This easy recipe for Ham Fried Rice is packed with vegetables and makes a tasty, budget-friendly meal that uses leftover ham and rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a healthier, homemade alternative to takeout and simple to adapt for picky eaters.
Ham Fried Rice
This ham fried rice is a go-to for cleaning out the fridge. It combines diced ham, eggs, rice and plenty of vegetables for a balanced, flavorful dish. Leftover rice works best because it fries up without becoming mushy. The recipe is naturally adaptable, gluten-free if you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and family-friendly.
Using leftovers reduces waste and saves money, and making this at home means you can control the ingredients and seasoning.
Key Ingredients You Will Need
- Butter – for scrambling the eggs; substitute olive oil or avocado oil if preferred.
- Sesame oil – added at the end for aroma and depth of flavor.
- Minced garlic – fresh tastes best.
- Onion – white or yellow, diced.
- Carrots – finely diced so they cook quickly.
- Ham – any cooked ham, diced into small pieces.
- Broccoli – cut into small florets or bite-sized pieces.
- Rice – cooked and cooled; day-old rice is ideal.
- Eggs – scrambled first and folded in at the end.
- Soy sauce – regular or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Teriyaki sauce – optional, adds sweetness and umami.
How to Make Ham Fried Rice
- Scramble the eggs. In a wok or nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, add beaten eggs and scramble until set. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the onions and vegetables. Add oil to the same pan and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add garlic, then stir in carrots and broccoli and cook until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add rice and ham. Push the vegetables to the side, add a bit more oil, then add chilled rice. Break up clumps and mix the rice with the vegetables. Add diced ham.
- Fry the rice. Spread the mixture so some rice contacts the hot pan and allow it to brown before stirring. Repeat a few times to get a slightly crispy, fried texture.
- Finish and serve. Remove the pan from heat, stir in teriyaki (if using) and sesame oil, adjust seasoning with soy sauce, salt and pepper, then fold in the scrambled eggs. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Use a variety of vegetables—aim for roughly equal volumes of veggies and rice. Finely diced vegetables blend well and are more kid-friendly.
- Swap ham for other proteins: shrimp, chicken, or steak also work great.
- Cut ham into small, even pieces so it heats through and distributes flavor evenly.
- Add the scrambled egg after the rice has been properly fried to keep the texture right.
- A small drizzle of sesame oil at the end brightens the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any cooked ham works well. Leftover holiday ham is ideal. Freeze extra ham for later use if you like, then thaw before adding to the fried rice.
Yes. Store cooled rice in a sealed bag or container and freeze. Thaw before cooking, and add a splash of water or broth while reheating if the rice seems dry.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight bags or containers for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
Easy Ham Fried Rice Recipe
15 mins
15 mins
30 mins
8 people
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup broccoli, small florets
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked rice, cold
- 1 cup ham, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a wok or nonstick pan, melt butter over medium-low heat and scramble the eggs until just set. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in the same pan over medium heat. Cook the diced onion until translucent (3–5 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 minute, then stir in carrots and broccoli and cook until just tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Push vegetables to the side, add a bit more oil, then add chilled rice. Break up clumps, combine rice with vegetables, and add diced ham.
- Spread the mixture so some rice touches the hot pan and allow it to brown briefly before stirring. Repeat until the rice is slightly crisped and heated through.
- Remove from heat, stir in teriyaki sauce (if using) and sesame oil, adjust seasoning with soy sauce, salt and pepper, then fold in the scrambled eggs. Serve warm.
Notes
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore moisture.
Nutrition
|
Carbohydrates: 79g
|
Protein: 14g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates provided for guidance only.
Sharing this recipe with a link is appreciated. Content and images are copyright protected.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Chicken Thighs
- Tuscan Chicken
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Chili
- Easy Chicken Marinade
- Pantry Meals
- Pesto Pasta
- Chicken Recipes
- Pork Recipes
- Easy Dinner Recipes
This Easy Ham Fried Rice recipe is an excellent way to turn leftovers into a flavorful, quick meal the whole family will enjoy. Customize the vegetables and protein to suit your pantry and preferences.