Ham Fried Rice is the perfect way to use up leftover ham. Stir-fry it with day-old rice, veggies, and seasonings for a quick, savory meal you’ll want to make again and again!
No ham? Try our original Fried Rice Recipe or this delicious Quinoa Fried Rice.
Why I Love Ham Fried Rice
- Easy leftover transformation: Gives new, delicious life to leftover ham.
- Quick and easy: Ready in minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different veggies or proteins.
- Flavorful: Savory, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors.
- Nutritious: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
Ham Fried Rice Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: For flavor.
- Eggs: Fresh is best!
- Olive oil: Or use vegetable oil for neutrality.
- Ham: Smoked for extra flavor, diced small.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced to cook quickly.
- Minced garlic and ginger: Fresh, jarred, or in paste form — whatever you’ve got!
- Frozen veggies: Peas, carrots, corn – convenient and colorful.
- Day-old rice: Prevents mushiness.
- Green onions: For freshness and color.
- Toasted sesame oil: The perfect finishing touch!
Quick Tip
Why use leftover rice for Ham Fried Rice? Fresh rice is too wet and turns soft, but leftover rice is drier and holds up better. No leftover rice? Cook some, let it cool for 20 minutes, then freeze it for 30 to dry it out for great fried rice!
Sauce Ingredients
- Pepper: White or black, pepper nicely balances the flavors in Ham Fried Rice.
- Oyster sauce: Adds flavor and savory depth.
- Chicken bouillon powder: Flavor booster.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Flavor without too much saltiness.
- Rice vinegar: Balances with mild acidity.
How To Make Ham Fried Rice
- Prep the sauce: Mix sauce ingredients in a jar.
- Scramble the eggs: Melt butter, scramble the eggs, and set aside.
- Stir-fry ham and veggies: Stir-fry the ham, onions, garlic, ginger, and frozen veggies.
- Add rice: Stir in day-old rice and sauce.
- Finish with the eggs: Add scrambled eggs, green onions, and sesame oil.
- Serve: Enjoy hot!
What To Serve With Ham Fried Rice
- Soup: A light miso or egg drop soup pairs well.
- Salad: A crisp Asian-style slaw or cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast.
- Spring rolls: Vegetable or shrimp spring rolls add a crunchy, tasty side.
- Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings complement the rice’s flavor.
- Edamame: A simple, protein-packed lightly salted side.
Storage
Storage
- Cool to room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in microwave or skillet with a bit of water or oil.
More Recipes To Use Leftover Ham
- Ham And Bean Soup creamy and delicious
- Ham Pot Pie with a store bought or homemade crust
- Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche
- Ham and Cheese Sliders with a seasoned buttery topping
- One pot Ham and Potato Soup
Ham Fried Rice
Leftover ham? Turn it into amazing Ham Fried Rice. It's so good, you'll want leftovers on purpose! We're combining day-old rice, diced ham, and veggies, stir-fried for a quick, savory meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Wok
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup leftover cooked ham, diced to small pieces
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1½ teaspoons each: minced garlic and minced ginger
- 1½ cups frozen veggies (I use 1/2 cup corn & 1 cup peas & carrots)
- 2 cups cooked day-old rice from the fridge (Note 1)
- ⅔ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon white (or black) pepper
Instructions
- SAUCE: Prep everything first; cooking goes fast! Combine all sauce ingredients in a small jar. Shake well and set aside.
- EGGS: Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk eggs in a bowl, then pour into the skillet once the butter is melted. Scramble eggs until just cooked (still slightly wet); transfer to a plate. Chop or break up with a spatula and set aside.
- FRIED RICE: Increase heat to high. In the same skillet, add oil, ham, onion, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until ham is golden, about 3-4 minutes. Add frozen vegetables and cook until excess water evaporates (2-3 minutes). Stir in the rice and prepared sauce. Cook for 1½ to 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- SERVE: Mix through the cooked eggs, green onions, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Rice: If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a lined sheet pan. Let it cool slightly, then refrigerate (or freeze) until chilled before using in the recipe.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 715kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 262mg | Sodium: 2276mg | Potassium: 601mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7710IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
