Take your taste buds on a trip to paradise with this Hawaiian Fried Rice.
Comfort foods typically make us feel good because they’re often associated with positive memories. For me, fried rice will always be a favorite. My dad used to make fried rice with leftover boxes of rice we’d have on hand from takeout, and he’d use whatever vegetables we had in the fridge. He’d douse it in soy sauce, throw some fried eggs on top, and we’d call it a day. While not exactly a classic fried rice recipe, it was his variation, and it always hit the spot. This rendition, featuring sweet chunks of pineapple to balance the savory sauce, veggies, and chilled rice, is the ultimate recipe when you’re craving something sweet, something savory, and just the right amount of fried.
Although Chinese fried rice recipes are classic, nowadays, you’ll find fried rice recipes using flavors and ingredients from all around the world. No matter what global cuisine you’re most into, you’ll probably find a fun variation on fried rice using local ingredients. Fried rice recipes are versatile, generally forgiving, and you can play around with flavors to suit your taste buds.
The best part about this dish is how quick and easy it is to throw together. From start to finish, you’ll have a meal on the table in 30 minutes. The quick cook time for making this dish doesn’t mean it’s lacking in flavor, however. With savory chunks of ham, tender pineapple, and a rich, savory sauce mixed in, you’ll have a dish that’ll hit the spot when you’re craving some comfort food, stat. What’s not to love?
Is This Hawaiian Fried Rice Healthy?
From the veggies and eggs to the brown rice and pineapple, there are a lot of healthy ingredients in this Hawaiian fried rice. However, ham is typically high in sodium and can be high in saturated fat, so if this is an issue for you, feel free to leave it out. You can swap it for chicken, fish, or a vegan-friendly protein such as tofu.
Why Does My Fried Rice Clump Together?
The simplest hack to prevent clumpy fried rice is using refrigerated leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice is likelier to form dreaded clump balls when it hits a hot pan since the starches haven’t had a chance to firm up yet. So, for the best results, plan to cook your rice the day before and let it sit in an airtight container in the fridge overnight.
Another reason you might see clumps of rice is that the pan you’re using is too big. When all the rice can’t touch the bottom of the pan, you’re steaming your grains rather than frying them. Be sure that your pan has enough space for the rice to form a single layer and spread heat evenly. Speaking of heat, you’ve got to get that pan ripping hot to make sure you’re searing your rice.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When stored properly, consume leftovers within 4 days. You can also store leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just be sure to store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian fried rice works excellent as a side with many grilled meats, but we love to pair it alongside other Hawaiian-inspired dishes. For instance, I love the combination of savory fried rice with the freshness of a poke bowl like this Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl. If you want to serve Hawaiian fried rice as your main course, adding a few extra pineapple slices adds a lovely garnish and a pop of sweetness. I also love whipping up a batch of Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries In The Oven for a simple and addictive pairing. And for a fun drinking pairing, try a glass or two of a colorful, tasty Blue Hawaiian.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham diced
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked brown rice chilled
- 1 cup pineapple chunks drained
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced ham, onion, and red bell pepper until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender.
- Push the ham and vegetables to the side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble until fully cooked, then combine with the ham and vegetable mixture.
- Stir in the chilled brown rice and pineapple chunks. Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce, mixing well. Cook until the rice is heated through and ingredients are well combined. If desired, adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce.
- Garnish the fried rice with sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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