Description
A vibrant and flavorful leftover ham fried rice recipe featuring sweet pineapple, crisp bell peppers, and a savory soy-pineapple sauce. This easy-to-make skillet dish combines tender ham and fluffy rice with eggs for a satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for repurposing leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil), divided
- 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 soy sauce and pineapple juice, mixing well to create a flavorful glaze for the rice.
- Cook ham and pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the diced ham and pineapple, cooking while stirring occasionally until caramelized, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add bell peppers: Into the same pan, add the diced bell peppers and stir a few times to combine. After a brief cook, transfer the mixture to the plate with ham and pineapple.
- Sauté garlic and toast rice: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and the minced garlic into the skillet. Stir to release the aroma, then add the cooked rice, spreading it out evenly. Cook while stirring occasionally until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Cook eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the empty side. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them cook for about 30 seconds until the bottom sets. Scramble gently until mostly cooked but slightly runny in parts.
- Combine eggs and rice: Mix the rice into the cooked eggs by chopping and stirring thoroughly until fully combined.
- Add sauce: Create a well in the center of the rice and pour in the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture. Let it cook for a few seconds to evaporate excess liquid, then stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated, cooking until moisture dissipates.
- Reintroduce ham mixture: Return the cooked ham, pineapple, and bell pepper mixture to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt if needed, tasting to adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a delicious main course.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture; freshly cooked rice may be too moist and result in clumping.
- You can substitute peanut oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil.
- Adjust soy sauce to control saltiness based on taste preference.
- Add chopped green onions or a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor if desired.
- This dish works well with other leftover proteins such as chicken or bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
