Description
This Leftover Ham Fried Rice with Pineapple is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms leftover ham and rice into a delightful, sweet-savory meal. Enhanced with caramelized pineapple, bell peppers, and eggs, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a satisfying and colorful fried rice that bursts with tropical freshness and a hint of soy sauce goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 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 rice (preferably overnight long grain rice)
- 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.
- Caramelize ham and pineapple: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add diced ham and pineapple; cook while stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized and slightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook bell peppers: Add diced bell peppers to the pan, stir a few times to combine with any remaining juices, then remove and set aside with the ham and pineapple mixture.
- Sauté garlic and toast rice: Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil and minced garlic to the same pan. Stir briefly until fragrant. Add cooked rice and spread it evenly over the pan’s surface. Cook while stirring occasionally until the rice becomes lightly toasted and heated through.
- Cook the eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the empty side. Pour in the beaten eggs and let them set for about 30 seconds. Scramble gently until mostly cooked but still slightly runny in parts, then mix the eggs into the rice by chopping and stirring until combined.
- Add the sauce: Create a well in the center of the rice and pour the soy sauce and pineapple juice mixture into it. Let it cook for a few seconds to evaporate some liquid, then stir everything thoroughly so the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Continue cooking with occasional stirring until moisture has evaporated.
- Combine all ingredients: Return the cooked ham, pineapple, and bell pepper mixture back to the pan. Stir well to incorporate all the components together. Taste and add salt as needed, mixing again to distribute.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a main dish, perfect for enjoying leftover ham in a new and delicious way.
Notes
- Use leftover rice that’s been chilled overnight for best texture and to avoid sogginess.
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil is preferred for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to your taste and dietary sodium restrictions.
- For added heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed more people.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
