Easy Ham Fried Rice: Your Ultimate Quick & Delicious Leftover Meal
Dinner doesn’t have to be a daunting task, especially on those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Forget about complicated recipes or the temptation of takeout; with this incredibly easy Ham Fried Rice recipe, you can whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal in less than 15 minutes. Utilizing simple ingredients like leftover white rice, a mix of vibrant vegetables, and savory diced deli ham, you’ll create a delicious dinner that the whole family will adore, all while sticking to your budget.
One of the best aspects of this fried rice recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. You don’t need specialized equipment like a wok; a large skillet is perfectly sufficient to achieve that authentic fried rice texture and taste. This makes it an accessible and stress-free option for anyone looking for a quick and comforting meal without a lot of fuss. Whether it’s a hectic Tuesday evening or a lazy weekend afternoon, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a true go-to for speedy lunches or dinners.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Family-Favorite Recipe!
There are countless reasons why this Ham Fried Rice has become a staple in many households. Firstly, its genius lies in the utilization of leftover rice. We often find ourselves with extra rice after a meal, and knowing you can transform it into a completely new, exciting dish is a game-changer. By planning ahead and making a little extra rice, you’ve already completed the foundational “hard work” for this recipe. All that’s left is to combine the ingredients quickly and effortlessly, leading to another satisfying dinner ready in mere minutes. This smart use of leftovers not only saves you time but also helps reduce food waste, making it a win-win for both your kitchen and your wallet.
Beyond the convenience of using leftovers, this recipe shines as a wholesome alternative to unhealthy fast food. It’s packed with protein from eggs and ham, and essential vitamins from fresh or frozen vegetables. You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a meal that is both nutritious and tailored to your family’s preferences. Plus, the vibrant colors and appealing flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly delicious and fun.
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Ham Fried Rice:
Crafting the perfect ham fried rice starts with a selection of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and desirable texture of this classic dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Rice: The cornerstone of any great fried rice. For optimal results, always opt for cold, leftover white rice. Day-old rice is firmer and drier, which prevents it from clumping together and ensures distinct, perfectly fried grains.
- Eggs: Large eggs add richness, a lovely texture, and a significant boost of protein to your fried rice. Scrambled eggs are a classic addition, creating fluffy pockets throughout the dish.
- Butter: A small amount of softened unsalted butter is used to cook the eggs, imparting a creamy, savory flavor.
- Oil: Sesame oil is highly recommended for its distinctive, nutty aroma that defines Asian-inspired dishes. However, if you don’t have it, olive oil or avocado oil can be used as neutral alternatives for frying.
- Vegetables: A colorful combination of frozen peas and fresh shredded carrots adds sweetness, crunch, and essential nutrients. These are readily available and cook quickly.
- Ham: For ultimate convenience, pre-diced deli ham is a fantastic choice. Look for it in the meat section of your grocery store. It’s already cooked and chopped, saving you precious prep time.
- Broth: A splash of either vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor, helping to prevent the rice from drying out during frying.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is key to controlling the saltiness while still infusing that essential umami flavor. You can always add more to taste at the end.
- Onion: Freshly chopped green onions, also known as scallions, are a must. They add a mild, peppery bite and a pop of fresh color. Use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor.
- Topping: A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top is entirely optional but adds a pleasant nutty crunch and an elegant finish to your homemade fried rice.
Simple Steps to Crafting This Easy Ham Fried Rice:
Follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality Ham Fried Rice on your table in no time. Precision and a hot pan are your best friends here!
Prepare Eggs
- Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted and shimmering but not browned.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Pour the beaten eggs into the heated pan. Using a spatula, gently stir the eggs, scrambling them until they are just cooked through and form soft curds. Avoid overcooking, as they will continue to cook slightly when added back to the rice. Remove the cooked eggs from the pan and set them aside.
Sauté Veggies and Ham
- Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the same pan you used for the eggs. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the frozen peas, shredded carrots, and diced ham.
- Sauté these ingredients for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is to soften the vegetables slightly and warm the ham through, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. They should still retain a slight crispness.
Fry the Rice
- Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cold, leftover rice.
- Spread the rice evenly across the pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds to allow it to crisp slightly. Then, toss the rice every 30 seconds for approximately 5 minutes, or until the rice grains are lightly browned and slightly crispy. This “frying” process is crucial for achieving the desired texture of fried rice.
Combine and Finish
- Pour in the chicken broth and low-sodium soy sauce. Add the chopped green onions. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed and the green onions are well incorporated.
- Finally, add the previously cooked scrambled eggs back into the pan. Mix gently until the eggs are fully combined with the rice and vegetables. Taste and adjust the soy sauce if needed, adding a little more if you prefer a saltier flavor.
Serve
- Once satisfied with the flavor, transfer the ham fried rice to serving plates. If you’re using sesame seeds, sprinkle them generously over each serving for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, incredibly easy, and delicious fried rice!
Ham Fried Rice
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
- Large pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, cold leftover rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tbsp sesame oil, divided (or olive oil)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced ham
- 2 tbsp low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, or more, to taste
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
Prepare Eggs
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Beat eggs and pour into the pan. Stir gently until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies and Ham
- Add 1 tbsp of sesame oil to the pan. Add peas, carrots, and ham. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Fry the Rice
- Add ½ tbsp of sesame oil to the pan. When hot, add rice. Toss every 30 seconds for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
Combine and Finish
- Stir in chicken broth, soy sauce, and green onions. Add the eggs back in an mix well. Adjust soy sauce to taste.
Serve
- Top with sesame seeds if using.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storing Your Delicious Leftover Ham Fried Rice:
One of the many advantages of this Ham Fried Rice recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Proper storage ensures your leftovers remain fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: To store any leftover ham fried rice, allow it to cool completely at room temperature (but don’t leave it out for more than two hours). Once cooled, transfer the fried rice into an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. This makes for a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or a hassle-free dinner when you’re short on time. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, or toss it in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil for a crispier texture.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your Ham Fried Rice:
While this recipe is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your homemade ham fried rice from good to absolutely fantastic. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results.
Choosing the Best Ham to Use:
For ultimate ease and speed, this recipe calls for a bag of pre-chopped deli ham. This not only saves you prep time but also ensures consistent sizing and flavor. If you have leftover ham from a holiday dinner, that works wonderfully too! Simply dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also experiment with other cured meats like Canadian bacon or even chopped sausages for a different flavor profile.
The Importance of Using the Right Type of Rice:
This is perhaps the most critical tip for achieving authentic fried rice. Always use cold, leftover rice—ideally rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for at least a day. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture, which can lead to a mushy, clumpy texture when stir-fried. Cold rice, on the other hand, is drier and firmer, allowing the grains to separate and fry beautifully, resulting in that desirable slightly crispy texture. Any medium to long-grain white rice, such as Jasmine or Basmati, works best. Avoid sticky rice as it’s designed to clump.
Creative Add-ins and Variations for Your Fried Rice:
While the base recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to customize your fried rice with additional ingredients. This is a highly versatile dish that welcomes creativity!
- Vegetable Swap: Instead of or in addition to peas and carrots, consider a frozen bag of mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots) for even more variety.
- Broccoli: Frozen broccoli florets, chopped into smaller pieces, make a great addition. Add them with the peas and carrots.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and snapped, add a lovely crunch.
- Snow Peas: For a delicate, sweet addition, toss in some snow peas towards the end of cooking.
- Baby Corn: Canned baby corn, drained and sliced, offers a unique texture.
- Water Chestnuts: Canned water chestnuts provide a wonderful crispness.
- Nuts: For added crunch and healthy fats, a handful of cashews can be stirred in at the end.
- Tropical Twist: A small amount of diced pineapple can add a surprising sweetness and tang.
Complementary Dishes to Serve with Fried Rice:
While Ham Fried Rice can certainly stand alone as a complete meal, pairing it with a simple side dish can enhance the dining experience and add balance. Here are some fantastic options:
Pasta Salads
Avocado Corn Salad
A light and refreshing salad with creamy avocado and sweet corn offers a delightful contrast to the savory fried rice.
Meatless
Classic Side Salad
A crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great choice to lighten up a meal.
Method
Lentil Soup
For a heartier meal, a bowl of warm lentil soup provides a comforting and nutritious addition.
Soups + Stews
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
Another excellent soup option, minestrone adds a medley of vegetables and pasta, offering a wholesome contrast.
Quick Links to Simplify Your Dinner Routine:
We understand that life can get hectic, and finding convenient ways to prepare delicious family meals is crucial. Here are some resources designed to make your dinner planning and cooking much easier:
- Family Meal Plans: Discover structured meal plans that take the guesswork out of dinner, helping you save time and reduce stress.
- Essential Kitchen Tools and More: Explore our curated list of recommended kitchen tools and gadgets that can streamline your cooking process and enhance your culinary adventures.
- The Best Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes: Dive into a collection of tested and loved family-friendly recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your home.
- FREE Budget Meal Plan: Access a complimentary meal plan designed to help you eat well without breaking the bank, focusing on affordable and accessible ingredients.
- Engaging Cooking Videos to Watch: Visual learners will appreciate our cooking videos, offering step-by-step guidance and inspiration for your next meal.
We love seeing your culinary creations! If you give this easy Ham Fried Rice recipe, or any of our other dishes, a try, please make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking. We can’t wait to hear how much you enjoyed the recipes and see your delicious results!