The morning sun streamed through my kitchen window, casting a warm glow on my countertop as I rummaged through my pantry. That’s when I spotted a bag of North Carolina sweetpotatoes a treat I could hardly pass up! The idea of giving traditional fried rice a healthy twist began to dance in my mind. Hungry for something that would nourish both body and soul, I decided to whip up a batch of Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice.
This dish combines the natural sweetness of those vibrant sweetpotatoes with the savory crunch of bacon and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. Each forkful is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a hearty yet wholesome alternative to your usual breakfast fare. Perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches, it’s a quick and satisfying way to start the day. And the best part? It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb, making it a delicious choice for everyone at the table. Let’s dive in and transform those humble ingredients into something extraordinary!
Why will you love Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice?
Unique Twist: Elevate your breakfast by swapping traditional rice for North Carolina sweetpotatoes, creating a tasty and nutritious dish.
Quick & Easy: Swiftly prepare a filling meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
Flavor-Packed: Enjoy a delightful mix of savory bacon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices that awaken your taste buds.
Diet-Friendly: This dish caters to various dietary needs, being gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether serving family or friends, everyone will love the colorful presentation and satisfying flavors.
Versatile Options: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for endless variations.
Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice Ingredients
For the Sweetpotato Base
• North Carolina Sweetpotatoes – These provide natural sweetness and a wonderful texture; feel free to use other varieties if needed.
• Eggs – They contribute protein and richness; for a vegan alternative, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour.
For the Savory Components
• Bacon (regular or turkey) – Adds a deliciously crispy element; substitute with plant-based bacon or omit for a vegetarian dish.
• Coconut Aminos – This low-sodium alternative to soy sauce brings umami flavor; adjust as needed to suit your taste.
For the Veggies
• Red Bell Pepper – Offers vibrant color and crunch; swap for any bell pepper or add other colorful vegetables like zucchini.
• White/Yellow Onion – Provides a robust base flavor; shallots are a suitable alternative.
• Garlic – Enhances the depth of flavor; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Green Onions – They add fresh flavor and a pop of color; chives make a great substitute.
For Seasoning
• Everything Bagel Seasoning – This tasty blend adds a wonderful touch of flavor; it can be replaced with sesame seeds or omitted.
How to Make Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice
- Prepare Sweetpotato Rice: Start by cutting the sweetpotatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Pulse them in a food processor, aiming for a rice-like texture—just be cautious not to over-process and turn them into puree!
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Once done, remove it from the skillet, reserving the tasty bacon fat for later, and chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté these for about 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and you can smell that wonderful aroma filling the kitchen.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sweetpotato rice and drizzle in the coconut aminos. Allow this to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweetpotato is tender and everything is well combined.
- Scramble Eggs: Create some space by pushing the sweetpotato rice to one side of the skillet. Drizzle a little oil in the cleared area and pour in your whisked eggs. Scramble them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re cooked through and fluffy.
- Finish Dish: Add your crispy bacon back into the skillet, mix all the ingredients thoroughly, and serve it hot, garnished with everything bagel seasoning and freshly chopped green onions for that colorful touch.
Optional: Drizzle a little extra coconut aminos over the top for an added flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice?
Start your morning off right by pairing this delightful twist on traditional fried rice with comforting sides that enhance every bite.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the dish.
- Crispy Bacon: Elevate the delightful crunch by serving extra crispy bacon on the side; its salty richness is irresistible!
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the dish, while adding healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
- Garlic Toast: Slice up some crusty bread, toast it, and spread with a hint of garlic for a crunchy side that pairs wonderfully with the meal’s flavors.
- Herb-Infused Tea: A cup of fragrant herbal tea can enhance your breakfast experience; its soothing qualities provide a gentle wake-up call.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: A dollop of creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries brings creaminess and crunch, making for a beautiful contrast.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette create a refreshing side that will brighten up your breakfast plate.
- Sunny-Side-Up Eggs: Adding a runny egg on top creates a luscious contrast with the sweetpotato rice, providing extra protein and flavor.
- Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of your favorite brew is the perfect companion, awakening your senses and enriching the whole experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sweetpotato rice up to 24 hours in advance by pulsing the sweetpotatoes and refrigerating them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can chop your vegetables and bacon a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, simply sauté the prepped components, scramble the eggs in the skillet, mix everything together, and enjoy a quick yet satisfying meal. By prepping ahead, you ensure that each serving is just as delicious and easy to whip up on busy mornings!
Expert Tips for Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice
- Texture Check: Ensure you don’t over-process the sweetpotatoes; aim for a rice-like texture for the best results in your Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice.
- Crisp Factor: Cook the bacon until perfectly crispy. This adds essential flavor and crunch, making your dish irresistible.
- Freshness Matters: Always use fresh ingredients, especially vegetables and garlic, to enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Seasoning Balance: Adjust the amount of coconut aminos to your taste; it’s better to start with less and add more as needed.
- Customization Option: Feel free to mix other vegetables or proteins into your fried rice for a personalized twist that fits your family’s preferences.
Variations & Substitutions for Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice
Get ready to explore delightful twists that will make this dish your own!
- Root Vegetable Swap: Replace sweetpotatoes with butternut squash for a unique flavor and texture that still delivers sweetness.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. A quick sauté in the skillet and you have a heartier breakfast!
- Leafy Greens: Toss in kale or spinach during the sauté phase. These leafy additions not only up the nutrition but also add vibrant color.
- Spicier Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy touch, bringing a warm heat to brighten your morning.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. These herbs will brighten the flavors and add a fresh finish to the dish.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts like cashews for an added crunch and nutty aroma.
- Different Seasoning: Swap out Everything Bagel seasoning for a dash of smoked paprika or curry powder to evoke a completely different flavor profile, making it exciting each time!
- Vegan Delight: For a fully vegan approach, replace eggs with scrambled tofu mixed with turmeric for color and protein. Enjoy a delightful alternative that maintains the comforting essence of the dish!
How to Store and Freeze Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice fresh and ready to heat.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers, ensuring they’re tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Sprinkle a little water if needed to avoid drying out.
Room Temperature: Ideally, serve hot; don’t leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and safety.
Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice Recipe FAQs
What kind of sweetpotatoes should I use?
Absolutely! North Carolina sweetpotatoes are preferred for their natural sweetness and delicious texture. However, you can substitute them with other varieties like Japanese or garnet sweetpotatoes if needed. Look for sweetpotatoes that are firm with smooth skin and no dark spots or blemishes.
How should I store leftovers?
You can store your Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures that it retains its flavor and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
Can I freeze Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice?
Very much so! Freeze your portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool down first, then seal tightly to avoid freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, warm it in a skillet and sprinkle a little water if necessary.
What should I do if my sweetpotato rice turns mushy?
Oh no, that can happen! If your sweetpotato rice becomes mushy, it may be due to over-processing. To fix this, try pulsing the sweetpotatoes for shorter intervals, achieving a rice-like texture while leaving some pieces intact. This will provide a better bite and airy texture in your dish.
Is this recipe safe for those with gluten allergies?
Absolutely! The Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice is gluten-free, especially when using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Always double-check the labels of any additional ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free standards. If you’re cooking for others with dietary restrictions, it’s a wonderful choice!
What can I substitute if I can’t find Everything Bagel Seasoning?
Not to worry! If you can’t find Everything Bagel Seasoning, you can either make your own by combining sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and poppy seeds, or simply omit it altogether. You might also sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
Delicious Breakfast Fried Sweetpotato Rice to Energize Your Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Sweetpotato Rice: Start by cutting the sweetpotatoes into approximately 1-inch cubes. Pulse them in a food processor, aiming for a rice-like texture—be cautious not to over-process.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove and chop into small pieces, reserving the bacon fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in sweetpotato rice and drizzle in coconut aminos. Cook for 4-5 minutes until sweetpotato is tender.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the sweetpotato rice to one side of the skillet, drizzle oil in the cleared area, and scramble the eggs for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Finish Dish: Add crispy bacon back in, mix thoroughly, and serve hot, garnished with everything bagel seasoning and freshly chopped green onions.