BACON FRIED RICE

Steps:

• Add the rice to a medium saucepan and cover with water. Swish the rice with your fingers and then strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Repeat the process 2 more times. Place the washed rice back into the saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups water. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and cook over medium-low heat until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep covered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. (If using a rice cooker, follow the manufacturers' instructions.) Fluff the rice with a fork, transfer to a tray and allow to cool in the refrigerator until the rice is no longer sticky, about 2 hours.
• In a large skillet or wok, cook the bacon over high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon and reserve about 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the skillet. Reserve the remaining bacon fat for another use.
• Return the skillet to high heat and add the sesame oil. Add the onions, garlic and ginger. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and 3/8 teaspoon pepper and stir until the onions are translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the carrots, pineapple and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 3/8 teaspoon pepper. Continue stirring until the pineapple and carrots are cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the sake, soy sauce and rice wine vinegar and continue stirring. Add the cooled rice and reserved bacon and continue stirring. If necessary, add a touch more bacon fat or oil to the pan to avoid sticking. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the fried rice to serving bowls and garnish with the scallions, cilantro and a sunny-side up egg on top.