Bacon and Shiso Fried Rice Recipe

Bacon and Shiso Fried Rice is a flavorful and unique dish that combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with the aromatic freshness of shiso leaves, a popular herb in Japanese cuisine. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious fried rice:

Ingredients

• For the Fried Rice:
  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables of your choice)
  • 3-4 shiso leaves, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Soft-boiled eggs (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice:
   • If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly. Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it is less sticky.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a large skillet or wok, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables:
   • Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Fry the Rice:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
6. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet along with the sliced shiso leaves, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine everything evenly and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Season:
   • Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and serve the fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions. If desired, top each serving with a soft-boiled egg for added richness.

Tips:

• Shiso Leaves: If you can’t find shiso leaves, you can substitute them with basil or mint, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Add Protein: Feel free to add other proteins like cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a heartier dish.
• Customization: This fried rice is versatile, so you can add any vegetables or seasonings you enjoy!

This Bacon and Shiso Fried Rice is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a quick meal or a flavorful side. Enjoy your cooking!