If you’ve ever craved a comforting yet delightfully flavorful dish that whips up in a flash, this Ham Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Combining tender cubes of savory ham with colorful mixed vegetables and fluffy rice, all brought together with a punch of savory seasoning and those scrambled eggs we all love, this dish is an absolute all-star for busy weeknights or casual dinners that feel special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Ham Fried Rice Recipe lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each element—from the nutty sesame oil to the protein-packed ham and vibrant veggies—plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps evenly cook the ingredients without sticking.
- 2 cups cubed ham: Provides savory, smoky bites that steal the spotlight; you can also substitute with shrimp, chicken, beef, or pork if you prefer.
- 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables: A quick, colorful mix that brings freshness and crunch without prepping.
- 0.74 oz. fried rice seasoning mix: The secret weapon for that perfect, authentic fried rice flavor.
- 4 cups cooked rice: White or brown rice works great—leftover chilled rice is ideal for the best texture; riced cauliflower is a low-carb option.
- 4 large eggs (scrambled): Boosts the protein and adds richness with those comforting scrambled pockets.
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Brings salty umami notes; tamari or coconut aminos work well for gluten-free cooking.
- Chopped green onions (optional): A fresh, crisp garnish that lightens and brightens each bite.
- Sweet chili sauce (optional): Adds a sweet-spicy kick for adventurous taste buds.
How to Make Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke—that’s the sweet spot for sautéing and unlocking those delicious nutty undertones that are the foundation of any great fried rice.
Step 2: Sauté Ham and Vegetables
Next, toss in the cubed ham, frozen mixed vegetables, and the fried rice seasoning mix. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes until the ham develops some golden edges and the vegetables begin to soften without turning mushy. This step is all about building layers of flavor and texture that will make each bite satisfying.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Now, stir in 4 cups of cooked and chilled rice. Cooking cold rice might sound odd but trust me, it prevents clumping and gives you those coveted bits of slightly browned, toasty rice that make fried rice so addictive. Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors and start to crisp at the edges.
Step 4: Mix in the Eggs and Soy Sauce
Pour your scrambled eggs into the skillet along with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir everything gently to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. At this point, the eggs meld effortlessly with the rice and ham, and the soy sauce adds a savory sheen, elevating the dish from simple fried rice to truly crave-worthy comfort food.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Finally, turn off the heat and get ready to plate up! This Ham Fried Rice Recipe tastes best when served immediately while it’s piping hot, with optional garnishes to brighten it up or add a playful twist.
How to Serve Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions work wonders for a pop of color and a hint of sharpness. If you enjoy a little sweet-heat, a drizzle of sweet chili sauce adds an irresistible zing that pairs beautifully with the smoky ham and umami-rich soy sauce.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a fresh cucumber salad or lightly steamed greens to balance the richness of the fried rice. For something heartier, some crunchy spring rolls or a light egg drop soup make for a perfect pairing that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ham Fried Rice Recipe inside a hollowed-out pineapple or bell pepper for a fun, tropical vibe. You can also create individual portions in ramekins, flipping them onto plates to reveal a neat dome of tasty rice—great for impressing guests or turning up the charm at family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ham fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier!
Freezing
To freeze, portion the fried rice into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, it stays good for 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to bring back that freshly-cooked texture and flavor. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry. A minute or two in the microwave works too, but stovetop is best to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh veggies like diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or corn work great. Just make sure to chop them small and sauté until tender before adding the rice.
Is it necessary to use chilled rice?
Yes, chilled rice helps keep the grains separate and prevents mushiness. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky for fried rice.
Can I make this Ham Fried Rice Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the ham and add extra vegetables or plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
What if I don’t have fried rice seasoning mix?
No worries—use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, a little ginger, and maybe a pinch of white pepper. Soy sauce also contributes a lot of flavor on its own.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s generally mild, but you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding chili flakes, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about a bowl of homemade fried rice, and this Ham Fried Rice Recipe nails the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and heartiness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a fast, delicious meal, I promise this recipe will soon become one of your favorites to make and share. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Ham Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 bowls)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ham Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that combines savory cubed ham, mixed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and fragrant sesame oil, all sautéed to perfection with a special fried rice seasoning. It’s a versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners and can be customized with various proteins and garnishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or any high smoke point oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado)
- 2 cups cubed ham (shrimp, chicken, beef, or pork will also work)
- 12 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (1 bag), or any 12 oz. of veggies
- 0.74 oz. fried rice seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 4 cups cooked rice (chilled, white or brown, 1¾ cups dry, or use riced cauliflower)
- 4 large eggs (scrambled)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (for gluten-free use tamari or coconut aminos)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Ham and Vegetables: Add the cubed ham, frozen mixed vegetables, and the fried rice seasoning mix to the skillet. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until the ham develops some color and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Rice: Incorporate the cooked rice into the skillet and sauté it for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice starts to brown slightly, absorbing flavors.
- Mix in Eggs and Soy Sauce: Stir in the scrambled eggs and the low-sodium soy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the eggs and rice are evenly heated and combined.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the ham fried rice hot. Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can replace ham with shrimp, chicken, beef, or pork based on preference.
- Using chilled rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
- If preferred, riced cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to rice.
- Adjust the seasoning mix quantity to taste if using homemade seasoning blends.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit ham and use tofu or additional vegetables.
