First Step: Prep Ingredients. Gather all ingredients. Dice bacon or Canadian bacon into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice green onions, and if using optional vegetables, chop or shred them as needed. Beat the eggs lightly and set aside. Ensure your day-old rice is properly cooled and clump-free.

Second Step: Cook Bacon. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bacon and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until evenly browned and crisp. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, roughly chop bacon pieces if not done earlier.

Third Step: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables. In a large skillet, warm sesame oil over medium heat. Add about half of the sliced green onions (approximately 2) and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. If using vegetables, sauté them separately with a little garlic until tender, then set aside to add later.

Fourth Step: Combine Rice and Seasonings. Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with the back of a spatula. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, and the cooked bacon. Mix well to coat the rice evenly. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and begins to crisp slightly.

Fifth Step: Add Vegetables. Stir in any pre-cooked vegetables now, combining everything evenly to warm through. This step adds texture, nutrients, and color to the dish.

Sixth Step: Cook the Eggs. In a separate non-stick skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Carefully crack in the eggs and cover the pan. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until egg whites are set and yolks remain just barely firm, to resemble fried eggs. Alternatively, scramble the eggs quickly if preferred.

Final Step: Serve and Garnish. Plate the warm breakfast fried rice, topping each portion with a fried egg. Garnish with the remaining sliced green onions and extra toasted sesame seeds if desired. Encourage breaking the yolk to create a natural sauce that blends beautifully with the rice.