Description

Cowboy Fried Rice is a smoky, hearty dish that combines bold BBQ flavors, crispy fried rice, and savory meats. Packed with charred vegetables, smoky seasonings, and your choice of protein, this dish delivers big flavors with minimal effort. It’s the perfect fusion of Southern comfort and classic fried rice, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein Options:

1 cup cooked brisket, steak, smoked sausage, pulled pork, or crispy bacon

Rice Choices:

3 cups day-old jasmine or basmati rice (chilled)

Vegetables & Add-ins:

1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
½ cup corn kernels
½ cup black beans (optional)
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings & Sauces:

1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp BBQ sauce
2 tbsp butter or oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Chop vegetables and meats before cooking.
If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Protein

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
Sauté sausage, brisket, or steak until browned, then remove.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic until softened.
Stir in corn and black beans.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Push vegetables to one side of the pan.
Add rice and spread it out to crisp up.
Drizzle in Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, and seasonings.
Stir-fry until the rice is evenly coated and lightly crispy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return cooked meats to the skillet and mix well.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

For extra smokiness: Add a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked cheddar as a topping.
Spicy version: Increase jalapeños or add cayenne pepper.
Vegetarian option: Replace meat with mushrooms or black beans.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Southern & Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 65mg