Breakfast Fried Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of fried rice with classic breakfast ingredients like eggs, beef, and veggies. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and transforming it into a satisfying breakfast. Packed with protein, veggies, and a hint of savory seasoning, this dish is a delicious and filling start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Breakfast Fried Rice is the ultimate fusion dish that brings together the comfort of fried rice with all the flavors of a classic breakfast. The crispy rice pairs perfectly with scrambled eggs, crispy beef, and sautéed vegetables, making each bite packed with flavor and texture. It’s versatile, customizable, and can be made in under 30 minutes—perfect for a busy morning or a leisurely weekend breakfast. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice, turning it into something new and exciting!

Breakfast Fried Rice

Ingredients

2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old rice)
4 strips of beef, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh, if preferred)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped beef and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the beef drippings in the pan.
Scramble the eggs: In the same skillet, add the beaten eggs. Scramble them in the beef drippings until fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the oil to the skillet, then sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and peas and carrots until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic powder and black pepper and stir to combine.
Fry the rice: Add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir the rice well, allowing it to fry and become crispy. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add soy sauce and flavorings: Once the rice is heated through and slightly crispy, stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using). Add the cooked beef and scrambled eggs back into the skillet and mix everything together.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. You can enjoy the rice as-is or top it with a fried egg for an extra touch of protein.

Servings and timing

Servings: 3-4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and use plant-based sausage or tofu instead. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
Spicy version: Add a chopped fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha to spice things up. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for an additional protein boost.
Use different veggies: Feel free to swap out the peas and carrots with other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or corn for a different flavor profile.
Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover breakfast fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the rice in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to loosen it if necessary. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that crispy fried rice texture. If you’re using fresh rice, let it cool down completely and spread it out on a baking sheet to dry it out a little before frying.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components (like cooking the beef, veggies, and eggs) ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just fry the rice and combine everything together.

Can I use a different protein instead of bEEF?

Yes, you can substitute beef with any protein you prefer, like sausage, or chicken. For a vegetarian option, tofu or tempeh are great choices.

Can I freeze breakfast fried rice?

Yes, breakfast fried rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a little soy sauce or water to restore moisture.

Can I add cheese to this fried rice?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top while it’s still hot, allowing it to melt into the rice. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta could be delicious choices.

Conclusion

Breakfast Fried Rice is a savory and satisfying way to start your day with a twist. This quick and easy dish combines the rich flavors of beef, eggs, and vegetables with the crispy texture of fried rice, making it the perfect breakfast for any day of the week. It’s customizable, filling, and an excellent way to use up leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this dish will become a breakfast favorite!