How to Make Delicious Ham Fried Rice

Fried rice is a quick, easy and delicious way to use up leftover rice It’s also a great technique for repurposing any leftover cooked meat or vegetables languishing in your fridge While you can make vegetable fried rice, adding ham transforms it into a hearty main dish. Learn how to make flavorful ham fried rice in four simple steps.

Why Make Ham Fried Rice

There are so many reasons why ham fried rice should be part of your dinner rotation

• It’s fast – fried rice comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.

• It’s budget-friendly – use up leftovers and inexpensive pantry staples.

• It’s a one pan meal – easy cleanup!

• It’s versatile – customize with any veggies or extras you have.

• It’s crowd-pleasing – kids and adults alike devour this fried rice.

But the number one reason is the savory, salty flavor punch that ham brings to fried rice. It adds a depth and heartiness that vegetarian fried rice lacks. Let’s get to the easy recipe!

Ham Fried Rice Ingredients

Ham fried rice is adaptable to what you have on hand, but here are some standard ingredients to get you started:

• Cooked rice – use cold, leftover rice for best texture.

• Ham – cubed ham steak or chopped deli ham.

• Eggs – scrambled eggs give richness.

• Soy sauce – for saltiness and umami.

-Frozen peas and carrots – or any other frozen veggie mix.

• Green onions – for color and flavor.

• Vegetable oil – for stir-frying.

• Garlic and ginger (optional) – extra flavor boost.

• Sesame oil – adds nuttiness (optional).

That’s all you need for basic ham fried rice! Now let’s get cooking.

Step 1: Cook the Eggs

First up, scramble the eggs. This helps keep them light and fluffy in the finished fried rice.

• Whisk 2-3 eggs in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

• Pour in the eggs. Let set for 10 seconds then scramble gently until set but still moist, about 1 minute.

• Transfer cooked eggs to a plate. You’ll add them back in later.

Step 2: Cook the Ham and Vegetables

Next, stir-fry the ham and vegetables:

• Add another 1 Tbsp vegetable oil to the hot wok/pan.

• Add diced ham and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly brown.

• Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thawed and hot.

• Optional extras: garlic, onion, peppers, broccoli etc.

• Let cool slightly then transfer ham and veggies to the plate with the cooked eggs.

Step 3: Fry the Rice

Now, it’s rice time! This step helps dry out the rice a bit and gives it the essential fried rice flavor.

• Add another Tbsp oil to the pan and let it get hot.

• Add the cold, cooked rice. Break up any clumps with your spatula or wooden spoon.

• Fry the rice undisturbed for 2 minutes. Then stir and fry 2 minutes more.

• You want the rice to become lightly browned in spots – this adds crunchy texture and toasted flavor.

• If needed, add another splash of oil. You want each grain coated.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Lastly, mix everything together and season:

• Push the rice to sides of the pan. Add the cooked eggs and ham-veggie mixture to the center.

• Toss everything together thoroughly over heat for 1-2 minutes to warm through.

• Stir in soy sauce and toss again until combined.

• Add other seasonings if desired like:

  • Rice vinegar or sesame oil for acidity

  • Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce for heat

  • Ground ginger or garlic powder for extra flavor

• Give a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot!

Easy Variations

The basic ham fried rice recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these easy variations:

• Shrimp Fried Rice: Skip the ham. Add cooked shrimp with the peas and carrots.

• Chicken Fried Rice: Substitute cubed cooked chicken for the ham.

• Beef Fried Rice: Swap thinly sliced cooked beef or steak strips for the ham.

• Vegetable Fried Rice: Omit the ham and double up on the veggies.

• Hawaiian Fried Rice: Use ham and pineapple chunks.

• Eggs and Bacon Fried Rice: Use bacon instead of ham.

See? You can reinvent this fried rice recipe based on whatever protein and produce you have.

Fried Rice Tips

Keep these tips in mind for foolproof fried rice:

• Make sure rice is cold. Warm rice turns gummy when stir-fried.

• Don’t overload the pan. Cook proteins and veggies in batches.

• Use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist.

• Toss the rice undisturbed at first. This dries out the grains.

• Don’t forget soy sauce! It provides the signature fried rice flavor.

• Cook over high heat. You want a sear on the rice and ingredients.

• Work quickly. Ingredients overcook easily if you take too long.

• Add a little sesame oil at the end for extra fragrance and nuttiness.

Quick Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice comes together in just 20 minutes. Try this quick and easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Scramble eggs in hot oil. Set aside.
2. Stir-fry ham and peas/carrots. Set aside.
3. Fry rice 2 minutes, stir and fry 2 minutes more.
4. Add ham mixture and eggs. Toss together.
5. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
6. Top with green onions. Enjoy!

And that’s all it takes to make this tasty ham fried rice! The ham boosts the protein and adds a lovely smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fried rice.

This versatile recipe is great for using up leftovers before they go bad. Try swapping different meats or vegetables each time. Meal prep batches on Sunday for quick lunches and dinners all week. Freeze any extras for future fried rice cravings!

So grab a package of ham, whisk up some eggs, and get ready to fry some rice. Ham fried rice is on the menu.