Flavorful Bacon Garlic Fried Rice
A Simple and Delicious One-Bowl Meal: Bacon Garlic Fried Rice, Inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won
Bacon is always delicious, and when combined with garlic in a stir-fry, it becomes even more irresistible! This recipe offers a delightful take on a classic, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients- 10 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 stalk Green Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Egg
- 5 strips Bacon (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 bowls Cooked Rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the scrambled egg that will go into the fried rice. Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan. Pour in the beaten egg, sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper, and stir in a zig-zag motion to create fluffy scrambled eggs. Set them aside.
Step 2
Now, we’ll make the scallion-infused oil. Add the finely chopped green onions to the pan. It’s important to add them while the oil is still cool, then gradually increase the heat. This slow heating process allows the fragrant aroma of the scallions to gently infuse into the oil, creating a delicious scallion oil. This is a key tip from Chef Baek Jong-won for enhancing the flavor of fried rice!
Step 3
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add all the thinly sliced garlic to the pan and stir-fry them together. Since this is garlic fried rice, we’re using plenty of garlic to maximize its flavor. Stir-fry the garlic over medium heat until it’s golden brown, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Step 4
When the garlic is nicely browned, add all the bite-sized pieces of bacon. Stir-fry them together. The bacon will release its savory fat, adding richness to the ingredients. Continue to cook until the bacon is crispy for an even better texture.
Step 5
Next, add the finely chopped onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. The onions will release their natural sweetness as they cook, balancing the overall flavor of the fried rice.
Step 6
Once all the ingredients are well combined, add the two bowls of warm cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and mix everything thoroughly. For the best fried rice texture, it’s ideal to use slightly dry cooked rice or leftover cold rice, as this prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Gently stir and toss the rice with the other ingredients.
Step 7
Now it’s time to season the fried rice. First, pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce around the edges of the pan. This will allow it to sizzle and caramelize slightly, adding a delicious depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness.
Step 8
Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to season. Since the bacon is already quite salty, it’s best to be cautious with the salt. You can always add more later if needed, so start with a small amount.
Step 9
Add about 1/2 tablespoon of sugar to enhance the sweetness and umami. Sugar helps to mellow out the flavors and brings all the ingredients together harmoniously.
Step 10
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor. The rich scent of sesame oil will elevate the taste of the fried rice. Give it a final toss to ensure everything is well combined. This sesame oil is crucial for that delicious nutty finish!
Step 11
Add the scrambled eggs you prepared earlier and give it a quick stir to combine everything. The delicious bacon garlic fried rice is now complete! It’s best to cook fried rice over high heat for a short time to achieve that perfect texture where each grain of rice is distinct. Feel free to garnish with seaweed flakes or sesame seeds for extra flavor!
