Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, savory magic of bacon with the delicate, fresh crunch of asparagus, all nestled in perfectly seasoned fried rice. This isn't just another boring rice recipe – this is a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick dinner or a foodie seeking a flavor-packed experience, this Bacon and Asparagus Fried Rice is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure that the cooked rice is cold, as day-old rice works best for fried rice dishes. Chop the bacon into small pieces, the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, and slice the green onions. Beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a medium-high flame and add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped asparagus. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the beaten eggs to the skillet with the asparagus. Scramble the eggs gently, mixing them with the asparagus until they are fully cooked, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Once the eggs are cooked, add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and mix the rice thoroughly with the asparagus and eggs.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture, and stir well to ensure that the rice is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the soy sauce will add some saltiness.
- Finally, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet along with the sliced green onions. Stir everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to heat through.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the bacon and asparagus fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old, cold rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will make your fried rice soggy. Cold, day-old rice separates easily and gets that perfect crispy texture.
- High heat is key: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that authentic restaurant-style wok hei flavor and prevent sticking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure each ingredient gets proper caramelization and doesn't steam.
- Customize your protein: While bacon is delicious, feel free to swap with ham, chicken, or keep it vegetarian with tofu.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of garlic powder to elevate the dish even further.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 230mg
