Description
This delicious Leftover Ham Fried Rice with Pineapple is a quick and flavorful stir-fried dish that transforms simple leftover ingredients into a satisfying meal. It combines savory ham, sweet pineapple, and colorful bell peppers with fluffy rice and scrambled eggs, all tossed in a tangy soy and pineapple juice sauce for a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil), divided
- 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 long grain rice, preferably overnight
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and pineapple juice until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook Ham and Pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced ham and pineapple, cooking and stirring occasionally until they become caramelized and slightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced bell pepper and mix a few times to combine. Once cooked, transfer this ham mixture to a plate and set aside.
- Cook Garlic and Rice: To the same skillet, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and the minced garlic. Stir briefly to release its aroma. Add the cooked rice and spread it evenly in the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is lightly toasted and heated through.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil to the empty side, and pour in the beaten eggs. Let them set on the bottom for about 30 seconds, then scramble gently until mostly cooked but slightly runny inside.
- Combine Rice and Eggs: Mix the rice into the eggs thoroughly by chopping and stirring, combining them well.
- Add Sauce: Move the rice to the side to form a well in the center of the pan. Pour the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture into the well. Allow it to cook briefly so the liquid evaporates slightly, then stir everything together to evenly coat the rice with the sauce. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the moisture dissipates.
- Reintroduce Ham Mixture: Return the caramelized ham, pineapple, and bell peppers back to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and add salt if needed, mixing thoroughly again.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a main dish, perfect for a quick family meal or using up leftovers deliciously.
Notes
- For best results, use rice that was cooked and refrigerated overnight to ensure the rice is dry and separates well while frying.
- You can substitute peanut oil with any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil.
- Add chopped green onions or chopped cashews for extra texture and flavor if desired.
- If you prefer spicier fried rice, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce.
- This recipe serves 2 to 4 people depending on portion size and appetite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
