Hawaiian Fried Rice Recipe
Description:
Hawaiian Fried Rice is a tropical twist on classic fried rice, bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Juicy pineapple chunks, smoky ham, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant jasmine rice are stir-fried in a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Servings:
4 servings
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
Main:
3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, cold)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)
½ cup green peas (frozen and thawed)
½ cup diced carrots
⅓ cup chopped green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ small onion, diced
Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds umami)
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp brown sugar (optional, enhances sweetness)
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice:
Make sure your rice is cold and separated. Day-old rice is best for fried rice as it holds its shape.
Scramble the Eggs:
Heat ½ tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Ham and Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté diced ham until slightly crispy (2–3 mins). Add onions, carrots, and garlic, stir-fry until softened (2 mins).
Add Pineapple and Peas:
Stir in the pineapple chunks and peas. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing pineapple to caramelize slightly.
Add the Rice:
Increase heat to high. Add the rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry until the rice is heated through and starts to brown.
Add Sauce and Eggs:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well. Add back the scrambled eggs and green onions. Stir everything until well combined.
Taste and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra green onions or a squeeze of lime if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~380 kcal
Protein 15g
Carbohydrates 45g
Sugars 8g
Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 4g
Fiber 3g
Sodium ~800mg
Cholesterol 100mg
Values may vary based on ingredients used (especially the type of ham and rice).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ham with tofu or extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas, and skip oyster sauce or use a vegetarian alternative.
Q2: Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?
Yes, but make sure it’s cooled and slightly dried out. Spread it on a tray for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Q3: Can I freeze Hawaiian fried rice?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Q4: Is canned pineapple okay?
Absolutely! Just drain it well and pat dry to prevent the rice from getting soggy.
Q5: What kind of ham works best?
Smoked or honey-glazed ham adds great flavor, but any cooked ham will work. You can even use spam for a more authentic Hawaiian feel.