If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with tropical vibes, you absolutely have to try my Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something quick, flavorful, and a little bit special—perfect for using up leftover ham and adding a sweet pineapple kick that makes your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, this fried rice will become a go-to in your kitchen, especially when you want an easy, satisfying meal without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these staples already, which means less shopping and more cooking.
- Tropical Twist: Pineapple juice and chunks add a juicy sweetness that perfectly balances savory ham and soy sauce.
- Versatile and Fast: You can whip this up in about 25 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Family Favorite: My family always requests this meal, and I’m sure yours will too once you serve it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe comes from a simple but perfect combo of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Each ingredient plays its part to keep things balanced. Think juicy pineapple, salty ham, fragrant garlic, and fluffy rice—all coming together under a hint of soy sauce and pineapple juice.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that umami depth and saltiness that brings the whole dish to life.
- Pineapple Juice: The secret behind that sweet tang, it brightens the fried rice wonderfully.
- Peanut Oil (or Vegetable Oil): Great for a high smoke point and letting the ingredients caramelize.
- Leftover Ham: Diced—leftovers work perfectly here, making this a super economical meal.
- Pineapple: Fresh is best for juiciness and texture, but canned works in a pinch.
- Bell Pepper: Adds a crisp, fresh pop to balance the sweet and salty.
- Garlic: Minced—because who doesn’t love that fragrant garlic aroma in fried rice?
- Cooked Rice: Overnight long grain rice is ideal; it’s drier and fries better.
- Eggs: Beaten, to create those soft, silky curds in the rice.
- Salt: Just a pinch to adjust seasoning to your taste.
Variations
I love how versatile this Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe is. Feel free to swap in whatever you have on hand or tweak the flavors just the way you like them. It’s your kitchen playground!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and add extra pineapple, veggies like peas and carrots, or firm tofu for protein—makes a delightful twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of sriracha or chopped fresh chili peppers to heat things up just the way I like it.
- Different Proteins: Chicken, shrimp, or even leftover roast beef can switch up the flavor but keep the spirit of this dish.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching salt, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and tweak seasoning accordingly.
How to Make Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Ham and Pineapple
Start by mixing the soy sauce and pineapple juice in a small bowl—that’s going to be your seasoning powerhouse. Then, heat a tablespoon of peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced ham and pineapple chunks and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This helps create those beautiful caramelized edges that add incredible flavor. After about 2 to 3 minutes, when you see a lovely golden glow developing, stir in the bell pepper for just a minute or two, then transfer this fantastic mixture to a plate and set aside. Trust me, this part sets the tone for the dish.
Step 2: Toast the Rice and Sauté Garlic
Next, add one and a half tablespoons of oil to the same skillet and toss in the minced garlic. Stir it around for 20-30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then add your cold, cooked rice. Spread it out with your spatula and let it toast for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is key because day-old rice fries better and gets that slightly crispy texture that makes fried rice so satisfying.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs Right In the Pan
Push the rice to one side of the skillet and add the remaining half tablespoon of oil to the empty space. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds so the bottom sets. Then, gently scramble them just until they’re mostly cooked but still a little soft in spots. This way, when you mix everything together, you get those tender egg folds that make the dish extra rich and comforting.
Step 4: Finish with Flavor and Combine
Slide the rice aside again to create a little well in the center of your pan. Pour the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture right there and let it cook for a few seconds—this just helps the liquid soak in and intensifies the flavor. Then stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated and most of the moisture cooks off. Finally, toss that caramelized ham and pineapple mixture back into the pan. Give everything a good stir to combine and taste for salt—add a pinch if needed. Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too mushy; leftover rice dries out and fries up nicely without clumping.
- High Heat Is Your Friend: Cooking on medium-high heat helps caramelize ingredients quickly without steaming.
- Don’t Skip Toasting the Rice: Toasting adds texture and prevents the rice from getting soggy.
- Add Your Eggs Last: Cooking eggs separately in the pan creates soft curds instead of rubbery scrambled bits.
How to Serve Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice with some chopped fresh green onions for a pop of color and fresh bite. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch, and if you like a bit of a heat wave, a side of sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha really amps things up. These simple add-ons elevate the dish and make it feel restaurant-worthy without the fuss.
Side Dishes
This fried rice stands strong as a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with some simple sides like steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad to add a refreshing contrast. If you want to go all out, garlic butter shrimp or a crispy egg roll complete the meal beautifully—think of it as a relaxed Hawaiian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a little dinner party, I served the fried rice molded in small ramekins—it made individual portions that looked so cute! You could also hollow out a pineapple half and fill it with the fried rice for a gorgeous presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. These fun ideas make the meal feel special whether it’s weeknight casual or a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice keeps really well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. I usually store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When I reheat, I add a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back some moisture and prevent it from drying out—simple but effective.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this fried rice a couple of times for convenience, and it freezes beautifully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a little oil to revive that fresh flavor and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, I recommend the stovetop over the microwave, if possible. Heat a splash of oil or a little water in a skillet over medium heat, add the fried rice, and toss frequently until warmed through. This helps restore the slight crispiness and keeps the eggs tender instead of rubbery.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh-cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
While fresh-cooked rice can work, it tends to be too moist and sticky, which can make the fried rice clumpy. For best results, use rice that’s been cooked and chilled overnight to let excess moisture evaporate and the grains firm up. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly before using.
-
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Leftover cooked ham from a holiday meal or deli ham works wonderfully. Just dice it into small pieces. The key is that it’s already cooked, so it doesn’t take long to heat through. Avoid raw ham or large chunks that won’t heat evenly in the pan.
-
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This fried rice is super flexible. Peas, carrots, corn, or even chopped green beans would all be fantastic additions. Just add them before the rice and cook until tender to match the texture of the dish.
-
Is peanut oil necessary, or can I use something else?
You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola, or sunflower oil. I like peanut oil because it adds a subtle nutty flavor and handles the heat well without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe has a special spot in my heart because it transforms humble leftovers into something magical and vibrant. It’s quick, fuss-free, and packed with flavor—not to mention that burst of pineapple sweetness that makes it stand out. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a little mini vacation on your plate, give this a shot. I’m confident it’ll become a new favorite go-to that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This delicious Leftover Ham Fried Rice with Pineapple is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms leftover ham and rice into a vibrant, tropical-inspired meal. Featuring caramelized ham and pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and scrambled eggs, this fried rice is enhanced by a tangy mix of soy sauce and pineapple juice for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for using up leftovers and making a satisfying main dish in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup leftover ham, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (yields about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked overnight long grain rice
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and pineapple juice thoroughly. This mixture will add a sweet and savory flavor to the fried rice.
- Cook ham and pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and pineapple pieces, then cook while stirring occasionally until they are caramelized and slightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step intensifies the sweetness and flavor.
- Add bell peppers: Incorporate the diced bell peppers into the pan. Stir a few times to blend the flavors before transferring the entire mixture onto a plate and setting it aside for later use.
- Sauté garlic and rice: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil to the same skillet and stir in the minced garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, then add the cooked rice. Spread the rice evenly over the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly toasted and warmed through.
- Cook the eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the empty side, pour in the beaten eggs, and let them cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until the bottom sets. Lightly scramble the eggs a few times, allowing some parts to remain soft and runny, then mix the rice into the eggs thoroughly.
- Add sauce and evaporate liquid: Push the rice mixture to the edges of the pan, creating a well in the center. Pour the soy sauce and pineapple juice sauce into this well. Allow it to cook for a few seconds to evaporate some liquid, then stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until most of the moisture has evaporated.
- Combine ham mixture: Return the cooked ham, pineapple, and bell pepper mixture to the pan. Stir to evenly combine all ingredients. Taste the fried rice and season with salt if necessary, mixing again to distribute the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a satisfying main dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or using up leftovers creatively.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps achieve the best texture as it is drier and less likely to clump.
- You can substitute ham with other leftover cooked meats like chicken or turkey if preferred.
- Adjust the soy sauce quantity based on your salt preference and use a low-sodium version if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and eggs, and add extra vegetables or tofu.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds as a garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
