Ham Fried Rice

Ham Fried Rice is the ultimate solution for when you’ve got leftover rice and ham in the fridge and need something fast but delicious. As chefs, we love this dish because it’s easy to customize, quick to make, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re using fresh ingredients or reworking leftovers, this fried rice comes together with a few simple techniques to create takeout worthy rice at home! 

Looking for more ways to use up leftover ham? Be sure to check out our Ham Dinner 2024 post for even more delicious recipes!

Ingredients

• 2 cups jasmine rice or 4 cups leftover cooked rice
• 2 tbsp. Shaoxing cooking wine
• 2 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce (we love the authentic flavour this one brings to fried rice!)
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 eggs, lightly scrambled
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked, leftover ham, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
• Leftover broccoli florets (optional)
• Neutral oil, as needed (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice (Skip if Using Leftover Rice)

If you're starting with uncooked rice, begin by rinsing the jasmine rice three times until the water runs clear. Place the rice in a pot with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water evaporates (about 4 minutes), cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for another 10 minutes. Turn the rice out onto a baking sheet to cool completely.

Chef's Tip: Using cooled rice or leftover rice ensures it fries up nice and crispy without turning mushy.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the Shaoxing cooking wine, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.   

3. Preheat the Pan or Wok

Preheat a large frying pan or wok (like this one!) over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of neutral oil and allow it to get hot.

4. Fry the Rice

Add the cooled rice to the hot pan, breaking it up with a spatula as it fries. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Then, pour the sauce mixture over the rice and stir it in, coating the rice evenly with the seasoning mixture.   

5. Scramble the Eggs

Push the rice to the sides of the pan, creating an open space in the center. Add a small drizzle of oil, followed by the scrambled eggs. Allow the eggs to cook for 30 seconds before mixing them into the rice.

6. Add the Ham and Vegetables

Add the diced ham, frozen peas, and any leftover broccoli florets you have on hand. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables are warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing your fried rice with finely chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for extra crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chef's Tips for the Best Fried Rice

• Use Day-Old Rice: Fried rice works best with cold, day-old rice that’s been chilled. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and clumpy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the best texture, make sure not to crowd the pan when frying your rice. You want enough space for everything to fry evenly.
• Customize Your Veggies: While peas and broccoli are great, you can toss in any leftover veggies you have—carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach work well.

More Leftover Ham? No Problem!

If you’ve got more ham than you know what to do with, check out our Ham Dinner 2024 blog for even more creative ways to use every last bite of your holiday ham.

Fried rice is the kind of dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but still delivers on flavor. Plus, you can make it your own by adding whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you're a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, this recipe will have you whipping up restaurant-worthy fried rice in no time. Enjoy!

Happy cooking!