried Rice comes together in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Meats

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the bacon (or hot dogs) and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using bacon, chop it into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. Remove the cooked bacon or hot dogs and set them aside, leaving a little of the rendered fat in the pan to flavor the rice.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, add a little more butter or oil if needed. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them. Cook until the eggs are fully set but still tender. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside with the bacon or hot dogs.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add a little more oil or butter to the pan and toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft. Then add the carrots and peas, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they soften up slightly.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to crisp up a bit on the bottom. Be sure to keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. You want the rice to get a bit golden and crispy for that perfect texture.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Drizzle the soy sauce and a generous squeeze of ketchup over the rice. Stir well to evenly distribute the sauce, ensuring each grain is coated with that savory, tangy goodness. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bacon or hot dogs, scrambled eggs, and any other optional additions back to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are well-mixed. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with fresh green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrate: 43g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 12g
Vitamin A: 60%
Vitamin C: 20%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve American Fried Rice

• With a Side of Vegetables: Serve alongside a fresh salad or stir-fried veggies for a more balanced meal.
• As a Main Dish: This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own. Serve it for lunch or dinner for a filling, satisfying meal.
• For Brunch: American Fried Rice is an excellent option for brunch, especially if you want something a little different from the usual.

Additional Tips

• Use Leftover Rice: Day-old rice works best for fried rice recipes because the grains are drier and less likely to get mushy. Don’t throw away any leftover rice—turn it into a tasty meal the next day!
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: For those who like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
A1: While day-old rice gives the best texture, you can use fresh rice. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before adding it to the pan to avoid it being too sticky.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Simply skip the bacon or hot dogs and load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or tofu for protein.

Q3: How can I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if needed to loosen up the rice.

Q4: Can I add other types of meat?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to use sausage, ham, or even chicken for a different take on the dish. Just cook the meat first before adding it to the rice.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time (e.g., chop the veggies, cook the meats) and store them separately in the fridge for easy assembly later.

Q6: Can I use a different sauce instead of soy sauce?
A6: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Q7: How do I make the rice extra crispy?
A7: Let the rice sit undisturbed for a few minutes in the pan to get crispy before stirring it. This gives it that perfect golden-brown crunch.

Q8: Can I add more spices to this?
A8: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with a little garlic powder, paprika, or even curry powder to add more flavor depth to the rice.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat leftover fried rice?
A9: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the rice. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

Q10: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A10: Yes, frozen veggies work perfectly in this dish. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the pan to prevent extra moisture.

Conclusion

American Fried Rice is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying all in one dish. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for using up leftover rice. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional fried rice or craving something hearty and comforting, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Easy to make, easy to love—this one is a keeper!

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