Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

If you ever find yourself staring at a pile of leftover ham wondering what on earth to do with it, I’ve got you covered with a fan-freaking-tastic idea: Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe. This isn’t just your average fried rice—it’s sweet, salty, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect way to transform leftovers into a satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never toss leftover ham without thinking of this dish!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role in this Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe, bringing together savory, sweet, and umami notes that sing in every bite. The trick is to use cold, day-old rice to get that perfect texture without clumping.

• Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami flavor—use a good quality one for best taste.
• Pineapple Juice: The secret to that bright, sweet kick that makes this dish pop.
• Peanut Oil (or Vegetable Oil): Peanut oil gives a slight nutty aroma, but vegetable oil works perfectly too.
• Leftover Ham (diced): Lean towards nicely diced pieces for even cooking and bite-sized goodness.
• Pineapple (diced): Fresh or canned works—fresh will add that extra zing!
• Bell Pepper (diced): Gives crunch and sweetness to balance the ham and pineapple.
• Garlic (minced): A must for that savory depth—don’t skimp on it.
• Cooked Long Grain Rice (overnight): Essential for fluffy fried rice. Leftover rice is your best friend here.
• Eggs (beaten): Adds richness and protein to round out the dish.
• Salt (to taste): Adjust as needed after adding soy sauce, so you don’t over-salt.

Variations

I like to play around with this Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or mood. You can easily swap out ingredients or ramp up the heat if that’s your thing—it’s such a forgiving recipe!

• Spicy Kick: I often add a dash of sriracha or diced fresh chili for a spicy twist that my husband adores.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some green peas, shredded carrots, or chopped green onions for extra color and crunch.
• Protein Swap: If you don’t have ham, cooked chicken or shrimp works beautifully here too.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and add a bit more pineapple juice to maintain sweetness without the extra salt.

How to Make Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet-Savory Sauce

Start by mixing the soy sauce and pineapple juice in a small bowl. This combo is where that signature sweet and salty flavor comes from. I discovered that whisking them together makes it easier to pour evenly later without clumps or uneven seasoning.

Step 2: Caramelize the Ham and Pineapple

Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced ham and pineapple, then stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes until they start to caramelize. This step brings out the natural sugars in the pineapple and the savory depth of the ham—plus, that golden brown color? So good. Then toss in the diced bell pepper, stir a few times, and transfer this flavorful mix to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Toast the Garlic and Rice

Add the remaining oil and minced garlic to the hot pan. Stir quickly to release that inviting aroma, about 30 seconds. Now spread the cooked rice evenly in the skillet and let it toast for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where you get that flaky texture that defines great fried rice. I always use leftover rice from the fridge because the drier grains separate nicely and don’t get mushy.

Step 4: Cook and Incorporate the Eggs

Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add the last of the oil to the empty pan space and pour in beaten eggs. Let them sit until the edges start to set, then gently scramble until mostly cooked but still a bit runny. Mix the rice into the eggs, chopping and folding everything together for a silky, rich texture. This two-step method really makes the eggs silkier than if you just cracked them over the rice right away.

Step 5: Season and Finish Cooking

Make a well in the center of the rice and pour your soy-pineapple sauce in there. Let the liquid sizzle a few seconds to evaporate off some moisture, then stir it all together until the rice is evenly coated. This step intensifies the flavors, and you’ll smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the moisture is gone. Return the ham mixture to the pan, fold everything together, then taste and adjust salt if needed. This is the moment everything comes together beautifully!

How to Serve Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this fried rice with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that little extra crunch and fresh pop of flavor. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime for a zingy finish—it brightens the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this with a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy to balance the sweet-savory fried rice. When I want to keep things hearty, some crispy spring rolls on the side work wonders, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation at parties, I’ve scooped the fried rice into hollowed pineapple halves—guests love this tropical touch! You can also serve it in small lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option that’s great for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep great for up to 3 days. You’ll want to cool the fried rice completely before sealing to avoid sogginess from condensation.

Freezing

Freezing works, but texture changes slightly. I freeze single portions in freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To get back that fresh fried rice feel, I reheat on the stove in a hot pan with a splash of oil, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave, but I recommend sprinkling a few drops of water over the rice first to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe has become my go-to whenever I’m staring down a fridge full of odds and ends. It’s quick, tasty, and feels like a little tropical vacation on a plate. I promise, once you make this, you’ll see that leftover ham in a whole new light. Give it a try—you might just surprise yourself with how delicious leftovers can be!

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