Description
This Leftover Ham Fried Rice with Pineapple is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms leftover ham and rice into a delightful, tropical-inspired meal. Combining the sweetness of pineapple with savory ham, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic, this fried rice makes a perfect weeknight dinner or lunch, bringing together a crunchy texture and balanced flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup leftover ham, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced (yields about 1/2 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked rice (overnight long grain rice)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix the soy sauce and pineapple juice together in a small bowl and set aside to incorporate the flavors.
- Cook Ham and Pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the diced ham and pineapple. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and slightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell peppers, mixing a few times, then transfer the ham, pineapple, and pepper mixture to a plate and set aside for later.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and the minced garlic into the skillet. Stir to release the garlic’s fragrance, then add the cooked rice, spreading it out evenly. Cook while stirring occasionally until the rice is lightly toasted and heated through.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the empty side. Pour in the beaten eggs and let cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until the bottom sets. Scramble gently a few times until most of the eggs are cooked but parts remain slightly runny.
- Combine Rice and Eggs: Mix the rice into the eggs by chopping and stirring them together, ensuring an even blend.
- Add Soy Sauce Mixture: Create a well in the center of the rice. Pour in the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture. Allow it to cook for a few seconds to let the liquid evaporate, then stir everything together so the rice is evenly coated. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the moisture fully cooks off.
- Reintroduce Ham Mixture and Season: Return the cooked ham and pineapple mixture to the pan and stir all ingredients together thoroughly. Taste and add a pinch of salt if necessary, mixing well.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- Using rice cooked and chilled overnight helps achieve the best texture for fried rice by preventing clumping.
- If you prefer, substitute the peanut oil with any neutral vegetable oil to suit dietary needs.
- Feel free to add chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and garnish.
- Leftover chicken or other diced meats can be used instead of ham for variation.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg