This bacon and asparagus fried couscous is pan fried in bacon fat for a delicious spin on fried rice.
Let’s talk about things that don’t go together so well: Jager shots and daylight savings time.
Side note: why do we even DO daylight savings time still? Can we all just agree that needs to end?
Falling back is great but springing forward leaves me stabby and legitimately pissed off about losing an hour of sleep. Don’t mess with my damn sleep!
I haven’t had kids for this very reason but here’s the government ripping away one of my precious hours because we’re accommodating for all those farmer children out there.
Um, hi it’s not 1925.
Not that Jager shots are an acceptable alcoholic choice any time at almost 32, but the night you lose an hour of sleep is pretty much one of the worst times one can pick.
Three times over nonetheless.
Not surprisingly, I woke up in a fog yesterday morning craving a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich from a deli (homemade ones never quite taste the same).
But, since it probably wasn’t a good idea for me to get in a car to make that happen, I decided on asparagus fried rice with some bacon instead.
Really, it was just the bacon grease I was after anyway.
Mmm, bacon.
If you like fried rice (and um, who doesn’t?) you’re gonna want to try this.
Simple Israeli couscous (basically, pasta) gets pan fried in bacon grease until it starts to get crispy and golden. Pesto couscous would also work for this recipe.
And since it’s tossed with asparagus, the bacon doesn’t count. You could use the same logic for enjoying these air fried bacon wrapped asparagus bundles.
Isn’t that how food math works? Veg cancel out fat.
It’s a thing, trust me.
It’s pretty much springtime comfort food, an easy side dish or even meal with that fried egg on top and hungover or not, delicious as heck.
Our tofu fried rice recipe is great if you’re craving something more traditional.
TRY THESE OTHER ASPARAGUS RECIPES:
Garlic Balsamic Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus
Lemony Shaved Asparagus Tomato Salad
Shaved asparagus blood orange salad with toasted quinoa
Bacon and Asparagus Fried Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chopped asparagus, about 4-5 stalks
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy.
- Meanwhile, bring a medium sauce pan filled with water to a boil. Once boiling, add the couscous and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente.
- Once the bacon has cooked, add the chopped asparagus and cook for about 1 minute.
- Drain the couscous and add it to the pan with the bacon and asparagus. Toss the couscous mixture to fully coat with the bacon grease. Cook, stirring often with a spatula for another 3-5 minutes until the couscous starts to “toast” and turn golden brown.
- Garnish with the green onion and serve with a fried egg (or two) if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
I love cous cous (regular and Israeli, the latter really a form of pasta) but I never thought to fry it – genius!
A very nice recipe and I know it will be so tasty. Thank you and have a Great Weekend!
ooo fun change up from the typical fried rice. yum!!
This looks awesome! I love Israeli couscous and am always looking for different dishes to use it in.
Definitely save the Jager for the fall time change! Bacon grease cures everything! Great combination here Gina!