When weeknights get busy, you don't want to compromise on flavor or nutrition. Enter ham fried rice — a quick, comforting dish that transforms leftover rice and fridge staples into a family-favorite meal. Perfect for dinner, lunch or even a snack, this recipe delivers big taste without big effort.
Read on to learn how you can make ham fried rice step by step, and discover tips for a foolproof approach to this versatile, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ham fried rice: Your new weeknight hero
Ham fried rice is a weeknight champion for several reasons. First, it's fast. You can have a delicious, homemade dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, fried rice is the ultimate "use what you have" meal. Day-old rice, leftover veggies, frozen peas and of course, Hatfield® Diced Ham can all come together in one large skillet. This not only saves time but reduces food waste — a win-win!
This main dish is also kid-friendly. Families love ham fried rice because it's flavorful yet approachable, with familiar textures and a savory taste that appeals to all ages. Finally, it's adaptable. Whether your family prefers more veggies, a touch of spice or other add-ins, ham fried rice is a canvas for creativity. You can make it vegetarian-friendly, low-sodium or even add a sweet element like pineapple for a twist.
How to prepare an easy ham fried rice recipe like a pro
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hatfield® Recipe Essentials Diced Ham.
- 2 cups day-old cooked white rice (or jasmine/medium-grain rice).
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten/
- 1 small onion, diced (about ½ cup).
- 1 cup carrots, diced.
- ½ cup peas (fresh or frozen).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- ½ cup diced bell peppers, 2 green onions sliced or ½ cup small broccoli florets (optional).
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce.
- 1 Tbsp. oyster sauce.
- 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- ½ teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat).
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice your ham and veggies, and whisk eggs in a small bowl.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Pour in the eggs and cook until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Add another splash of olive oil to the pan. Sauté onion, garlic and carrots until fragrant and slightly softened (about 3–4 minutes). Add peas or other quick-cooking veggies in the last minute.
- Step 4: Toss in the diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Step 5: Add your leftover rice to the pan. Break up any clumps of cold rice with your spatula and stir-fry until heated and well combined with veggies and ham.
- Step 6: Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan and drizzle with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the top for aroma and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Ready to jump in? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Recipe tips for next-level flavor (and foolproof results)
Here are a few recipe tips to make this simple main dish taste restaurant-quality:
- Chop ingredients before cooking: Fried rice moves quickly once it hits the pan. Have all your ham, veggies and aromatics chopped and ready so you can cook without scrambling.
- Heat your pan: A properly heated pan gives you that quick sear and keeps the rice from turning soggy. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding anything.
- Avoid crowding the pan: Overcrowding traps steam and softens your rice. Cook in batches if needed so every bite stays perfectly textured.
- Use leftover rice: Rice that's had time to cool and dry slightly holds its shape better. Fresh rice can be too moist, leading to clumps.
- Finish with sesame oil: A drizzle at the end adds a rich, nutty aroma that takes your fried rice from good to unforgettable.
- Spice it up: A dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives your dish a gentle but noticeable kick.
- Reheat with moisture: A splash of water or broth helps loosen up the grains and keeps leftovers from drying out in the pan or microwave.
- Try sweet-savory combos: Add pineapple chunks for a bright, juicy pop that balances the saltiness and keeps kids coming back for more.
Ham fried rice FAQs
Got questions about making ham fried rice? You're not alone. Here are some quick answers to help you nail this recipe every time:
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but for best results, spread the freshly cooked rice on a tray or baking sheet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps release steam and reduce excess moisture, so the grains stay separate instead of clumping together when stir-fried.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Place cooled fried rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for three to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the grains and bring back moisture. You can reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to two months.
What are variations and serving ideas for ham fried rice?
Get creative! You can wrap your fried rice in lettuce leaves or tortillas for an easy handheld lunch. Or, add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Switch up the protein with chicken, shrimp or tofu, or serve it with egg drop soup, spring rolls or a crisp green salad for a full meal.
Can I use jasmine or basmati rice for ham fried rice?
Absolutely. Jasmine rice has a light, floral aroma and slightly sticky texture that works beautifully in an easy ham fried rice recipe. Basmati rice is more fragrant and stays fluffy, giving the dish a lighter feel.
What's the best pan to use for fried rice?
A large non-stick skillet or wok is ideal. The wide surface area allows the ingredients to cook quickly without overcrowding, and the non-stick surface helps prevent rice from sticking and breaking apart.
Can I make ham fried rice ahead of time?
Yes. You can chop the vegetables, whisk the eggs and measure the sauces ahead of time. Cook the dish just before serving for the best texture, but know that leftovers reheat very well, making it a great make-ahead option for lunches.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! Kids can whisk eggs, measure and mix the sauce or stir in prepped veggies under supervision. It's a fun, safe way to teach them cooking skills while getting them excited about mealtime.
Hatfield®: The easiest way to upgrade dinner
Ham fried rice checks every box for busy cooks — it's quick, satisfying and brimming with flavor. And when you start with Hatfield® Diced Ham, you've already taken care of the most time-consuming step. Pre-cooked and pre-seasoned, it delivers savory flavor in every bite while cutting down your prep time.
With trusted Hatfield® quality behind every package, you can count on a delicious, stress-free meal the whole family will enjoy. So the next time you're short on time but want big flavor, let Hatfield® be your secret ingredient for dinner success.
If you're ready to get started, head to your local grocery store to find your favorite Hatfield® products near you!
