Transform your leftover ham into an extraordinary meal with this simple, quick, easy, and undeniably delicious Hawaiian fried rice. It’s the perfect solution after holidays like Easter, or anytime you crave a taste of the tropics!

The Best Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe: Sweet & Savory Ham Delight

Prepare yourself, because this Hawaiian fried rice recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s not just another weeknight meal; it’s an explosion of flavors that will quickly become a family favorite. Forget about mundane leftovers – this dish elevates them into something truly special.

Why This Hawaiian Fried Rice Will Be Your New Go-To

This fried rice boasts four crucial qualities: it’s simple, quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. These attributes make it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you’re looking to repurpose ingredients like leftover holiday ham. While it’s particularly fantastic for using up that post-Easter ham, don’t fret if you don’t have any on hand. High-quality deli ham works just as wonderfully, ensuring this flavorful dish is accessible year-round.

Every spoonful of this Hawaiian fried rice delivers a symphony of tastes and textures. You’ll experience the earthy warmth of nutty sesame oil, a zesty kick from hot sauce (easily adjustable to your preference), the rich depth of savory soy sauce, vibrant bites of fresh bell peppers and green onions, and the delightful contrast of sweet, juicy pineapple against tender, savory ham. It’s a culinary journey that balances every flavor note beautifully.

Honestly, when I first created this recipe, my primary goal was simply to use up some ham and get dinner on the table without much fuss. My expectations were modest. However, the result was so unexpectedly phenomenal that I found myself rushing to share it with everyone. This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s genuinely pretty to look at, too, making it a perfect centerpiece for any casual meal. So, go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to an easy, satisfying dinner night. You’ll be incredibly glad you did!

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Hawaiian Fried Rice Flavor

The magic of this Hawaiian fried rice lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its distinctive sweet and savory profile:

• Leftover Ham: The star of the show! Whether it’s from a holiday feast or quality deli ham, its saltiness and texture are fundamental. Using pre-cooked ham also significantly cuts down on prep time.
• Cold Cooked Rice: This is a non-negotiable for superior fried rice. Day-old, refrigerated rice is drier, preventing a mushy texture and allowing the grains to crisp up beautifully in the hot skillet.
• Pineapple Chunks: The “Hawaiian” in Hawaiian fried rice! Fresh pineapple brings a burst of tropical sweetness and acidity that perfectly cuts through the richness of the ham and savory sauces. Canned pineapple is an acceptable substitute if well-drained.
• Soy Sauce & Toasted Sesame Oil: These form the umami-rich backbone of the sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce provides savory depth without excessive saltiness, while toasted sesame oil adds an incredibly fragrant, nutty aroma that is characteristic of Asian-inspired dishes.
• Hot Sauce: A touch of Sriracha or Tapatio adds a subtle warmth and balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Adjust to your preferred spice level – from a mild hint to a fiery kick!
• Fresh Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and green onions are key for building a robust flavor base. Minced garlic and ginger provide pungent, aromatic notes, while green onions add a fresh, slightly pungent crunch.
• Eggs & Vegetables: Scrambled eggs add richness and protein, while crisp red bell pepper brings a touch of sweetness, color, and texture. Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like peas or carrots for more nutritional value and variety.

Tips for Making the Perfect Fried Rice

1. Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: This is the golden rule for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which leads to a sticky, clumpy, and mushy result. Cold rice from the fridge is drier and will absorb the sauces better, resulting in distinct, slightly crispy grains.
2. High Heat is Key: Fried rice needs to be cooked quickly over high heat. This ensures that the ingredients get a good sear and prevents them from stewing. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the vegetables and ham won’t brown properly, and the rice won’t get that desirable texture.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary, especially if you’re using a standard skillet. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and steams the ingredients instead of frying them.
4. Prepare Everything Ahead: Fried rice is a quick-cooking dish, so have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the heat. This is often called “mise en place” and makes the cooking process seamless.
5. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The soy sauce and hot sauce can be adjusted based on your personal preference. Taste as you go, especially after adding the sauce, and tweak as needed.

For more culinary inspiration, explore some of our past favorites:

One Year Ago: Paprika Chicken Stroganoff
Two Years Ago: Naan – Indian Flatbread
Three Years Ago: Citrus Water Punch

Hawaiian Fried Rice

Yield:

6
servings

Prep Time:

15
mins

Cook Time:

15
mins

Total Time:

30
mins

Print
Pin
Rate

Ingredients

• 
  3 tablespoons
  
  low-sodium soy sauce
• 
  1 tablespoon
  
  toasted sesame oil
• 
  1 teaspoon
  
  hot sauce, like Tapatio or Sriracha, more or less to taste
• 
  1 tablespoon
  
  vegetable, canola or peanut oil
• 
  2 cups
  
  cooked, chopped ham
• 
  1
  
  red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped
• 
  6
  
  green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated
• 
  3
  
  garlic cloves, minced
• 
  ½ tablespoon
  
  minced fresh ginger
• 
  5 cups
  
  cooked rice, white or brown, cold
• 
  3 large
  
  eggs
• 
  1-2 cups
  
  pineapple pieces

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and hot sauce. Set this flavorful sauce aside. In a large nonstick skillet or electric frying pan (a wok also works wonders), heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped ham, red bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the ham is lightly browned and the red pepper is tender-crisp (not overly soft), approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Scrape this ham and vegetable mixture onto a plate and set it aside.
2. Add another teaspoon of oil to the skillet and heat until hot. Add the cold, cooked rice, breaking up any large clumps with your spatula. Cook the rice, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly heated through and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect fried rice texture.
3. Push the heated rice to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space. Add the last teaspoon of oil to the empty side and heat it. Crack the three eggs directly into the hot oil. Gently scramble the eggs with your spatula or wooden spoon until they are lightly set but still tender. Once cooked, stir the scrambled eggs and the reserved ham mixture into the rice, thoroughly combining all ingredients. Pour the whisked soy sauce mixture over the rice and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until everything is evenly coated, heated through, and well-integrated.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the pineapple pieces and the green parts of the green onions. Serve your delicious Hawaiian fried rice immediately while hot.

Notes

Sesame Oil/Hot Sauce: Feel free to increase or decrease the amounts of sesame oil and hot sauce to match your personal taste preferences. Some prefer a bolder nutty flavor, while others love more heat.
Ham: As mentioned, if you don’t have leftover cooked ham, high-quality deli ham is an excellent substitute. For the best fried rice texture, always use cold, day-old rice from the refrigerator. Planning ahead by cooking your rice the day before makes a significant difference.
Pineapple: This recipe truly shines with fresh pineapple, which is our preferred choice. However, canned pineapple (drained very well) will also work as an acceptable and convenient alternative.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine:
Hawaiian, American, Asian Inspired

Method:
Stovetop, Stir-fry

Serving:
1 Serving
,

Calories:
336kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
45g
,

Protein:
15g
,

Fat:
10g
,

Saturated Fat:
2g
,

Cholesterol:
120mg
,

Sodium:
760mg
,

Fiber:
2g
,

Sugar:
4g

Recommended Products

Mixing Bowl

Liquid Measuring Cup

Wire Whisk

Recipe Source: This recipe has been lovingly adapted and enhanced from an original at Cook’s Country. We’ve fine-tuned the oil and sauce quantities, streamlined a few ingredients, and adjusted the serving size to comfortably feed six.

Explore More Delicious Recipes Like This

If you loved this Hawaiian Fried Rice, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic recipes that feature fried rice, quick stir-fries, and other inspired dishes perfect for family meals.