Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

If you love quick, flavorful meals that make the most out of your leftovers, you’re going to flip for this Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and exciting—sweet pineapple mingling with savory ham, all tossed up with garlic, veggies, and perfectly cooked rice. Whether you’re trying to get creative with leftover holiday ham or just craving a fun twist on fried rice, this recipe hits all the right notes. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail this tasty treat every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so smoothly, creating a symphony of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. Most are pantry staples, but the key is using leftover ham and fresh pineapple to get that magic going.

• Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami depth; low-sodium works if you prefer less salt.
• Pineapple Juice: Brings bright sweetness and a slight tang; you can use canned or fresh juice.
• Peanut Oil (or vegetable oil): High smoke point oils work best to get a nice wok hei flavor without burning.
• Leftover Ham: The star ingredient! Diced small for even cooking and bite-sized yum.
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned diced pineapple add that unmistakable tropical zing.
• Bell Pepper: Gives a lovely crunch and color—any color you like!
• Garlic: Essential aroma booster; always mince fresh garlic for best flavor.
• Cooked Long Grain Rice: Leftover rice is key—it’s dryer and less sticky, perfect for fried rice.
• Eggs: Adds richness and texture; scrambled right in the pan.
• Salt: To taste—and remember, soy sauce adds saltiness already.

Variations

I love how flexible this Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe is—feel free to switch up the veggies or add extras. Customize it to fit your mood or what’s in the fridge.

• Vegetable swap: Sometimes I swap bell pepper for carrots or peas for a different crunch.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of heat; my husband loves this spicy twist!
• Protein boost: Mix in cooked shrimp or diced chicken to make it heartier.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the ham and toss in tofu and extra pineapple for a sweet-savory vegetarian option.

How to Make Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Caramelize the Ham and Pineapple

Start by combining soy sauce and pineapple juice in a small bowl—this mixture brings that delicious balance between salty and sweet. Heat one tablespoon of peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced ham and pineapple, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until you get beautiful caramelization—this step really amps up the flavor, so don’t rush it! Once caramelized, add diced bell pepper for just a minute to soften slightly, then scoop everything onto a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Toast the Rice and Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon and a half of oil and throw in the minced garlic. Stir quickly for about 15 seconds until fragrant—you’ll immediately notice that lovely garlic aroma filling the kitchen. Add your cold, leftover rice and spread it out with your spatula. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two to toast slightly, then stir occasionally to get that perfect “fried” texture. Toasting the rice this way keeps it from turning mushy and gives it those signature crispy edges.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs Right in the Pan

Push the rice to one side of your skillet to create an open space. Add the remaining half tablespoon of oil to this cleared side, then pour in your beaten eggs. Let them sit for about 30 seconds until the bottom just sets. Scramble the eggs gently, leaving some parts slightly runny—they’ll finish cooking once stirred into the rice. This method cooks the eggs tenderly and ensures they coat the rice beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with Sauce

Make a little well in the center of the pan by pushing the rice to the edges, then pour your soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture into the well. Let it bubble and reduce for a few seconds so you don’t end up with soggy rice. Stir everything together thoroughly—this is where the magic happens as the flavors evenly coat every grain of rice. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the moisture evaporates and you have that perfect, slightly sticky fried rice texture.

Step 5: Add the Ham Mixture Back In and Finish

Finally, toss your caramelized ham, pineapple, and peppers back into the skillet with the rice. Give it a good mix to distribute everything evenly. Taste and add a pinch of salt if it needs it—remember, soy sauce already adds a lot of saltiness, so go easy. Serve piping hot straight from the pan. I love how all those bold, contrasting flavors come together in this ultimate leftover makeover.

How to Serve Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that little extra crunch and freshness. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of sriracha if we’re feeling spicy, or lime wedges on the side to brighten everything up. These simple touches make a big difference and amp up the presentation.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing this with simple steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the sweetness and richness. A bowl of hot miso soup also fits nicely if you want a lighter, Asian-inspired meal vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I sometimes serve the fried rice inside hollowed-out pineapple halves—it’s fun, festive, and instantly makes dinner feel like a party. It’s a great way to impress guests without extra work!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely first to prevent sogginess and bacteria growth. When sealed properly, it stays flavorful and ready to reheat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this fried rice a few times by portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes surprisingly well—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Be aware that pineapple texture might soften a bit, but the flavor stays spot on.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover or frozen fried rice in a hot skillet over medium heat, stirring often. This helps revive that lightly toasted texture. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce if it feels dry. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make fried rice soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Leftover Ham Pineapple Fried Rice Recipe breathes new life into simple ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little celebration after a busy day or a way to make your leftovers shine. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the sweet and salty flavors paired so perfectly. Now, it’s a family favorite that never lasts long once on the table. Give it a go—you’ll be surprised how quickly this becomes your go-to weeknight winner!

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