Easy Ham Fried Rice

Fried Rice with Ham

While classic fried rice is a family favorite, I make this easy ham fried rice recipe with leftovers (usually a holiday ham) and it gets just as many rave reviews when I pair it with any of these Asian recipes for a complete meal!! 

It’s a great way to satisfy your Chinese take-out cravings without having to leave your kitchen! It’s easy to make with simple ingredients like ham, rice, vegetables, and a fried rice sauce. Sometimes we add pineapple like in this pineapple fried rice!

Why This Recipe Works

• Versatile. Serve this fried rice with ham as the main dish or a side dish alongside general Tso’s chicken or kung pao chicken. Have it for an easy lunch or dinner any day of the week.
• Family approved. Both kids and adults alike will devour this recipe. I’ve even had requests for it from my youngest!
• Uses leftovers. The key to perfect fried rice is to use cold leftovers. Freshly made is not dry enough and does not fry the same way!

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Cooked rice: Preferably leftover cold rice. I use jasmine rice, but any white rice or brown rice can be used. I often double stovetop rice or Instant pot rice to have it on hand for this easy ham fried rice recipe!
• Unsalted butter: Butter gives it an authentic restaurant taste and I prefer it over oil! You will want to use unsalted, as ham is a saltier meat.
• Vegetables: I used chopped onion, carrots, and peas. Using frozen mixed vegetables is a great timesaver! 
• Eggs: Two lightly whisked and scrambled eggs add great texture and flavor.
• Cooked ham: This simple baked ham is my go-to favorite and adds the perfect savory taste!
• Soy sauce: I prefer to use low sodium soy sauce so the dish is not overly salty.
• Sesame oil: Adds another layer of toasty, savory flavor! Oyster sauce could also be used.

Variations

• Gluten free. Nearly everything in this is gluten free except for the soy sauce. Many soy sauces contain gluten, but there are a few brands that do not, just check the label.
• Brown rice. Can be substituted 1:1 in this easy ham fried rice recipe.
• Meat. If ham is not your favorite, try cooked pork, bacon, chicken, or shrimp. You could even make this vegetarian and omit the meat. 
• Veggies. Additional vegetables like mushrooms, chopped broccoli, or bell pepper could be added or substituted.
• Pineapple. Ham fried rice with pineapple would give this dish a delicious sweet and salty flavor.

How to Make Ham Fried Rice

Prepare, then chill rice in the refrigerator until ready to use. Even better, use leftovers straight out of the fridge!

Add butter to a hot large skillet or wok. Stir in the onion and carrots, cook for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and peas. Push your veggies to one side, scramble eggs, and then stir everything together. Finally, gently stir in cooked rice and ham.

Add soy sauce, sesame oil, plus salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Sprinkle green onions over top and serve warm. Chopsticks are optional!

Expert Tips

• Keep it simple. While it might be tempting to add more ingredients, the star of the dish is rice and that should be the main focus. 
• Cold rice. Leftovers tends to take on the shape of the container it has been stored in! To break up the clumps, wet your hands slightly and then break up the grains by pressing them between your hands.  
• Prep ahead. This recipe comes together quickly so have all your ingredients prepped and arranged stove-side, so they can be added to the hot pan quickly.
• Large work or skillet. Use a pan that almost seems too large for the amount you’re putting in it! This will allow your ingredients to heat up quickly and evenly and prevent your rice from being soggy.
• Hot pan. As for temperature, your pan should be nice and hot before you start adding ingredients. Once you hear the butter sizzle, it’s ready.

Storing

• Store: Easy fried rice with ham leftovers will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container and use it for meal prep! 
• Freeze: You can also freeze up to 1 month in an airtight container or freezer bag, just thaw and reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.