Brunch Fried Rice Recipe

1. Prepare bacon

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning once. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the pan and discard the rest or save for another use. Once cool, chop bacon into 1/2-inch pieces.

2. Cook shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with 1/8 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil to the skillet over medium-high heat (use bacon fat + oil if needed). Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until just opaque and pink. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

3. Scramble eggs

Beat eggs with a pinch of salt. Add a small splash (about 1/2 tsp) neutral oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Pour in eggs and scramble gently until just set but still moist, about 45–60 seconds. Transfer eggs to the same plate as shrimp and keep warm.

4. Aromatics

Wipe the skillet if needed and return to medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon neutral oil. When hot, add minced garlic and ginger and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry 20–30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.

5. Fry rice

Add the day-old jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with the back of a spatula. Spread rice into an even layer and let it sit undisturbed 30–45 seconds to develop a little crust, then stir and repeat once. Continue stir-frying 2–3 minutes until rice is heated through and slightly toasted.

6. Add vegetables

Add diced tomato, sliced Fresno chilis, and the green parts of the scallions. Stir-fry 1–2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften but still hold shape.

7. Season

Stir the chopped bacon into the rice mixture. Pour in soy sauce and black vinegar, stirring quickly to coat the rice evenly. Add sesame oil, the measured 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste), and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more soy or a pinch more salt if needed.

8. Combine proteins

Return cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs to the pan. Toss gently to combine and warm through for 30–60 seconds so shrimp do not overcook. If mixture seems dry, splash up to 1 tablespoon water and toss to loosen.

9. Transfer the fried rice to a serving platter or divide among bowls. Top with chopped scallion greens, halved cherry tomatoes (if using), and additional thin Fresno slices or a drizzle of chile oil for heat. Finish with a light drizzle (about 1/2 tsp) more black vinegar if you like brighter acidity.

10. Serve immediately while hot. Offer extra soy sauce, black vinegar, or chili oil on the side.