Description
A delightful and flavorful Leftover Ham Fried Rice with Pineapple combines savory diced ham, sweet pineapple, and vibrant vegetables tossed with soy sauce and pineapple juice for a quick, satisfying meal. Perfect for using up leftovers, this recipe offers a balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes in a simple one-pan stir-fry.
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 (preferably overnight long grain rice)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Mix the soy sauce and pineapple juice together in a small bowl to create a balanced sweet and salty marinade for the fried rice.
- Cook Ham and Pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add diced ham and pineapple. Stir occasionally and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized and golden.
- Add Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers to the pan. Stir a few times to combine the flavors, then transfer the cooked ham mixture to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Rice: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir briefly to release fragrance. Add the cooked rice, spreading it evenly, and cook while stirring occasionally until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Cook Eggs: Push rice to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the clear side. Pour beaten eggs in and cook for 30 seconds until the bottom sets. Scramble eggs until mostly cooked but some parts are still slightly runny, then mix eggs thoroughly with the rice.
- Add Sauce Injection: Move rice to edge to create a well in the center. Pour the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture into the well. Allow it to cook for a few seconds, evaporating excess liquid, then stir everything together to evenly coat the rice with seasoning. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until moisture evaporates.
- Combine Ham Mixture: Return the ham and pineapple mixture to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Taste and season with salt as needed. Mix thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a main dish, ideal for a quick meal that uses leftovers creatively.
Notes
- Using leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight prevents clumping and helps achieve a better fried rice texture.
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or canola oil for a neutral flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce and salt quantities according to your taste preference and dietary needs.
- Bell pepper can be replaced with other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans depending on availability.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili when cooking the garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
