Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice is a culinary marvel, transforming humble leftovers into a sensational meal that will have everyone asking for more. This recipe is your secret weapon for repurposing cooked ham into a vibrant, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish. Imagine tender pieces of diced ham, perfectly stir-fried with fluffy day-old rice, crisp vegetables, and a harmonious blend of seasonings, all coming together in minutes. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of efficiency and flavor, ideal for busy weeknights or whenever a craving for comforting Asian-inspired cuisine strikes.

Beyond this fantastic Ham Fried Rice, explore other delightful variations like our original Fried Rice Recipe, a classic for any occasion, or venture into a wholesome twist with Quinoa Fried Rice for a lighter, grain-rich option.

Why Ham Fried Rice is a Weeknight Winner

This Ham Fried Rice recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a testament to simple, delicious, and efficient cooking. Here’s why it quickly becomes a favorite:

1. Effortless Leftover Transformation: The magic of this recipe lies in its ability to give new, exciting life to leftover ham. Instead of a predictable sandwich, you get a dynamic, flavorful meal that feels entirely new. It’s the ultimate solution for reducing food waste and maximizing flavor.
2. Lightning-Fast Preparation: Forget long hours in the kitchen. Once your ingredients are prepped, this dish comes together in mere minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic evenings when time is precious but you still crave a homemade meal.
3. Incredible Versatility: Don’t have a specific vegetable on hand? No problem! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out peas, carrots, and corn for broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or whatever fresh produce you have in your fridge. You can even experiment with different proteins if ham isn’t available.
4. Bursting with Flavor: Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory ham, sweet vegetables, perfectly cooked eggs, and an aromatic sauce that coats every grain of rice. The combination is deeply satisfying and profoundly comforting, a true explosion of balanced flavors.
5. Nutritious and Balanced: This one-pan wonder packs a punch of nutrition. It combines lean protein from ham and eggs, essential vitamins and fiber from a medley of vegetables, and satisfying carbohydrates from rice, creating a well-rounded and wholesome meal for the whole family.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Ham Fried Rice

Crafting the perfect Ham Fried Rice begins with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of authentic flavor and achieving that coveted fried rice texture.

• Unsalted Butter: A small amount of unsalted butter is key for scrambling the eggs. It adds a delicate richness and prevents sticking, resulting in perfectly tender egg pieces that add a lovely texture and flavor to the finished dish.
• Large Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are best for achieving fluffy, flavorful scrambled egg bits. They bind the dish together and contribute significant protein and a creamy texture.
• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying the ham and vegetables at high heat. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, while a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil allows the other flavors to shine through without interference.
• Cooked Ham: The star of the show! Diced small, smoked ham is highly recommended for its intense savory flavor, which permeates the entire dish. Leftover holiday ham works exceptionally well here, but any pre-cooked ham will do.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced yellow onion cooks quickly and mellows into a sweet, aromatic base that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Minced Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable for authentic fried rice flavor. Whether fresh, jarred, or in paste form, they provide a pungent, warming depth that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient and colorful addition! A blend of peas, carrots, and corn adds sweetness, texture, and a boost of nutrients without extra prep time. Feel free to customize with your favorite frozen vegetable medley.
• Day-Old Rice: This is a non-negotiable secret to great fried rice! Leftover rice from the fridge is drier, preventing mushiness and allowing each grain to become distinct and slightly crispy when stir-fried. Freshly cooked, warm rice has too much moisture and will clump together.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Thinly sliced green onions are added at the end for a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant green garnish, adding both taste and visual appeal.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the very end is the ultimate finishing touch. Its nutty, deeply aromatic scent elevates the entire dish, adding an authentic Asian flavor dimension.

Crafting the Savory Sauce

The sauce is the soul of any great fried rice, infusing every ingredient with an irresistible umami depth. This balanced blend provides the perfect savory, slightly sweet, and tangy profile.

• White or Black Pepper: Pepper adds a subtle warmth and a gentle kick that balances the overall flavors. White pepper is traditional in many Asian dishes for its nuanced heat and ability to blend seamlessly without visual specks, but black pepper works just as well.
• Oyster Sauce: A cornerstone of many Chinese dishes, oyster sauce provides a deep, savory, and slightly sweet umami flavor. It’s crucial for the authentic taste of fried rice.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder: This acts as a powerful flavor booster, enhancing the savory notes and adding a concentrated chicken essence that rounds out the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Essential for salty, umami flavor, but opting for low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the dish more precisely, preventing it from becoming overly salty.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of rice vinegar provides a mild acidity, cutting through the richness and brightening all the flavors in the sauce, creating a perfectly balanced profile.

How To Make The Best Ham Fried Rice: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Ham Fried Rice right in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you even turn on the stove, ensure all your ingredients are prepped, chopped, and measured. Stir-frying happens quickly, and you’ll want everything within arm’s reach. In a small jar or bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients (pepper, oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, low-sodium soy sauce, and rice vinegar). Shake or whisk well until fully blended, then set it aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Heat the unsalted butter in a large, nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. While the butter melts, whisk your two large eggs in a separate bowl until well combined. Pour the whisked eggs into the hot pan. Scramble gently until they are just cooked through but still slightly moist—you don’t want them rubbery. Transfer the cooked eggs to a plate, breaking them into smaller pieces with your spatula or knife, and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry Ham and Aromatics: Increase the heat to high. Add the olive oil (or vegetable oil) to the same pan. Once shimmering, add the diced ham, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes, or until the ham is nicely golden brown and the onions have softened and become fragrant. This step develops deep flavor.
4. Incorporate Vegetables and Rice: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing any excess water from the frozen vegetables to evaporate. Next, add the day-old cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour the prepared sauce over the rice and vegetables. Stir-fry for another 1 ½ to 2 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients are thoroughly coated in the savory sauce and the rice grains are heated through.
5. Final Touches and Serve: Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir in the thinly sliced green onions and a generous drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Toss everything together briefly to combine and heat through. Taste a spoonful and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if necessary. Serve your homemade Ham Fried Rice immediately while hot and fresh.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Ham Fried Rice

While Ham Fried Rice is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Light Soups: A delicate soup can perfectly balance the richness of fried rice. Consider a clear miso soup for its umami depth or a classic egg drop soup for its comforting texture.
• Crisp Salads: A refreshing salad provides a wonderful textural and flavor contrast. An Asian-style slaw with a sesame-ginger dressing or a light and tangy cucumber salad can cut through the savory notes of the fried rice.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls offer a satisfying crunch and can be served with a sweet chili dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Steamed or Pan-Fried Dumplings: Whether filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, dumplings are a fantastic side that complements the flavors of fried rice beautifully.
• Simple Edamame: For a quick, healthy, and protein-packed side, lightly salted steamed edamame pods are an ideal choice.
• Stir-fried Greens: A side of quick stir-fried bok choy or gai lan (Chinese broccoli) with garlic and a splash of soy sauce can add a fresh, vibrant element.

More Delicious Recipes To Use Leftover Ham

Don’t let any precious ham go to waste! Leftover ham is a versatile ingredient that can star in a variety of comforting and satisfying dishes. If you find yourself with extra ham after making this fantastic fried rice, consider trying these other mouth-watering recipes:

• Ham And Bean Soup: A creamy and incredibly delicious classic, perfect for a cozy meal.
• Ham Pot Pie: Comfort food at its best, featuring a rich filling and a flaky crust, whether homemade or store-bought.
• Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche: A simple yet elegant dish, ideal for brunch or a light dinner.
• Ham and Cheese Sliders: Irresistible mini sandwiches with a seasoned buttery topping, great for parties or casual meals.
• One-Pot Ham and Potato Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup that comes together easily in a single pot.

Ham Fried Rice

By Chelsea Lords

Got leftover ham? Turn it into an amazing Ham Fried Rice! This quick and savory recipe combines day-old rice, diced ham, and fresh veggies, stir-fried to perfection for a meal so good, you’ll intentionally make extra ham just for this dish!

Prep Time:
12 minutes

Cook Time:
8 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Servings:
2 servings

Video

Video tutorial for making Ham Fried Rice coming soon!

Equipment

• Large pan or wok

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cooked ham, diced to small pieces
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1 1/2 cups frozen veggies (e.g., 1/2 cup corn and 1 cup peas and carrots)
• 2 cups day-old cooked rice (from the fridge, see note 1)
• 2/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce and Mise en Place: Thoroughly prep all your ingredients before starting to cook, as the stir-frying process is very fast. In a small jar or bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients (pepper, oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, low-sodium soy sauce, and rice vinegar). Shake or whisk well until fully blended, and set aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large, nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Whisk the 2 large eggs in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour the whisked eggs into the hot pan. Scramble the eggs until they are just cooked through but still slightly moist. Transfer the scrambled eggs to a plate, break them into smaller pieces with a spatula, and set aside.
3. Stir-fry Aromatics and Ham: Increase the heat to high. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced cooked ham, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry vigorously for 3-4 minutes, until the ham is golden brown and the onions are softened and fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables, Rice, and Sauce: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing any excess moisture from the frozen vegetables to evaporate. Stir in the day-old cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour the previously prepared sauce over the rice and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well coated in the savory sauce and the rice is heated through.
5. Finish and Serve: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir in the thinly sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Toss everything together briefly to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. Serve your delicious Ham Fried Rice immediately while hot and fresh.

Recipe Notes

Note 1 (Day-Old Rice): The secret to non-mushy fried rice is using chilled, day-old cooked rice. If you don’t have any, cook fresh rice, spread it on a lined sheet pan, let it cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate (or freeze briefly) until thoroughly chilled and dry before using in the recipe.

Storage: Allow the Ham Fried Rice to cool completely to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a microwave or skillet with a splash of water or oil until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 715kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 262mg | Sodium: 2276mg | Potassium: 601mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7710IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.