Why You’ll Love this Irresistible Fried Rice Chow Fun
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor, this Fried Rice Chow Fun will absolutely win you over. It’s my go-to recipe when I’ve leftover rice and need something quick yet impressive.
What makes it irresistible? The bacon adds smokiness while the eggs create silky texture. You can customize it with your favorite protein—chicken, shrimp, or even leftover holiday ham. The bean sprouts and green onions provide that perfect fresh crunch.
Best of all, everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup for me (and you). Trust me, this dish disappears fast at gatherings.
What Ingredients are in Irresistible Fried Rice Chow Fun?
This classic comfort dish brings together a beautiful balance of textures and flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients. What I love most about fried rice chow fun is how it transforms basic pantry staples into something truly special – the kind of meal that feels like you’re getting restaurant-quality food without leaving home. The aromatics that fill your kitchen when the bacon starts sizzling? Pure magic.
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 3 slices bacon
- 3 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1¼ cups finely diced meat (pork, chicken, ham, beef or shrimp)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ pound fresh bean sprouts
- 6 mushrooms, sliced
- Salt to taste
- A dash of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Don’t feel constrained by the exact meat specified – this is your chance to use whatever protein speaks to you, or even that leftover holiday roast sitting in your fridge. Vegetarians could easily swap in extra mushrooms or tofu for the meat component. And while the recipe calls for fresh bean sprouts, which provide that signature crunch, in a pinch you could substitute thinly sliced cabbage or even julienned carrots. Just remember that the bacon drippings are key to developing that rich foundation of flavor, so I wouldn’t recommend skipping that particular ingredient.
How to Make this Irresistible Fried Rice Chow Fun
This dish comes together in stages that build layers of flavor—which is my favorite kind of cooking. Start by cooking 3 slices of bacon until they’re lightly browned but still pliable, not crunchy. You want to render out all that beautiful fat without burning it. Once done, set the bacon aside (we’ll come back to it later) but keep those precious drippings in the pan. They’re liquid gold, infusing everything with a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
Next comes the egg technique that makes all the difference. Pour your 3 slightly beaten eggs directly into those warm bacon drippings and scramble them gently. The fat will prevent sticking and impart a richness you simply can’t get any other way. Once they’re just set, remove them from the pan and chop them very finely—we’re talking almost a mince here.
Now add your 3 cups of cooked rice to the same pan (notice how we’re building flavors?) and stir-fry it for about 5 minutes, keeping it moving constantly. This step toasts the rice slightly, giving it those delightful crispy bits mixed with tender grains that make fried rice so addictive.
For the final stage, add everything else to the party: your 1¼ cups of diced meat, those 2 finely chopped green onions, ½ pound of fresh bean sprouts, 6 sliced mushrooms, salt to taste, a dash of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Oh, and don’t forget to crumble in that reserved bacon!
Mix everything well, making sure each grain of rice gets coated with sauce and mingled with all the other goodies. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The mushrooms will release their earthy juices, the sprouts will soften just slightly while maintaining their crunch, and all the flavors will meld into something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Serve it while it’s still steaming hot—there’s something about that first bite when it’s freshly made that simply can’t be beat.
Irresistible Fried Rice Chow Fun Substitutions and Variations
Five wonderful variations can transform this classic fried rice chow fun recipe into something uniquely yours.
First, try swapping bacon for Chinese sausage (lap cheong) for authentic flair.
Second, go vegetarian by replacing meat with tofu and doubling the mushrooms—I promise you won’t miss the meat.
Third, spice things up with sriracha or chili oil—just a teaspoon makes all the difference.
Fourth, toss in pineapple chunks with ham for a sweet-savory twist that my kids adore.
Finally, consider kimchi fried rice—add 1/2 cup chopped kimchi for a tangy Korean-inspired version that’ll knock your socks off.
What to Serve with Irresistible Fried Rice Chow Fun
Although fried rice chow fun stands deliciously on its own as a complete meal, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the dining experience to restaurant quality.
I love serving mine with crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings for that authentic Chinese takeout feel. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a rejuvenating contrast to the rich, savory rice.
For protein lovers in my family, I’ll add honey garlic chicken wings or sweet-and-sour shrimp on the side.
And drinks? Nothing beats a cold Tsingtao beer or jasmine tea.
What about dessert? Try fresh mango slices or almond cookies. Trust me, your guests will be impressed.
Final Thoughts
After preparing this fried rice chow fun countless times for my family and friends, I’ve learned that the magic truly lies in its versatility. You can swap proteins, add seasonal vegetables, or adjust spices to make it uniquely yours.
What I love most is how this dish transforms leftovers into something spectacular. That day-old rice in your fridge? Pure gold for this recipe.
Irresistible Fried Rice Chow Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bacon until lightly browned but still pliable. Set the bacon aside but keep the drippings in the pan.
- Pour the beaten eggs into the warm bacon drippings and scramble gently. Once just set, remove from the pan and chop very finely.
- Add the cooked rice to the same pan and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, keeping it moving constantly to create crispy bits mixed with tender grains.
- Add the diced meat, chopped green onions, bean sprouts, sliced mushrooms, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce to the pan. Crumble in the reserved bacon.
- Mix everything well, ensuring each grain of rice gets coated with sauce and combined with all other ingredients. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve steaming hot for the best flavor experience.
