Last updated on
Ham Fried Rice
Ham Fried Rice is a quick, savory dish packed with ham, rice, and veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy lunches!
Jump to RecipeTable of Contents
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Ham Fried Rice combines savory ham, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies in one delicious dish! Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch. Try it at home and enjoy every flavorful bite!
This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow our simple guide below. We include step-by-step photos, pro tips, and tricks. Plus, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you cook the perfect fried rice!
This Ham Fried Rice recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for a quick dinner or lunch. The combination of savory ham, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies creates a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe stands out because it’s easy, delicious, and packed with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Try it at home for a meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Ham Fried Rice recipe:
- 1½ tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup diced smoked uncured ham steak (cut into ½-inch sized small diced cubes)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
- 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Ham Fried Rice recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your fried rice uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Spices: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a spicy kick that adds excitement to every bite. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this
Substitute Ham: Use cooked chicken or shrimp for a different protein in your Ham Fried Rice.
Substitute Soy Sauce: Swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, more flavorful twist on your fried rice.
Add Pineapple: Mix in diced pineapple for a sweet and savory combination that brightens up your Ham Fried Rice.
How to Make Ham Fried Rice
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and the tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started on making this delicious stovetop dinner! You’ll create a quick, flavorful dish everyone will enjoy.
FIRST STEP: Start by gathering all the ingredients listed in the recipe. Dice the smoked uncured ham steak into small, evenly-sized cubes so they cook more evenly. Chop the yellow onion finely and mince the garlic. If using frozen peas and carrots, measure them out and allow them to thaw slightly. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and set aside.
Pro Tip
We recommend you cook your rice the day before. This gives the day-old rice a dried texture and allows it to easily crisp up in the pan and gives the dish so much flavor. If you do use cold rice, give it an extra minute or two in the pan to make sure it heats through.
SECOND STEP: Set a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add canola oil to the preheated skillet. Once shimmering, add the diced ham and cook until it develops a light sear, infusing the dish with its smoky flavor. Next, introduce the diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant.
THIRD STEP: Stir to incorporate the frozen peas and carrots, and allow the vegetables to thaw.
FOURTH STEP: Turn up the heat and add the cooked jasmine rice, stirring to combine with the ham and vegetable mixture. Be sure to stir the mixture to keep it from sticking and burning on the bottom and side of the pan.
Pro Tip
For the best result, give the rice a few minutes to cook together in the skillet, about 3-4 minutes. This step allows the rice to heat through and develop a slightly crispy texture for even more flavor.
FIFTH STEP: Once the rice has cooked and “fried” in the skillet, turn the heat to medium-low and push the fried rice to the outer edges of the skillet, creating a circle in the middle of the skillet.
SIXTH STEP: Create a space in the center of the skillet and add the remaining canola oil followed by the whisked eggs. Allow the beaten eggs to set slightly, then lightly scramble the eggs. Once they’re fully cooked, incorporate them into the rice mixture.
SEVENTH STEP: Continue to keep an eye on the rice as it fries so it doesn’t stick to the pan or burn. Adjust the heat slightly if needed. Meanwhile, stir together the soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour the mixture evenly over the fried rice. Stir to coat the entire mixture with the sauce.
EIGHTH STEP: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chopped green onions as a garnish to the top before serving. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates and serve while hot!
How to Serve Ham Fried Rice
This versatile dish can be served for many occasions. Here are some fun ideas for when and how to enjoy this dish.
Weeknight Dinners: Ham Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner the whole family will love.
Lunchbox Favorite: This recipe works great as a cold or reheated lunch, making it ideal for school or work. Kids enjoy the familiar flavors, and it’s a fun alternative to sandwiches.
Potluck Parties: Because it travels well it is always a favorite for potlucks or casual gatherings. Serve it alongside egg rolls or dumplings for a delicious and crowd-pleasing spread.
Why You'll Love This Ham Fried Rice Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ham, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Ham Fried Rice is a dish that everyone enjoys, from kids to adults. Its familiar flavors make it a comforting go-to meal that works for lunch, dinner, or even as a potluck dish.
- Customizable and Fun: You can easily personalize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or swapping out proteins. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this dish adapts to your taste preferences, making it a fun and flexible recipe to keep in your rotation.
Ham Fried Rice isn’t just a meal—it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy, versatile, and endlessly customizable!
Recipe FAQ
Can I use day-old rice for Ham Fried Rice?
Yes, day-old rice works best. It absorbs flavors better and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
What type of ham is best for Ham Fried Rice?
Use cooked, diced ham for the best flavor. Leftover holiday ham or deli ham works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, use a non-stick skillet and make sure the oil is hot before adding the rice.
How long does it take to cook Ham Fried Rice?
It only takes about 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal option.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve Ham Fried Rice for a crowd?
Serve in a large, shallow dish so everyone can easily help themselves. It’s perfect for gatherings.
Can Ham Fried Rice be served cold?
Yes, It tastes great cold and can be enjoyed straight from the fridge for a quick lunch or snack.
Is Ham Fried Rice suitable for lunchboxes?
Absolutely! Ham Fried Rice packs well in lunchboxes and can be eaten warm or cold, making it a versatile option.
How can I make Ham Fried Rice kid-friendly?
To make this recipe kid-friendly, cut the ham into small, bite-sized pieces and reduce any added spices for a milder flavor.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered!
Can I prepare Ham Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice and ham separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day.
What's the best way to store leftover Ham Fried Rice?
Store leftover Ham Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze Ham Fried Rice?
While freshest is best, you can freeze Fried Rice in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen Ham Fried Rice?
Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
How should I reheat Ham Fried Rice when ready to serve?
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave in 30-second increments.
Can I reheat Ham Fried Rice in the microwave?
Yes, you can simply reheat in the microwave. Use 30-second increments, stirring between each to avoid overcooking.
Ham Fried Rice
Ham Fried Rice is a quick, savory dish packed with ham, rice, and veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy lunches!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup diced smoked uncured ham steak (cut into ½-inch sized small diced cubes)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
- 2 large eggs (lightly whisked)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat a large 12-inch skillet or wok on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the canola oil, then once the oil is hot, add the diced ham. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the ham is hot and has a light sear to the outer edges.
- Add the diced onions and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to thaw the vegetables.
- Turn the heat of the skillet up to medium-high and add the cooked rice to the skillet. Mix the diced ham and vegetables with the rice and let the rice get hot and lightly brown in the hot skillet. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir the mixture to keep it from sticking and burning on the bottom.
- Once the rice has cooked and “fried” in the skillet, turn the heat to the skillet down to medium-low and push the fried rice to the outer edges of the skillet, creating a circle in the middle of the skillet.
- To the middle of the skillet, add the remaining 1⁄2 tablespoon canola oil, then the whisked eggs. Allow the eggs to cook for 1-2 minutes. Lightly scramble the eggs in the middle of the skillet, then once they are fully cooked, mix the scrambled eggs throughout the entire ham-fried rice mixture in the skillet.
- Stir together the soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl, then pour the mixture evenly over the ham-fried rice in the skillet. Stir to coat all the rice with the soy sauce mixture.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chopped green onions as a garnish to the top of the ham fried rice before serving.
- We recommend you cook your rice the day before. This gives the day-old rice a dried texture and allows it to easily crisp up in the pan and gives the dish so much flavor. If you do use cold rice, give it an extra minute or two in the pan to make sure it heats through.
- For the best result, give the rice a few minutes to cook together in the skillet, about 3-4 minutes. This step allows the rice to heat through and develop a slightly crispy texture for even more flavor.
Notes
- We recommend you cook your rice the day before. This gives the day-old rice a dried texture and allows it to easily crisp up in the pan and gives the dish so much flavor. If you do use cold rice, give it an extra minute or two in the pan to make sure it heats through.
- For the best result, give the rice a few minutes to cook together in the skillet, about 3-4 minutes. This step allows the rice to heat through and develop a slightly crispy texture for even more flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 539kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1070mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2804IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow me on Pinterest @bestblogrecipes
Leave a Comment