Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe

In the mood for a quick and savory dish that’s a family favorite? This easy ham fried rice recipe promises not just convenience, but a flavor-packed meal that can be whipped together in no time. Filled with savory ham, fragrant rice, and colorful vegetables, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Growing up, my mother would always find ways to reinvent leftovers from holiday meals. I’d watch her skillfully transform a refrigerator full of odds and ends into delightful dishes. Her fried rice with ham was the ultimate comfort food for those post-holiday nights. She taught me that the best recipes often come from improvisation and love, both of which are embedded in this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ham fried rice recipe is more than just a way to use leftover ham; it’s an easy, delicious meal that fits into even the busiest days. It’s quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Moreover, it’s highly customizable! You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it incredibly versatile and budget-friendly.

Ingredients Notes

For this recipe, you’ll need cold, day-old rice which helps in achieving the perfect texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, simply cook a batch and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry. Include your choice of vegetables, such as peas and carrots, and of course, the star of the dish—ham. Feel free to use other proteins like chicken or shrimp for variations. Don’t forget to stock soy sauce and sesame oil, as they add depth and richness to the dish.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, and once hot, sauté chopped onions until translucent.

Step 2

Add mixed vegetables and diced ham. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the ham is heated through and vegetables are tender yet crisp.

Step 3

Push the ham and veggies to one side of the pan. Pour a beaten egg into the other side. Scramble the egg until fully cooked, then mix into the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4

Add the cold, cooked rice along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper. Raise the heat slightly and stir-fry, tossing the ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 5

Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor.

Storage Options

Leftover fried rice should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, divide into serving sizes and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Variations & Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and add extra veggies or tofu. Gluten-free eaters can substitute tamari for the soy sauce. Add a spicy kick with a sprinkle of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce. You can also replace the sesame oil with coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it pairs well with a simple side salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup. Consider serving it as a part of a larger Asian-themed meal with sweet and sour chicken or spring rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh rice instead of cold rice? It’s best to use day-old rice, as fresh rice can be too moist and clump together when frying. However, if using fresh, spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry before cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil? If sesame oil isn’t available, you can substitute with another type of oil like olive or vegetable oil, but the signature nutty flavor will be missing.

How can I add more protein to this dish? For extra protein, consider adding scrambled eggs, cooked chicken or shrimp, or even edamame. You can toss them in during the final stages of cooking.

Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe

This easy ham fried rice recipe is a delicious and quick meal that's perfect for using leftover ham. Loaded with vegetables and savory flavors, it's a hit for family dinners!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 3 cups cooked white rice preferably day-old
• ▢ 1 cup diced ham leftover or deli ham
• ▢ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ▢ 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
• ▢ 3 large eggs beaten
• ▢ 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• ▢ 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ▢ 2 tablespoons sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add diced ham and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
• Add the thawed peas and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
• Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any large clumps of rice. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to combine.
• Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, stirring everything together until evenly combined. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is great for using up leftover rice and ham. Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand or adjust the soy sauce to taste.