Get ready to take your taste buds on a joyride with this simple ham fried rice recipe! It’s the perfect dance of flavors where succulent ham, aromatic veggies, and fluffy rice come together in a wok-tastic harmony. Grab your chopsticks and never settle for take-out again!
Looking for more dishes to serve to make this a full meal? Try serving it with my Chicken Stir Fry, Orange Chicken, or new Teriyaki Chicken recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Ham Rice Recipe
- Easy: This recipe is super simple to whip up and has enough protein that it can be a full meal.
- Freezer Friendly: Double the batch and freeze half for later!
- Easy to Customize: Try substituting the protein or add in more of your favorite vegetables!
I’m the first person to suggest take-out on a busy weeknight. I love a good burger or chinese meal that takes zero effort. Turns out, making your own take-out at home is so much simpler than I thought! This recipe joined our monthly menu rotation way back in 2015 and has quickly become a go-to family favorite. Made over a dozen times and requested on the regular.
You can’t beat the blend of fluffy rice and scrambled egg with the veggies and ham pieces. It is such a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or a flavorful side dish. The ham adds a rich and smoky flavor, while the vegetables bring color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness. A win for the entire family and a staple recipe you’ll be glad to add to your recipe box.
Ham Fried Rice Ingredients
This ingredient list is fairly short, making it a go-to busy night dinner. Be sure to check out some of the ways that you can customize the dish below.
- Oil: I like to use a little sesame oil to saute the ham and vegetables. It adds a delightful finish to an already tasty dish. However, you can use any cooking oil.
- Vegetables: Green onion and a bag of your favorite frozen mixed veggies. I use peas and carrots.
- Protein: Here’s the secret, I use cubed ham. BUT you can also use cooked chicken or shrimp! Easy substitutes that add a depth of flavor that is so delicious!
- Eggs: Two eggs add that classic scramble to the dish.
- Rice: I like to use cooked and cooled white rice. I typically make this the morning of or the night before and keep it stored inside the refrigerator.
- Soy Sauce: This dish is salty, especially with the added ham. You can use regular soy or a low sodium. Both will give you a delicious end result.
- Pepper: Just enough to add a little spice.
Ham Fried Rice Recipe
- PREP: Gather all of your ingredients. If you haven’t already, cook the rice and allow it to cool completely.
- SAUTE: Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ham and frozen vegetables. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in the rice then push to one side.
- SCRAMBLE: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl or cup and add to the empty side of the pan. Gently cook and scramble until mostly cooked through.
- MIX: Remove the pan from the heat and stir the eggs into the rice mixture. Add the soy sauce, chopped green onion, and season with pepper to taste.
- ENJOY: Serve as is or with your favorite main dish recipes!
Helpful Tools
- Deep Skillet: I like to use a deep skillet (affiliate) for this recipe so there is a lot of room for the ingredients to heat and mix. Using a non-stick pan comes in super handy as well.
- Wooden Spoon: Did you know you should never use a metal spatula in a non stick pan? It scratches away the non-stick surface which damages the integrity of the pan. I like to use either silicone spatulas (affiliate), which are heat resistant, or wooden spoons (affiliate).
- Measuring Cups: I’ve tossed all of my old measuring cups and moved to angled measuring cups (affiliate). They are sooooo much easier to use and a kitchen favorite.
Recipe Notes:
Yes, using leftover rice is a great option for making ham fried rice. In fact, many people prefer using leftover rice because it tends to be drier and less sticky, making it ideal for fried rice recipes.
Yes! This recipe is also delicious with cooked chicken or shrimp.
Yes, you can definitely add additional vegetables to your ham fried rice. We like to add carrots, peas, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and even mushrooms. Feel free to experiment and add your favorite vegetables or a combination of them.
Once the rice has cooled completely, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, heat the rice through in a pot or pan over medium heat.
Yes, you can freeze ham fried rice for later. Once the rice has cooled completely, transfer to an airtight container or freezer safe bag. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
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Ham Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 cup cooked cubed ham
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 cups cooked rice that has been cooled
- 4 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ham and frozen vegetables. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in the rice then push to one side.
- Whisk the eggs in a small bowl or cup and add to the empty side of the pan. Gently cook and scramble until mostly cooked through.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir the eggs into the rice mixture.
- Add the soy sauce, chopped green onion, and season with pepper to taste.
- Serve as is or with your favorite main dish recipes!
Nutrition
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