Why This Ham Fried Rice is Better Than Takeout

I’ve always loved making fried rice, and after much experimentation, I’ve crafted a version I’m incredibly proud of. So, when I found myself with a generous amount of leftover Christmas ham, inspiration struck. I knew incorporating it into my fried rice would be good, but the result surpassed my expectations.

The ham injected a depth of flavor, adding a savory richness that elevated the entire dish. After that first bite, I knew I had to share this recipe. Now, I even plan to make extra ham just to ensure I have leftovers specifically for this fried rice!

Skip the takeout menu tonight and whip up a batch of this delightful Ham Fried Rice. You won’t be disappointed! It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Perfect Ham Fried Rice

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create the perfect Ham Fried Rice. These ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted to your personal preferences.

Pro Tip: Achieving the Perfect Rice Texture

Leftover rice is drier and holds up much better in Ham Fried Rice than fresh rice, which tends to be too soft and can make the dish mushy. If you don’t have leftovers, cook rice, let it cool for about 20 minutes, and then freeze it for 30 minutes to help dry it out.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Ham Fried Rice

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Ham Fried Rice:

1. Prep the Sauce: In a jar, combine all the sauce ingredients. Secure the lid and shake well until everything is thoroughly mixed.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then pour them into the skillet. Scramble gently until they’re cooked but still slightly soft. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Stir-Fry Ham and Vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham, onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until the ham is lightly browned and the onions are translucent. Then, add the frozen vegetables and continue to stir-fry until they are heated through and any excess water has evaporated.
4. Add Rice and Sauce: Add the day-old rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Pour the prepared sauce over the rice and stir well to ensure that all the grains are coated evenly.
5. Finish and Serve: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently mix them in. Add the sliced green onions and toasted sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
6. Serve: Serve your Ham Fried Rice hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Ham Fried Rice

• High Heat is Key: Use high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create that signature fried rice texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the rice.
• Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to suit your personal preferences.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding other ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to create your own unique version of fried rice.

Serving Suggestions: What to Enjoy with Your Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes:

• Soup: A light miso soup or egg drop soup complements the richness of the fried rice.
• Salad: A crisp Asian-style slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad provides a welcome contrast.
• Spring Rolls: Vegetable or shrimp spring rolls offer a crunchy and tasty side dish.
• Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings are a classic pairing with fried rice.
• Edamame: A simple, protein-packed side that’s lightly salted.

Storage Instructions

To store your Ham Fried Rice:

• Allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, microwave or stir-fry in a skillet with a little water or oil until heated through.

More Recipes to Use Leftover Ham

If you have even *more* leftover ham, here are some other delicious ideas:

Ham Fried Rice Recipe

Here’s the full recipe for making the most delicious Ham Fried Rice!

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 (1/2 cup corn and 1 cup peas and carrots)
• 2 cups cooked rice from the fridge
• 2/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Sauce Ingredients

• 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. Prep everything first; cooking goes fast! Combine all sauce ingredients in a small jar. Shake well and set aside.
2. Heat butter in a large, nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Whisk eggs in a bowl, then pour into the pan once butter is melted. Scramble eggs until just cooked (still slightly wet); transfer to a plate. Chop or break up with a spatula and set aside.
3. Increase heat to high. In the same pan, add oil, ham, onion, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until ham is golden, about 3–4 minutes. Add frozen vegetables and cook until excess water evaporates, 2–3 minutes. Stir in the rice and prepared sauce. Cook for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
4. Mix through the cooked eggs, green onions, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

• Note 1: If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a lined sheet pan. Let it cool slightly, then refrigerate (or freeze) until chilled before using in the recipe.
• Storage: Allow to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

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, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoy Your Homemade Ham Fried Rice!

We hope you love this easy and delicious Ham Fried Rice recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know what you think!