If you love the irresistible salty crunch of bacon paired with the tropical sweetness of mango, then you are absolutely going to adore this Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that marries smoky, savory bacon bits with juicy, caramelized mango and fluffy day-old rice, creating an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a side dish that pops with brightness, this recipe delivers all the vibrant color and irresistible taste you crave, in under 15 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: the bacon brings bold, smoky flavor and satisfying crispiness, the mango adds a juicy, tropical sweetness and a beautiful golden hue, and the rice serves as the hearty, comforting base that ties everything together.
- 5 strips of thick-cut bacon: Choose thick-cut for maximum crisp and rich bacon fat flavor.
- 1 mango, peeled and diced: Use a ripe, sweet mango for the best caramelization and natural sweetness.
- 4 cups day-old cooked white rice: Day-old rice is key because it’s firmer and less sticky, perfect for frying.
- Chives for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion note and a lovely pop of green color.
How to Make Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and adding your diced bacon pieces. Sauté them gently until they turn golden and almost crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes. As the bacon cooks, it will release flavorful fat which you’ll want to reserve in the pan for cooking the other ingredients—just skim off the excess fat but leave about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons for maximum flavor infusion in the rice.
Step 2: Caramelize the Mango
Next, toss in the diced mango directly into the bacon fat and sauté over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because the heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the mango, developing that deep golden hue and a wonderful sweet, slightly sticky texture that perfectly balances the smoky bacon.
Step 3: Combine with Rice
Finally, stir in the day-old cooked rice, breaking up any clumps to ensure every grain gets coated with bacon flavor and melds beautifully with the mango’s sweetness. Cook the mixture until it’s heated through, about 2 minutes. Give it a good toss now and then so each bite is bursting with balanced flavors. If you like, sprinkle chopped chives on top right before serving for a fresh finish.
How to Serve Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped chives are a classic choice for garnish, adding a mild onion bite and lovely green contrast. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a few fresh cilantro leaves if you want a touch of herbal brightness to complement the smoky, sweet flavors.
Side Dishes
This Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe is delicious on its own but also plays well with light, fresh sides. Consider pairing it with a simple cucumber salad, some crisp steamed vegetables, or a tangy Asian slaw to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp would be a fantastic accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this fried rice in hollowed-out mango halves or inside toasted pineapple rings to wow your guests with presentation and tropical flair. You could also mold the rice using small bowls or ramekins and flip them onto plates, creating compact rice “cakes” topped with extra bacon or chives for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before storing to keep the textures fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, spread the rice in a shallow container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your fried rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to warm it evenly without drying it out. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to revive the grains and bring back that lovely moisture and softness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice for this recipe?
Day-old rice is recommended for this Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture. Using freshly cooked rice can result in a mushier dish.
What type of mango works best?
Choose a ripe, sweet mango like Ataulfo or Alphonso if available, as these caramelize beautifully and add the right balance of sweetness and juiciness.
Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer, try pancetta or even smoked turkey bacon for a different but still smoky twist that complements the mango and rice nicely.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe is naturally mild and sweet-savory, but you can easily add some heat by tossing in diced chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce according to your taste.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to throw in peas, diced bell peppers, or chopped scallions to add color and extra nutrients while keeping the dish vibrant and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe is a joyful celebration of contrasting flavors and textures that come together effortlessly in one pan. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights or casual get-togethers when you want something a little different but incredibly satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe that dazzles every time!
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Bacon Mango Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
This Bacon Mango Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines the smoky crispiness of bacon with the sweet, caramelized mango and fluffy day-old rice. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet, garnished with fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 5 strips of thick-cut bacon (or 8–10 normal strips), sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 4 cups day-old cooked white rice
- Chives for garnish (optional but very nice)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and sauté until almost crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Skim off excess fat, leaving about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
- Add the mango: Add the diced mango to the skillet and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the mango caramelizes and softens, releasing its sweetness.
- Combine with rice: Stir in the day-old cooked white rice until well combined with the bacon and mango mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the rice is heated through completely.
- Serve: Plate the fried rice and garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and an attractive finish.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best as it is drier and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite, but regular bacon strips work well if cut into smaller pieces.
- Garnishing with fresh chives or green onions adds a nice color contrast and mild flavor.
- Adjust the amount of bacon fat left in the pan to your preference for richness.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced chili peppers with the mango.
