This Ham Fried Rice recipe offers a wonderfully simple and incredibly satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week. Featuring savory smoked ham, perfectly tender rice, vibrant peas, and crisp carrots, this dish is a complete meal that comes together in mere minutes. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftover ham into something truly special, elevating a classic comfort food with minimal effort.
Mastering Ham Fried Rice: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
There’s nothing quite like a well-made fried rice, and this Ham Fried Rice recipe takes a beloved classic and gives it a delightful twist. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a robust, flavor-packed meal that stands proudly on its own. This recipe is an absolute favorite for its speed and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s an ingenious way to utilize leftover ham, transforming it into a star ingredient in a fresh, exciting context.
While this dish is incredibly satisfying as a standalone meal, its versatility also shines when paired with other Asian-inspired favorites. Imagine serving it alongside a plate of Easy Sesame Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, tangy Orange Chicken, or even sizzling Hibachi Steak. The rich, umami flavors of the fried rice perfectly complement these dishes, creating a truly memorable dining experience. With just a few staple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.
“I just made this and it is wonderful. I didn’t change a thing – perfect and simple just the way it is! Thank you!
– Donna”
Why This Ham Fried Rice Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
Beyond its incredible taste, this Ham Fried Rice recipe offers a wealth of practical benefits that make it a constant in my quick meal rotation. First and foremost, it’s a stellar solution for leftover ham. After a holiday feast or a weekend roast, you often find yourself with excess ham, and this recipe provides a delicious and innovative way to give it a second life. Instead of letting it go to waste, you can transform it into a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels entirely new.
Secondly, the convenience factor cannot be overstated. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty, home-cooked meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for those hectic evenings when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying dinner. No need for complex techniques or exotic ingredients; this recipe focuses on fresh, accessible components that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Moreover, it’s a complete meal in itself. Packed with protein from the ham and eggs, carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins from the peas and carrots, it offers a balanced nutritional profile. It’s hearty enough to fill you up without feeling overly heavy, making it an excellent choice for a comforting yet energizing meal. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Fried Rice
While cauliflower rice is a popular low-carb alternative for many dishes, it does have a distinct texture and flavor that differs significantly from traditional rice. For those who enjoy it and are accustomed to its qualities, it could certainly be substituted here. However, if you’re expecting a taste and texture identical to classic fried rice, you might find it to be a different experience. I haven’t personally experimented with it for this particular recipe, but if you’re looking for a healthier, low-carb option, it’s worth trying.
Absolutely! The key to great fried rice is using cold, day-old cooked rice, regardless of the variety. While white rice is traditionally used and provides a wonderfully fluffy texture, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even basmati rice can work beautifully. Using pre-cooked rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy, ensuring each grain maintains its integrity and absorbs the savory flavors perfectly. Feel free to use whatever cooked rice you have readily available!
The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability! If you don’t have ham or prefer another protein, there are many delicious alternatives. You could use diced spam for a salty, savory kick, crispy bacon, shredded cooked chicken, tender beef, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and focus on an abundance of colorful vegetables, or add some pan-fried tofu or tempeh.
This recipe is intentionally kept simple to highlight the delicious ham and rice, but it serves as a fantastic base for customization. Many people enjoy adding extra vegetables like shredded cabbage, crisp bean sprouts, thinly sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even corn. A dash of sesame oil at the end can add an extra layer of nutty aroma. You can also experiment with a pinch of ginger or garlic powder for more depth of flavor.
Properly stored Ham Fried Rice makes for excellent leftovers. Once cooled, transfer any remaining fried rice to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. Adding a tiny splash of water or broth can help rehydrate it if it seems a little dry.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Ham Fried Rice
Crafting the perfect Ham Fried Rice starts with a selection of fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Onion: A small, finely diced onion forms the aromatic base for this dish. If you’re looking for a slightly milder, sweeter flavor with hints of garlic, a shallot makes a truly delicious substitute that will elevate the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: These foundational seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing the flavors. While white pepper is traditional for its subtle heat and lack of black flecks, black pepper works just as well. Always season to your personal taste, remembering that you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Diced Ham: The star of our show! This recipe is fantastic for using up leftover holiday ham. The smoky, savory notes of ham infuse the entire dish with a rich flavor that’s utterly comforting. If you’re not using leftovers, pre-packaged diced ham works perfectly too.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs add a wonderful richness, texture, and additional protein to the fried rice. They’re a classic component that helps bind the dish together.
- Cooked Rice: The secret to perfect fried rice is using cold, day-old cooked rice. This prevents the rice from getting mushy and allows the grains to separate beautifully as they fry. While white rice is my go-to for its light texture, feel free to use your favorite variety, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, whatever is easiest and most appealing to you.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: This colorful combination adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients. Using frozen makes preparation incredibly simple, as they cook quickly right in the pan.
- Soy Sauce: I highly recommend using a light (or low sodium) soy sauce. This allows for better control over the saltiness of the dish, especially since ham already contributes a good amount of sodium. You can always add more to taste without the risk of over-salting the entire dish.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions are a non-negotiable for me! They provide a fresh, pungent, and slightly crisp garnish that brightens up the entire dish and adds a final layer of flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can certainly omit them, but I believe they truly complete the experience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Ham Fried Rice
Creating this incredibly delicious Ham Fried Rice is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
1. Prepare the Aromatics and Ham: Begin by finely dicing your small onion. Heat about two tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion to the pan. Season the onions lightly with salt and a quarter teaspoon of white pepper (or black pepper, if preferred). Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the diced ham. Continue to cook and stir until the ham begins to brown beautifully and develops a slightly crispy texture. Once cooked, remove the ham and onion mixture from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl or on a plate.
2. Cook the Eggs: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the two beaten large eggs to the same skillet. Scramble the eggs, breaking them into small pieces as they cook. Season them with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Once the eggs are fully cooked through, remove them from the pan and either add them to the ham and onion mixture or set aside separately.
3. Combine with Rice and Soy Sauce: Increase the heat back to medium-high if necessary. Add the three cups of cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour in two to three tablespoons of lite soy sauce. I prefer using lite or low-sodium soy sauce as it gives me more control over the salt level, preventing the dish from becoming overly salty, especially with the ham already contributing flavor. Start with two tablespoons, mix well, and then taste. You can always add more soy sauce later to suit your personal preference.
4. Add Vegetables and Finish: Stir in the one cup of frozen peas and carrots into the rice mixture. Continue to stir-fry for a minute or two to ensure everything is well combined and heated through. Now, return the cooked ham and onion mixture back into the skillet with the rice and vegetables. Turn the temperature down to medium-low. Give everything a final stir, then cover the skillet and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. This steaming step ensures the peas and carrots become tender and warm through without overcooking the other ingredients.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the vegetables are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Just before serving, generously sprinkle the three to four thinly sliced green onions over the top of the Ham Fried Rice. The fresh crunch and mild oniony flavor of the green onions add the perfect finishing touch and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, flavorful Ham Fried Rice!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Ham Fried Rice
This Ham Fried Rice is a star on its own, but there are many ways to enhance your dining experience or adapt the recipe to different tastes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil, or a simple broth-based soup. A side of crispy egg rolls or spring rolls would also make a delightful accompaniment, adding variety in texture and flavor.
If you’re looking to boost the nutritional content or add more textural interest, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or baby bok choy during the last few minutes of cooking. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal. For those who enjoy a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a pleasant kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables like water chestnuts for crunch or bamboo shoots for an authentic touch. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving and encourages culinary creativity!
Craving More Asian-Inspired Recipes?
If you loved this Ham Fried Rice, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our quick and delicious Asian-inspired dishes. These recipes are designed to bring the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your kitchen with ease:
- Beef Fried Rice
- Hibachi Fried Rice
- Spam Fried Rice
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Hamburger Ramen Noodle Skillet
- Chicken Egg Roll In A Bowl
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Hawaiian Haystacks
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Beef Egg Roll In A Bowl
- Easy Sesame Chicken
- No-Fuss Vegetable Stir Fry
- Chicken Teriyaki
- Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Originally published: June 2017
Updated and republished: June 2025
Ham Fried Rice
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15 minutes
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30 minutes
8
Brandie Skibinski
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper (can use black pepper)
- 8 ounce package diced ham (1 cup)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2-3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 1 small onion, finely diced. Season with 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
- Cook and stir until onions are soft and translucent. Then stir in 8 ounce package diced ham (1 cup).
- Cook until ham begins to brown and get a little crispy. Remove mixture from pan and place in a bowl or on a plate. Over medium heat, add in 2 large eggs, beaten to skillet. Scramble eggs and season with a little salt and pepper, to taste.
- Once eggs are cooked, stir in 3 cups cooked rice. Then add 2-3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce. Note: I like using light soy sauce because it has lower sodium to help control the salt. Start with 2 Tablespoons soy sauce and you can always add more to taste.
- Then, stir in 1 cup frozen peas and carrots. Stir, then add back in cooked onions and ham. Turn temperature down to medium-low. Stir again and cover to allow peas and carrots to get tender.
- Remove from heat and add 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced on top just before serving.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Main Course, Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.